Signal Creek Campground
SIGNAL CREEK CAMPGROUND
Part of Tongass National Forest
Overview
Signal Creek Campground is a year-round facility located in the Ward Lake Recreation Area, 7 miles north of downtown Ketchikan and about 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal. The campground straddles Signal Creek and lies on the banks of Ward Lake, with easy access to fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing.Facilities
Signal Creek Campground's sites can accommodate up to 10 people. Each campsite contains a picnic table, a campfire ring with grill and a gravel parking spur. Two hand pumps for drinking water and three vault toilets are provided. Water is provided during the peak season only. Firewood may be provided but is not guaranteed.
Natural Features
The campground is surrounded by an old-growth temperate rainforest comprised primarily of western hemlock and Sitka spruce. Signal Creek flows through the campground, and Ward Lake is adjacent.At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and is the largest forest in the national forest system. The Tongass surrounds the Inside Passage, the network of waterways that buffers the jagged Alaskan Coast and a cluster of coastline islands.
The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas, including fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks abound.
Recreation
Hiking is a popular option, as the Ward Lake Recreation Area boasts seven trails. The Ward Lake Nature Travel meanders 1.3 miles around the lake.A large day-use complex with picnic sites and shelters is also available. Freshwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing and scenery are favorite draws at Ward Lake.
Important Notices
Checkout time is 2PM
- Black bears frequent the area, especially during August and September; all food should be stored inside closed vehicles
- No hookups available
- Nearest dump station is at the Ketchikan City Public Works department on Tongass Avenue, just north of the ferry terminal
- Firewood may be available but is not guaranteed
- Use of the campground or road spurs by commercial operators, outfitters or guides is not permitted
- Click here to learn more about Tongass National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Available Activities
- SWIMMING SITE - Swimming
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
- BOATING - Canoeing
- HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE - Museum
Directions
From the State ferry terminal, take Tongass Highway north 4.8 miles to milepost 7. Turn right onto Revila Road. Go 1.4 miles and turn right at the Ward Lake Road Intersection. Travel 1.1 miles past Ward Lake Day Use Area to the entrance sign for Signal Creek Campground.
Contact Information
Phone: 907-225-2148
TONGASS-KETCHIKANAK
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 019, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop SIGN, Type Standard Nonelectric
