About HARRIS RIVER CAMPGROUND
Overview Harris River Campground is located on Prince of Wales Island on a paved highway just 10 miles from the Hollis Ferry Terminal and 20 miles from the Craig/Klawock area. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing and viewing abundant wildlife.Recreation Hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing are popular activities. The Harris River Trail and the Twentymile Spur Trail both pass along the Harris River. The latter ends at a set of beaver ponds. A short boardwalk trail dissects the campground to offer campers a close-up view of a muskeg habitat without getting their feet wet. A bridge and short path across the Harris River connect the campground to the Harris River Picnic Area. About two miles east of the campground is the Harris River Interpretive Trail, which provides information about recent river restoration work and habitat management experiments.Facilities The campground offers accessible campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Accessible pit toilets and trash collection are provided. No hookups are available. Natural Features The campground is situated along the Harris River, a short drive from hiking trails and fishing outposts, within the Tongass National Forest, which covers nearly 17 million acres in 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 coastal islands. The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas of fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks abound. Much of the forest is a temperate rain forest. Nearby Attractions The One Duck Trail was originally constructed by the Youth Conservation Corps in the mid-1980's. The trail offers a challenging hike and spectacular views of the Harris River watershed award those who complete it. Prince of Wales Island offers boat rentals, fishing supplies and other conveniences a short drive aw
How to Get There
From Ketchikan take the Inter-Island Ferry to Hollis on Prince of Wales Island. From Hollis, take Highway 924 for approximately 10 miles. The campground will be on the left (south) side of the road just past the Hydaburg Road junction adjacent to the Harris River.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 8 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
- ☔
Rain jacket / shell
92% chance of precipitation in the forecast.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- 🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to HARRIS RIVER CAMPGROUND
Heading to HARRIS RIVER CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for HARRIS RIVER CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for HARRIS RIVER CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233974) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to HARRIS RIVER CAMPGROUND?
From Ketchikan take the Inter-Island Ferry to Hollis on Prince of Wales Island. From Hollis, take Highway 924 for approximately 10 miles. The campground will be on the left (south) side of the road just past the Hydaburg Road junction adjacent to the Harris River.
References & Official Resources
