Overview
Located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, Starrigavan Campground is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This campground is situated on the northern end of the Inside Passage, near the charming town of Sitka, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The campground is nestled along the Starrigavan Creek, which flows gently into the nearby bay, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere. What makes Starrigavan Campground special is its unique blend of rugged wilderness and accessibility, making it an ideal destination for both experienced campers and families.
The setting of the campground is characterized by a lush canopy of spruce and hemlock trees, with an understory of salmonberry and blueberry bushes. The scenery is dominated by the majestic mountains of the Tongass National Forest, with peaks rising over 3,000 feet above the campground. The unique features of the campground include its proximity to the Starrigavan River, which offers excellent fishing and kayaking opportunities, as well as its location near the Sitka National Historical Park, which provides a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and natural history.
Location & Directions
To get to Starrigavan Campground, take the Halibut Point Road from the town of Sitka, which is located at the intersection of Highway 98 and Halibut Point Road. The campground is approximately 7.5 miles from the town of Sitka, and the drive takes around 15-20 minutes. The GPS coordinates for the campground are 57.1342° N, 135.3353° W. The campground is located near highway mile marker 7.5, and the road conditions are generally good, with some potholes and gravel sections.
From the nearest city, Sitka, follow these driving directions:
- Take Highway 98 east from Sitka
- Turn left onto Halibut Point Road
- Continue on Halibut Point Road for approximately 7.5 miles
- Turn left into the campground entrance
Campground Details
Starrigavan Campground has a total of 24 campsites, including 16 tent sites, 4 RV sites, and 4 walk-in sites. The RV sites can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet in length, and there are no hookups available. The current fees for the campground are $10 per night for tent sites and $15 per night for RV sites. Reservations can be made through reserve.gov, and the campground is open from May 1 to September 30. The check-in time is 2 pm, and the check-out time is 12 pm.
The campground is operated on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are recommended during peak season. The season open dates are typically from May 1 to September 30, but may vary depending on weather conditions and maintenance schedules.
Site Types and Amenities
The campsites at Starrigavan Campground are divided into three categories: tent sites, RV sites, and walk-in sites. The tent sites are located in a wooded area near the creek, and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The RV sites are located in a separate area, with easy access to the road and amenities. The walk-in sites are located in a more secluded area, and offer a more primitive camping experience.
The amenities at the campground include potable water, vault restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes. There is also a boat launch and a dump station available for RVs.
Facilities & Amenities
Starrigavan Campground offers a range of facilities and amenities to make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable. The campground has potable water available at the entrance, as well as hand pumps located throughout the campground. The restrooms are vault-style, and are maintained regularly by the campground staff. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table, and there are bear boxes available for food storage.
The campground also has a boat launch, which provides access to the nearby bay and surrounding waters. The dump station is available for RVs, and there is a fee of $5 per use. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, and there is a strict policy of only burning locally-sourced firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.
The facilities and amenities at the campground include:
- Potable water
- Vault restrooms
- Fire rings
- Picnic tables
- Bear boxes
- Boat launch
- Dump station
- Firewood availability
Hiking & Activities Nearby
Starrigavan Campground is surrounded by a range of hiking trails and outdoor activities, making it an ideal base for exploring the Tongass National Forest. The nearby trails include the Starrigavan Trail, which is a 2-mile loop that takes you through a lush forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Indian River Trail is another popular option, which is a 4-mile out-and-back trail that follows the river and offers excellent fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Other activities in the area include fishing, boating, and berry picking. The nearby bay is home to a range of fish species, including salmon, halibut, and trout. The campground is also a great base for kayaking and canoeing, with access to the nearby waters and surrounding islands.
The hiking trails and activities nearby include:
- Starrigavan Trail (2 miles, loop)
- Indian River Trail (4 miles, out-and-back)
- Fishing (salmon, halibut, trout)
- Boating (kayaking, canoeing)
- Berry picking (salmonberries, blueberries)
- Wildlife viewing (bears, eagles, deer)
Fishing Opportunities
Starrigavan Campground is located near some of the best fishing spots in Alaska, with access to a range of fish species and fishing techniques. The nearby Starrigavan River is home to a range of fish species, including salmon, trout, and char. The river is also a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing, with a gentle current and stunning scenery.
The best fishing techniques for the area include fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling. The regulations for fishing in the area include a limit of 2 salmon per person per day, and a minimum size limit of 20 inches. It’s also important to note that fishing in Alaska requires a valid fishing license, which can be purchased online or at a local tackle shop.
The fishing opportunities in the area include:
- Salmon (Chinook, Sockeye, Coho)
- Trout (Rainbow, Cutthroat)
- Char (Dolly Varden)
- Halibut
- Fishing techniques (fly fishing, spin casting, trolling)
- Fishing regulations (limit 2 salmon per person per day, minimum size limit 20 inches)
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Starrigavan Campground is during the summer months, from May to September. The peak season is from June to August, when the weather is warm and dry, and the days are long. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and it’s recommended to book your campsite in advance to avoid crowds.
The weather patterns in the area include mild temperatures, with average highs in the mid-60s to low 70s (°F). The area also experiences a significant amount of rainfall, with an average annual rainfall of over 100 inches. It’s recommended to bring layers and waterproof gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
Mosquito season typically runs from June to August, and it’s recommended to bring insect repellent and netting to protect yourself from bites. The best time to visit to avoid crowds is during the shoulder season, from May to June or September to October, when the weather is still mild and the campground is less busy.
Wildlife & Bear Safety
Starrigavan Campground is located in a area with a high concentration of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. It’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of the wildlife. The area is home to both black bears and brown bears, and it’s recommended to store your food and trash in bear-proof containers.
Bear spray is also a recommended item to bring, and it’s essential to know how to use it properly. In the event of a bear encounter, stay calm and follow these steps:
- Remain calm and speak in a calm voice
- Avoid eye contact and do not run
- Give the bear a clear path to leave
- Use bear spray if the bear approaches
Other wildlife in the area includes moose, deer, and eagles, and it’s essential to respect their space and follow any guidelines or regulations.
What to Bring
When camping at Starrigavan Campground, it’s essential to bring the right gear and equipment to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The essential gear list includes:
- Tent and camping gear
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Cooking gear and utensils
- Food and water
- Bear spray and bear-proof containers
- Insect repellent and netting
- Layers and waterproof gear
- First aid kit and emergency supplies
It’s also recommended to bring a map and compass, as well as a GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app. The firewood policy at the campground is to only burn locally-sourced firewood, and it’s essential to follow this policy to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to Starrigavan Campground is Sitka, which is located approximately 7.5 miles from the campground. Sitka is a charming town with a rich history and culture, and offers a range of amenities and services, including restaurants, shops, and gas stations.
Other campgrounds in the area include the Mendenhall Campground and the Auke Bay Campground, both of which offer similar amenities and services. Day trip ideas from the campground include visiting the Sitka National Historical Park, the Alaska Raptor Center, and the Tongass National Forest.
The nearby attractions and towns include:
- Sitka (7.5 miles)
- Mendenhall Campground (10 miles)
- Auke Bay Campground (15 miles)
- Sitka National Historical Park (5 miles)
- Alaska Raptor Center (10 miles)
- Tongass National Forest (surrounding area)
Tips from Experienced Campers
Experienced campers recommend arriving early to secure a campsite, especially during peak season. It’s also recommended to bring a portable stove and cooking gear, as the campground does not have any cooking facilities. The cell service at the campground is limited, and it’s recommended to bring a satellite phone or a two-way radio in case of emergencies.
The best campsites are located near the creek, which offers stunning views and easy access to the water. However, these sites can be noisy due to the sound of the creek, and it’s recommended to bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. The sunrise and sunset times at the campground are around 4:30 am and 10:30 pm, respectively, and it’s recommended to bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
Insider tips include bringing a bear-proof container to store your food and trash, and to always keep a clean campsite to avoid attracting wildlife. It’s also recommended to bring a map and compass, as well as a GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app, to navigate the surrounding area.
The tips from experienced campers include:
- Arrive early to secure a campsite
- Bring a portable stove and cooking gear
- Bring a satellite phone or two-way radio
- Choose a campsite near the creek for stunning views
- Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper
- Bring a camera to capture the sunrise and sunset
- Bring a bear-proof container to store food and trash
- Keep a clean campsite to avoid attracting wildlife
- Bring a map and compass, as well as a GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app