Sawmill Creek Picnic Shelter
The picnic shelter is open for the 2026 season. Vehicle access runs May 15 through November 1. The shelter is free and first-come-first-served unless reserved in advance via Recreation.gov.
From Recreation.gov
[For Picnic Shelter reservations please visit https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10323783][1] [1]: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10323783
Ward Lake Forest Order Occupancy and Use Prohibitions Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District
Occupancy and Use ProhibitionsTONGASS NATIONAL FORESTKetchikan Misty Fjords Ranger DistrictOrder No. 10-05-52-26-03PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited withinthe Ward Lake Recreation Area as shown on the attached map:1. Camping for a…
Beaver Falls Prohibitions Thorne Bay Ranger District
The following acts are prohibited in the Tongass National Forest within the Thorne Bay Ranger District: Being on, going into, or using any part of the boardwalk trail leading to the Beaver Falls karst viewing areas, Forest Service Trails 54776, 54776A, and 54776B.
About
The Sawmill Creek Picnic Shelter is a covered day-use facility within the recently renovated Sawmill Creek Campground in Tongass National Forest. Located 1.5 miles up Blue Lake Road from Sawmill Creek Road, the shelter provides a gathering spot for groups in Alaska's temperate rainforest environment with views of surrounding mountains and access to Sawmill Creek. The shelter is free for walk-up use on a first-come-first-served basis. Advance reservations can be made through Recreation.gov to guarantee availability; reserved dates are posted at the shelter. The broader campground includes vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, garbage bins, and bear-proof lockers. Visitors must bring their own potable water or treat water from Sawmill Creek. Brown bears are active throughout this area. All food must be stored in vehicles or bear-resistant lockers when not actively in use. The Beaver Lake/Herring Cove Trail is accessible from the campground, and fishing opportunities exist in Sawmill Creek.
Directions
From downtown Sitka, follow Sawmill Creek Road 5.2 miles to Blue Lake Road. Turn left on graveled Blue Lake Road and continue 1.5 miles to the Sawmill Creek Campground sign. Turn right to enter.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (907) 747-6671 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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