Signal Creek Campground
Tongass National Forest — lakeside, fishing, hiking
Location: Ketchikan, AK, AK
Price: From $10 per night
Rating: 3.8 out of 5 (30 reviews)
Season: Year-round
Signal Creek Campground is a year-round facility located in the Ward Lake Recreation Area, 7 miles north of downtown Ketchikan and about 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal. The campground straddles Signal Creek and lies on the banks of Ward Lake, with easy access to fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing.Hiking is a popular option, as the Ward Lake Recreation Area boasts seven trails. The Ward Lake Nature Travel meanders 1.3 miles around the lake.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): weak signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: AT&T.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Drinking Water, Fishing, Firewood for Sale
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/signal-creek-campground to be notified when sites open up.
Year-round facility in Ward Lake Recreation Area with 23 sites offering fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Google reviewers consistently praise the clean grounds, helpful hosts, peaceful atmosphere, and reasonable $10/night fees.
Wildlife alert: Sitka Black-tailed Deer, American Mink, Humpback Whale, Common Seal, Band-tailed Pigeon, Varied Thrush, Short-tailed Shearwater, and Common Raven verified in the area.
Insider tips for Signal Creek Campground: Book early — this is a federal campground with high demand Bring a self-contained RV as there are no hookups at most sites Access seven hiking trails in Ward Lake Recreation Area, including 1.3-mile Ward Lake Nature Trail
Skip Signal Creek Campground if: You need RV hookups — campground has none at most sites. You require guaranteed consistent staffing — camp hosts available but not constantly visible.
Best time to visit Signal Creek Campground: June-September — Google reviews mention pleasant weather and successful fishing trips during these months. Year-round — Facility operates year-round according to official designation.
Nearby campgrounds: Last Chance Campground (Ketchikan, AK), Southeast Heckman Cabin (KETCHIKAN, AK), Heckman Lake Cabin (KETCHIKAN, AK), Jordan Lake Cabin (KETCHIKAN, AK).
Cell Phone Coverage at Signal Creek Campground
Cell signal at Signal Creek Campground (Ketchikan, AK): weak overall signal based on FCC broadband data. Best carrier: AT&T.
- AT&T 4G LTE: 100% coverage
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.
Signal Creek Campground is a year-round facility located in the Ward Lake Recreation Area, 7 miles north of downtown Ketchikan and about 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal. The campground straddles Signal Creek and lies on the banks of Ward Lake, with easy access to fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing.Hiking is a popular option, as the Ward Lake Recreation Area boasts seven trails. The Ward Lake Nature Travel meanders 1.3 miles around the lake.
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 high demand
Bring a self-contained RV as there are no hookups at most sites
Access seven hiking trails in Ward Lake Recreation Area, including 1.3-mile Ward Lake Nature Trail
Google reviews mention pleasant weather and successful fishing trips during these months
Facility operates year-round according to official designation
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal. Best carrier: AT&T.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
From the State ferry terminal, take Tongass Highway north 4.8 miles to milepost 7. Turn right onto Revila Road. Go 1.4 miles and turn right at the Ward Lake Road Intersection. Travel 1.1 miles past Ward Lake Day Use Area to the entrance sign for Signal Creek Campground.
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 Signal Creek Campground cost per night?+
What season is Signal Creek Campground open?+
Does Signal Creek Campground have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Signal Creek Campground?+
How do I make reservations at Signal Creek Campground?+
What is the cell service like at Signal Creek Campground?+
What season is Signal Creek Campground open, and what are check-in times?+
●Data sources on this page
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