Overview
Mendenhall Lake Campground is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nestled in the heart of Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. Located just 13 miles north of Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, this campground offers breathtaking views of Mendenhall Lake and the surrounding mountains. The campground is situated in a lush forest of spruce and hemlock trees, with the sound of the lake’s water lapping against the shore creating a soothing background noise. What makes this campground truly special is its unique setting, with the Mendenhall Glacier looming in the distance, and the scenic West Glacier Trailhead just a short walk away.
The scenery surrounding the campground is nothing short of spectacular, with towering mountains, glaciers, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, eagles, and salmon swimming in the lake. The campground’s unique features include its proximity to the Mendenhall Glacier, as well as its convenient location near the city of Juneau, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.
Location & Directions
To get to Mendenhall Lake Campground, take the Mendenhall Loop Road from Juneau, and turn left onto Mendenhall Lake Road. The campground is located at GPS coordinates 58.4213, -134.5553, near highway mile marker 13.5. From Juneau, drive north on the Mendenhall Loop Road for approximately 13 miles, then turn left onto Mendenhall Lake Road and follow the signs to the campground.
The road conditions to the campground are generally good, with a paved road leading from Juneau to the campground. However, it’s always a good idea to check the current road conditions before heading out, especially during the spring and fall months when the roads can be slippery and icy.
Campground Details
Mendenhall Lake Campground has a total of 69 campsites, including 49 RV sites, 15 tent sites, and 5 walk-in sites. The RV sites have electric hookups, and the maximum RV length is 60 feet. The campground also has a dump station and potable water available. The current fees for the campground are $29 per night for RV sites, $19 per night for tent sites, and $15 per night for walk-in sites.
Reservations can be made through reserve.gov, and it’s highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially during the peak season. The campground is open from May 1 to September 30, and the check-in time is 2 pm, with check-out time at 12 pm. The campground also has a self-pay station for first-come, first-served sites.
Site Types and Amenities
- RV sites with electric hookups
- Tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings
- Walk-in sites with bear boxes and picnic tables
- Dump station and potable water available
- Max RV length: 60 feet
Facilities & Amenities
The campground has a variety of facilities and amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The water supply is potable, and there are hand pumps available throughout the campground. The restrooms are vault toilets, and there are also flush toilets available near the campground entrance.
Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table, and there are bear boxes available for storing food and other scented items. The campground also has a boat launch, and visitors can rent kayaks or canoes to explore the lake. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, and there is a dump station for RVs.
Facilities and Amenities List
- Potable water supply
- Hand pumps throughout the campground
- Vault toilets and flush toilets
- Fire rings and picnic tables at each campsite
- Bear boxes for storing food and scented items
- Boat launch and kayak/canoe rentals
- Dump station for RVs
- Firewood available for purchase
Hiking & Activities Nearby
Mendenhall Lake Campground is surrounded by a variety of hiking trails, including the West Glacier Trail, which is a 3.5-mile trail that takes you to the foot of the Mendenhall Glacier. The East Glacier Trail is another popular option, which is a 3.5-mile trail that takes you to the glacier’s eastern edge. There are also several shorter trails in the area, including the Steep Creek Trail and the Mendenhall Lake Trail.
In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and berry picking in the area. The lake is stocked with salmon and trout, and there are several fishing spots along the shoreline. Visitors can also rent kayaks or canoes to explore the lake and surrounding area.
Nearby Trails and Activities
- West Glacier Trail: 3.5 miles, moderate difficulty
- East Glacier Trail: 3.5 miles, moderate difficulty
- Steep Creek Trail: 1.5 miles, easy difficulty
- Mendenhall Lake Trail: 2 miles, easy difficulty
- Fishing and boating on Mendenhall Lake
- Berry picking in the surrounding area
Fishing Opportunities
Mendenhall Lake is a popular destination for fishing, with a variety of species available, including salmon, trout, and char. The lake is stocked with coho salmon, sockeye salmon, and rainbow trout, and there are several fishing spots along the shoreline. Visitors can also fish from a boat, and there are several boat launches in the area.
The best techniques for fishing in Mendenhall Lake include trolling, casting, and fly fishing. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulates fishing in the area, and visitors should be sure to check the current regulations before heading out.
Fishing Regulations and Tips
- Check current fishing regulations with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Use trolling, casting, and fly fishing techniques
- Fish from the shoreline or from a boat
- Be sure to handle fish gently and humanely
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mendenhall Lake Campground is from May to September, when the weather is warm and dry. The peak season is from June to August, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the days are long. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and visitors should be prepared for crowds and long lines.
To avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder season, from May to June or September to October. The weather is still mild, and the scenery is just as beautiful, but there are fewer visitors and more opportunities for solitude.
Weather Patterns and Tips
- May to September: warm and dry weather
- June to August: peak season, wildflowers in bloom, long days
- May to June or September to October: shoulder season, fewer crowds, mild weather
- Bring layers for cooler mornings and evenings
- Be prepared for rain and wind
Wildlife & Bear Safety
Mendenhall Lake Campground is located in bear country, and visitors should be prepared for encounters with black bears, brown bears, and grizzly bears. The area is also home to moose, eagles, and other wildlife, and visitors should be aware of their surroundings and keep a safe distance.
To stay safe, visitors should store food and other scented items in bear boxes, and keep a clean campsite. Bear spray is also recommended, and visitors should know how to use it properly. In the event of a bear encounter, stay calm and follow the proper protocols.
Bear Safety Tips and Protocols
- Store food and scented items in bear boxes
- Keep a clean campsite and dispose of trash properly
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it
- Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears
- Stay calm and follow proper protocols in the event of a bear encounter
What to Bring
When visiting Mendenhall Lake Campground, it’s essential to bring the right gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some essentials to include on your list:
- Layers for cooler mornings and evenings
- Rain gear and waterproof clothing
- Bug protection, including insect repellent and netting
- Firewood and a camp stove or cooking equipment
- Bear spray and a first aid kit
- A map and compass or GPS device
- Food and water, and a water purification system or filter
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to Mendenhall Lake Campground is Juneau, which is located just 13 miles south of the campground. Juneau has a variety of amenities, including restaurants, gas stations, and outdoor gear stores. Visitors can also explore the city’s many attractions, including the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, the Alaska State Museum, and the Juneau Icefield.
Other campgrounds in the area include the Auke Bay Campground and the Eagle Beach Campground, both of which offer stunning views and convenient access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Nearby Towns and Attractions
- Juneau: 13 miles south of the campground
- Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
- Alaska State Museum
- Juneau Icefield
- Auke Bay Campground
- Eagle Beach Campground
Tips from Experienced Campers
Here are some insider tips from experienced campers to help you make the most of your stay at Mendenhall Lake Campground:
- Arrive early to secure a campsite, especially during peak season
- Bring a map and compass or GPS device to navigate the area
- Be prepared for variable weather, including rain and wind
- Keep a clean campsite and store food and scented items in bear boxes
- Take advantage of the scenic hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities in the area
- Don’t miss the stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier and surrounding mountains
In terms of cell service, the campground has limited coverage, but there are payphones available near the campground entrance. Visitors should also be aware of noise considerations, and keep noise levels down after 10 pm to respect other campers.
Finally, be sure to take in the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, which are truly unforgettable. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and convenient access to outdoor recreation opportunities, Mendenhall Lake Campground is a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast.