St. James Bay State Marine Park
00 reviewPOB 111071, Juneau, Alaska, 99811, United States
St. James Bay State Marine Park
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No reservation fees are mentioned in the authoritative content. Users are encouraged to verify costs directly.
Share this campground
Reserve AmericaProvider
About this campground
Hidden away in Alaska's pristine wilderness, St. James Bay State Marine Park beckons adventurous souls seeking an untouched paradise. This remote sanctuary, accessible exclusively by floatplane or boat, rewards intrepid travelers with extraordinary wildlife encounters and endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits. From the meditative art of birding to the thrill of paddling through crystal-clear waters, from the satisfaction of catching fresh crab to foraging for wild berries along ancient trails, every moment here connects you deeply with Alaska's raw beauty. Photography enthusiasts will find themselves in a natural wonderland where every sunrise brings new compositions and wildlife drama unfolds daily.
The park offers a range of options for outdoor enthusiasts, including a public use cabin and opportunities for beach camping.
Weather and SeasonsThe maritime climate of St. James Bay creates a world where mist and sunshine dance together, with annual rainfall between 60-90 inches nurturing the lush temperate rainforest. Summer days typically hover in the comfortable 60s, occasionally warming to a balmy 80 degrees - perfect for extended outdoor adventures. As October arrives, the landscape transforms with the possibility of snow, creating a stunning contrast against the evergreen forests. The high humidity acts as nature's soft filter, creating ethereal morning fogs and dramatic light that photographers dream about.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within a dramatic valley that opens to a sheltered bay, this marine park presents a stunning tapestry of Alaskan coastal beauty. Pristine beaches stretch along the waterfront, where the rhythm of tides reveals treasures and marine life in shallow pools. The surrounding landscapes serve as vital habitats for an impressive array of wildlife - from soaring eagles to playful sea otters, from bears foraging along the shoreline to whales breaching in deeper waters. Every vista offers a postcard-worthy scene, whether it's morning mist rising from the valley floor or sunset painting the bay in golden hues.
Geological RegionSituated in Alaska's magnificent Southeast region, St. James Bay exemplifies the dramatic meeting of land and sea that defines this coastal wilderness. The park's protected anchorages tell the story of ancient glacial carving, creating safe havens that have sheltered vessels for generations. This diverse geological canvas encompasses everything from wave-sculpted beaches to verdant valleys, each ecosystem supporting its own community of wildlife. The interplay between marine and terrestrial environments creates one of North America's most biodiverse regions, where temperate rainforest meets the rich waters of the Inside Passage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible pit toilets are provided, but other accessibility details are not specified.
Sites SizeOne public use cabin is available; other campsite sizes are not detailed.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not described.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Six guests are allowed per site.
Groups
Group sites or their details are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal accessibility varies: snow may begin accumulating as early as October.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up/first-come-first-served details provided.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy is mentioned.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The park supports a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, birding, berry picking, crabbing, and wildlife viewing. The area's diverse ecosystem and scenic vistas make it popular for photography and nature exploration.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available, but specific details about trail lengths or difficulty levels are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the bay, which is described as having concentrations of fish.Boating
The bay can be accessed by small boats, and kayaking is a popular activity.Wildlife viewing
Numerous wildlife viewing opportunities are highlighted, with emphasis on the area's biodiversity.Beach activities
Beach access and camping are explicitly mentioned, supporting activities like sunbathing and exploration.Winter Activities
Snow can accumulate as early as October, suggesting opportunities for snow-related activities, but none are explicitly described.Water Sports
Kayaking is specifically noted, but other water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted only within authorized structures or sand/gravel bars.
Hazards
General hazardsVisitors should prepare for bear encounters and unpredictable weather including high winds and tides.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 91%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger Station reachable at 907-465-4563. Emergency services in Juneau are the closest population center.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned; campers are advised to carry signaling devices, first-aid kits, and fire starters, suggesting minimal infrastructure.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near St. James Bay with nearby anchorages and beach access.
Campground Map
POB 111071, Juneau, Alaska, 99811, United States
Driving directionsAccess to St. James is by boat or float plane. The easiest and fastest access by boat is from the boat launch at Amalga Harbor (mile 24). St. James Bay lies approximately 11 miles to the northwest of Amalga. Follow Favorite Channel north and west. Caution should be used crossing Lynn Canal. This body of water can get wild and windy with little warning. Watch for strong tide rips and choppy seas.
Access is limited to boats or float planes. Roads are not available for vehicle transportation. Caution is advised due to challenging waters and unpredictable weather conditions.Nearby places
Juneau (35 miles northwest), Haines (45 miles south)
Nearby supplies
Juneau provides access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Additional provisions may be accessed from Haines.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
St. James Bay State Marine Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are not provided in the source material.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects such as diverse wildlife, scenic views, and various recreational activities are highlighted in official descriptions.
Common Concerns
No user complaints are available.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to be prepared for rain, soft wet ground, and bear encounters. Specific tips include carrying signaling devices, first aid kits, and fire starters.
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends suggest high recreational use in summer, with snow accumulation starting as early as October.
Camper Quotes
No user quotes are available.
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews are not provided.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not mentioned.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and users are advised to keep dogs under control to protect shorebirds and wildlife.
Last updated August 10, 2025