Eagles Nest Campground
02 reviewsTONGASS-KETCHIKAN
Eagles Nest Campground
$8.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
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
Fees range from $8 to $16 for Standard Nonelectric and Tent sites during peak season. Reservation fees include $8 for online/app bookings, $9 through the contact center, and $3 for in-person reservations. Additional fees may apply for cancellation ($10) or modifications ($10).
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Recreation.govProvider
About this campground
Nestled deep within the ancient temperate rainforest of Prince of Wales Island, Eagles Nest Campground offers an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience alongside the pristine waters of Balls Lake. This remote sanctuary invites adventurers to explore untamed hiking trails, cast lines into crystal-clear waters teeming with fish, and paddle through mirror-like lake surfaces while eagles soar overhead. Whether you're tracking wildlife through moss-draped forests or gliding silently in your kayak at dawn, Eagles Nest provides an unforgettable gateway to Southeast Alaska's raw natural beauty.
Eagles Nest Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, offering single and double-family sites for both tent and RV camping. The campground does not provide hookups for RVs, emphasizing a more rustic experience.
Historical SignificanceEagles Nest Campground sits within the legendary Tongass National Forest, guardian of the Inside Passage—Alaska's historic marine highway that has served as a vital transportation corridor for countless generations. This network of protected waterways has witnessed the passage of Native Alaskan canoes, Russian fur traders, gold rush steamships, and modern adventurers, all navigating between towering peaks and ancient forests that have stood sentinel along the Alaskan Coast for millennia.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground experiences the full drama of Southeast Alaska's maritime climate, with Week 51 bringing heavy rain and snow accompanied by moderate winds and freezing temperatures. Summer emerges as the golden window for camping, when gentler weather unveils the forest's lush green canopy and wildlife activity reaches its peak. Visitors should come prepared for rapidly changing conditions and the region's famous liquid sunshine, which nourishes the surrounding rainforest's incredible biodiversity.
ElevationThe campground's specific elevation remains unmeasured, adding to its wild and undiscovered character within the vast Tongass wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your campsite in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, wake to panoramic views of mist-shrouded fjords cutting between towering peaks, while distant glaciers gleam like frozen rivers of light. This extraordinary landscape serves as nature's grand amphitheater, where bald eagles patrol the skies, black bears amble through berry patches, and crimson sockeye salmon surge upstream in their ancient ritual. Keep watch for industrious beavers engineering their watery domains—their splashes and tail slaps providing the percussion to the rainforest's symphony.
Geological RegionEagles Nest occupies a fascinating ecological niche within the Tongass National Forest, America's largest national forest and a testament to nature's resilience. The campground's unique position near Control Creek and Balls Lake places it at the intersection of diverse habitats—from the spongy, bog-like muskeg meadows that carpet the forest floor to the towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock that define this temperate rainforest. This ancient landscape, sculpted by glaciers and nurtured by centuries of rainfall, creates an emerald sanctuary unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers some basic accessibility through elements like a boardwalk trail, but there is no explicit mention of features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground has narrow parking spurs, which may limit the size of RVs that can access the sites.
Sites PrivacySpecific details regarding the privacy level of the campsites are not provided.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Some reviewers mention moss patches as comfortable tent areas."
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite mentioned as best.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
"Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights."
Groups
The source materials do not mention designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout"Single and double-family sites. Parking spurs are narrow and perpendicular to campground road."
Open and Closed Season"Season opens May 9th, 2025, closes September 12th, 2025."
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov. Fees vary by platform.
Walk-in Availability"No information on number of walk-up sites, but first-come-first-serve Scan & Pay system is available."
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (day before check-in) incur forfeiture of the first night's fees.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Eagles Nest Campground provides a rich array of activities to take advantage of its natural setting. Common activities include hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. These activities are centered around Balls Lake and its surrounding trails, which offer stunning views and opportunities for exploration.
Hiking
The 2.5-mile Balls Lake Trail offers scenic hiking opportunities around the lake. It combines sections of boardwalk and natural trail, making it accessible and enjoyable for hikers of all skill levels. As noted by a reviewer, parts of the trail require trimming but remain easy to navigate.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Balls Lake, with opportunities to catch sockeye salmon. Visitors can also observe wildflowers and beavers while fishing.Boating
Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities at Balls Lake, supported by a dedicated canoe ramp located on the lakeshore.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a significant attraction at this location. Visitors can expect to see eagles, bears, swans, kingfishers, ducks, and spawning salmon.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not documented in the provided sources.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are the primary non-motorized water sports mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "Campfires permitted in designated fire rings."
- Quiet hours are "Not specified."
Hazards
General hazards"Wildlife such as bears and spawning salmon present natural hazards. Visitors advised not to move firewood to prevent pest spread."
Active alerts"Potential road construction."
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Good to know
Peak season dates"May 9 - September 12, 2025 (Peak season)."
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash or recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water features"Near Balls Lake and Control Creek. Canoe ramp available on lakeshore."
Common complaints"Some trails around the lake need maintenance. Reviewers note pit toilets and water being shut off after Labor Day."
HostNo campground host information.
Campground Map
TONGASS-KETCHIKAN
Driving directionsFrom Ketchikan, take the Alaska Marine Ferry to Hollis on Prince of Wales Island. From Hollis, take State Highway 924 to Klawock. From Klawock, take State Highway 929 to Control Lake Junction 18 miles and turn right. Continue on State Highway 929 for 2 miles. Campground is on the left.
"Parking spurs are narrow and perpendicular to the campground road; large RVs may be difficult to back in." Roads may be under construction.Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Eagles Nest Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the tranquility and natural beauty of Eagles Nest Campground, with its well-maintained trails and picturesque setting. Some reviews note the lack of water availability after Labor Day and the narrow parking spurs as potential downsides.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's serene environment, scenic trail around Balls Lake, and opportunities for wildlife viewing are frequently praised. Reviewers specifically appreciated the boardwalk sections of the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some reviews point out that water availability is seasonal, and parking spurs can be narrow, making it difficult for larger RVs to maneuver. Additionally, parts of the trail may require maintenance...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should plan their visit during the peak season to ensure amenities like water are available and consider the narrow parking spurs if bringing a larger RV.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is less frequented after Labor Day, with water shut off during this time. The facility remains functional but with reduced amenities.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The place is worth the drive to. It's quiet, and the walk around the lake is very nice to walk. Parts of the trail need to be trimmed up, but the boardwalk is in great condition." - Sub-Dean Bad-One...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers or detailed site reviews are mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
The provided materials do not include reviews specific to accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews explicitly addressing pet policies or experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025