Mendenhall Campground
Book this listing through our partner Recreation Gov
About Mendenhall Campground
Overview
Mendenhall Campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake, in view of massive Mendenhall Glacier, about 13 miles from downtown Juneau. The site is a popular destination for viewing beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Hiking opportunities abound.Recreation
The West Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, can be hiked in 5-6 hours roundtrip. The trailhead is a half mile from the campground entrance by road or on the Aak'w Sit' Trail. The .4 mile Tolch Rock Trail is in this vicinity. The campground has several paths in it with interpretive signs relating facts about the area wildlife and environment.Facilities
The campground is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Sites characterized as accessible are open for all users.The campground offers 69 sites, 56 of which are fully accessible. Nine are full-service RV sites with electric, water and sewer hookups; nine are partial-service RV sites with electric and water hookups. Seven sites are located in a separate walk-to backpacker area.
All sites are furnished with picnic tables, tent pads and combination fire rings with grills. Water faucets and accessible vault toilets are provided, as are two accessible flush toilets and shower facilities. A dump station and trash dumpster are located on-site.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake at about 100 feet elevation. Mendenhall Glacier lies to the north and the Mendenhall River flows on the east. On either side of the campground, the mountains rise from 4,000 to to 7,000 feet above the Mendenhall Glacier.The topography is relatively flat and open, consisting of glacial moraines, small lakes and ponds. Forbs and lichens, black cottonwood, Sitka alder, willow and mature spruce hemlock forests cover the area. The forest floor is dotted with blueberry bushes and mosses.
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 buffer 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 fill the area. Much of the forest is a temperate rain forest.
Nearby Attractions
Run the rapids down the Mendenhall River, take a helicopter to the top of the glacier, bicycle or hike in the area. Outfitters offer these services. Many trails can be accessed from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center area, including East Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 400 feet, takes 2-3 hours roundtrip. Some of the shorter trails in this area include the 1.7 mile Nugget Falls Trail, where the waterfall drops 377 feet in two tiers onto a sandbar in Mendenhall Lake, the 1.5 mile Moraine Ecology Trail, and the .7 mile Trail of Time.Mendenhall Campground Reviews
Have you stayed here? Be the first to leave a review!
Top Spots in or near Juneau
Kayak Mendenhall Glacier Channel
Juneau, AlaskaKayaking in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is an exciting and breath-taking experience. There are multiple ways in which to organize this fun activity: bring your own kayak, rent a kayak from town, or sign up for an on-shore excursion at one of the various booths within the city of Juneau. I recommend joining an excursion group because they can provide the proper equipment needed to s...
Hike the Mendenhall Glacier
Juneau, Alaska
4.8
8 mi
The Mendenhall Glacier, formerly known as Sitaantaagu ("the Glacier Behind the Town"), is a 12 mile long glacier about 12 miles outside Alaska’s capital Juneau. A quick drive from downtown Juneau to the ‘trailhead’ parking lot finds you overlooking the nearly half a mile wide face of the glacier. I say ‘trailhead’, as the trail across the lake only exists in the winter months when the lake is f...
Mount McGinnis
Juneau, Alaska
10.73 mi
/ 4226 ft gain
At a shop in Juneau, I saw a photo of from the top of a mountain that blew me away. I began searching and soon found that it was taken atop Mount McGinnis, one of Juneau's Big Five Summits.
Juneau's Big Five are a list of front range summits that are Walk Up summits. Which, in other terms, means you don't need any technical skills or equipment to conquer them. All you’ll need is your basic hi...
Mount Roberts Trail
Juneau, Alaska
7.6 mi
/ 3733 ft gain
Mount Robert's Trail in Juneau, Alaska, is a difficult hike through wildflowers and forests. This is an amazing hike, as you can see a lot of what makes Alaska beautiful. There is lichen on the trees, which means the air is very clean there. The hike starts near the nature center, so it is a great option for kids and families who are nearby. Kids and families do not have to do the whole hike, b...
Ride Mount Robert's Tramway
Juneau, AlaskaMount Robert's Tramway offers amazing views from the air, as well as saves you a trek up the mountain side. There are numerous trails to choose from once you get to the top, or just enjoy the ride. You can also visit the nature center to learn more about the wildlife and culture of Alaska.
Mount Roberts Nature Center
Juneau, AlaskaThe nature center offers multiple trails, wildlife, and activities for kids and families. There is an eagle that they have rescued, which is blind, and they are keeping it and helping take care of it. There are many trails around the nature center to explore. They also offer movies and activities for kids to learn about Alaskan nature.
The Mt. Roberts Trail is a great hike if you're looking fo...
Camping and Lodging in Juneau
Juneau, Alaska
Skaters Cabin Shelter
Overview
Skater's Cabin Shelter is located on the shore of the southwest corner of Mendenhall Lake, near the Mendenhall Glacier. The cabi...
Juneau, Alaska
Auk Recreation Area Shelter 5
Overview
The Picnic Shelter #5 is part of the Auk Recreation Area and is located adjacent to a scenic beach on the northern shoreline of ...
Juneau, Alaska
Auk Village Campground
Overview
Auk Village Campground is located 15 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska, and 1.5 miles from the Alaska State Ferry terminal at A...
Juneau, Alaska
Young Lake (North) Cabin
Overview
North Young Lake Cabin offers guests recreation, relaxation and a unique wilderness
lodging experience on the northern tip of ...
Unfortunately, we don't have up-to date pricing data for this listing, but you can check pricing through Recreation Gov.
Book NowAdd your business today to reach The Outbound's audience of adventurous travelers.
Community
© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy