Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area

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$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 fees are associated with the use of the buoy camping area.

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About this campground

Discover a hidden gem in Alaska's pristine waters at Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area, where adventure begins the moment you secure your small or medium watercraft to the solitary white buoy marked with distinctive blue reflective tape. Anchored in crystal-clear depths ranging from 30 to 80 feet and equipped with a sturdy 7/8 inch chain, this unique water-based campsite serves as your gateway to the renowned Black Mountain trail. This isn't just a mooring spot—it's your floating basecamp for exploring one of the Tongass National Forest's most spectacular hiking destinations.

Icehouse Cove is not a traditional campground with sites; it is a watercraft buoy camping area. Facilities cater to watercraft users rather than typical tent or RV campers.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Alaska's maritime climate, where summer transforms Icehouse Cove into a sun-drenched paradise with temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. July and August bring blissful days averaging 79°F to 83°F under brilliantly clear skies, while evenings cool to a comfortable 60°F to 65°F—ideal for stargazing from your boat's deck. Winter unveils a different kind of magic, as temperatures dip below freezing and the landscape transforms with occasional dustings of snow, creating a dramatic backdrop of frost-kissed forests meeting dark, mysterious waters.

ElevationPositioned at sea level along Alaska's intricate coastline, Icehouse Cove offers the rare opportunity to experience the raw power and beauty of the Pacific Northwest's tidal waters. Here, where the forest meets the sea, you'll witness the daily rhythm of the tides and feel the pulse of the ocean beneath your vessel.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the emerald embrace of the Tongass National Forest, where ancient Sitka spruces and western hemlocks tower above the shoreline like nature's own cathedral. From your floating vantage point, watch as morning mist dances across the water, revealing glimpses of the rugged forest landscape that has remained unchanged for millennia. This temperate rainforest ecosystem creates a living tapestry of moss-draped trees, pristine waters, and wildlife corridors where eagles soar overhead and seals surface nearby to investigate visiting boats.

Geological RegionSet within the world's largest intact temperate rainforest, the Tongass National Forest encompasses a breathtaking mosaic of coastal geography where glacially carved fjords meet ancient forests. This remarkable ecosystem, shaped by ice ages and ocean currents, creates a unique environment where maritime and terrestrial worlds blend seamlessly, offering visitors an authentic Southeast Alaska wilderness experience.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe site is accessible primarily to small and medium watercraft users.

Sites SizeN/A, as the buoy is not a traditional campground.

Sites PrivacyNot applicable; no physical campsites are provided.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended CampsitesRecommended for small to medium watercraft. Exercise caution due to submerged rocks.

Best CampsitesThere is only one buoy available for camping.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

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Groups

No group site details are provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle buoy located in Icehouse Cove.

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Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityThe buoy is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Cancellation Policynull

Activities you can enjoy

The site provides access to Black Mountain trail and is suitable for activities involving small and medium watercraft. Specific recreational activities are not mentioned.

Hiking

Provides access to the Black Mountain trail. However, details on its length, difficulty, or features are not provided.

Boating

The buoy is intended for small and medium watercraft use. Extreme caution is advised due to submerged rocks near the cove.

Winter Activities

Not applicable; no winter recreation activities are explicitly mentioned.

Water Sports

Suitable for non-motorized watercraft like kayaking, though not explicitly stated in the source materials.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
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Hazards

General hazardsSubmerged rocks pose significant hazards for watercraft entering Icehouse Cove.

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Weather forecast

°F

Aug 25

Monday

Mainly clear

Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 61%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 10 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Mainly clear

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

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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

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Good to know

Peak season datesnull

Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are noted in the source materials.

Proximity to water featuresSituated directly in Icehouse Cove, a coastal area within Tongass National Forest.

Common complaintsnull

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Campground Map

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Driving directionsIcehouse Cove is located just south of Carroll Point, 8 miles from Ketchikan or 2 miles from the Mountain Point boat ramp. Extreme caution should be exercised upon entering Icehouse Cove due to the presence of submerged rocks.

Extreme caution is required upon entering Icehouse Cove due to submerged rocks. Access is primarily by watercraft.

Nearby places

Ketchikan (8 miles), Mountain Point boat ramp (2 miles)

Nearby supplies

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Camper Reviews

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Limited Reviews

Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews