El Capitan Campground
Tongass National Forest — ocean access
Location: Thorne Bay , AK, AK
Price: From $15 per night
Rating: 3 out of 5 (1 reviews)
Season: May through October
This waterfront campground offers a scenic view of the beautiful El Capitan Passage. This site has access to fishing, hunting, kayaking, hiking, caving and marine dock. It provides a remote, scenic setting for recreation and relaxation on the Tongass National Forest.The El Capitan Campground is in an area of high geologic interest including the El Cap Cave .
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/el-capitan-campground to be notified when sites open up.
Waterfront campground offering scenic views of El Capitan Passage with access to fishing, hunting, kayaking, hiking, caving and a marine dock on Tongass National Forest. Multiple verified camper reviews highlight beautiful ocean views, beach access, and walking paths.
Wildlife alert: Sitka Black-tailed Deer, Steller Sea Lion, Gray Wolf, Northern Sea Otter, and marine birds including Common Loon present in the area
Insider tips for El Capitan Campground: Book early — this is a federal campground with only 3 tent sites Bring quarters for hot showers per camper review Prepare for windy and cold conditions even in peak season
Skip El Capitan Campground if: You need RV hookups — no hookups available. You require winter camping — seasonal operations May through October only. You want large group sites — only 3 total sites available.
Best time to visit El Capitan Campground: June-September — Salmon fishing popular during summer months; campground operates May through October. September-October — Fall deer hunting season available.
Nearby campgrounds: El Capitan Cabin (Thorne Bay , AK), Red Bay Lake Cabin (THORNE BAY, AK), Shipley Bay Cabin (THORNE BAY, AK), Salmon Bay Lake Cabin (THORNE BAY, AK).
Cell Phone Coverage at El Capitan Campground
Cell signal at El Capitan Campground (Thorne Bay , AK): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
This waterfront campground offers a scenic view of the beautiful El Capitan Passage. This site has access to fishing, hunting, kayaking, hiking, caving and marine dock. It provides a remote, scenic setting for recreation and relaxation on the Tongass National Forest.The El Capitan Campground is in an area of high geologic interest including the El Cap Cave .
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
this is a federal campground with only 3 tent sites
Bring quarters for hot showers per camper review
Prepare for windy and cold conditions even in peak season
Salmon fishing popular during summer months; campground operates May through October
Fall deer hunting season available
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
El Capitan Campground can be reached by vehicle, boat, or plane. By road, follow Forest Service Road 20 to Forest Service Road 15 and take a left for about a mile (1.6 km) to the cave. Watch for signs. From both Thorne Bay and Craig is an estimated 3-hour drive. There is a Forest Service dock for use by boats and planes, but they should not be left unattended. No boats over 24' are allowed. Boats over 24' will need to anchore out and skiff in.
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Tongass National Forest fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Tongass National Forest before arrival — seasonal closures common.
- Bear country — store all food in bear boxes or locked vehicle at all times.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does El Capitan Campground cost per night?+
What season is El Capitan Campground open?+
Does El Capitan Campground have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at El Capitan Campground?+
How do I make reservations at El Capitan Campground?+
What is the cell service like at El Capitan Campground?+
What season is El Capitan Campground open, and what are check-in times?+
●Data sources on this page
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