Turn Island Beach Campsite
00 reviewWrangell Island, Alaska
Turn Island Beach Campsite
$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 required for camping at Turn Island Beach Campsite.
About this campground
Nestled on the pristine shores of Wrangell Island, Turn Island Beach Campsite offers an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience within the vast Tongass National Forest. This intimate coastal retreat features two thoughtfully positioned tent platforms that invite campers to fall asleep to the rhythm of Pacific waves and wake to eagles soaring overhead. Whether you arrive by boat across the shimmering waters or trek the scenic 0.5-mile trail from Nemo Saltwater Access, you'll discover a secluded sanctuary where the forest meets the sea, complete with basic facilities including a shared outhouse that maintains the site's low-impact philosophy.
The campground provides a minimalistic camping experience with two tent platforms. It is accessible via boat or foot and is suited for small-scale camping trips.
Historical SignificanceYour tent platforms rest within the Tongass National Forest, America's largest national forest and a living testament to conservation spanning 17 million acres of old-growth temperate rainforest. Wrangell Island itself carries thousands of years of stories, from the Tlingit people who first called these waters home to the waves of explorers, traders, and settlers who followed. Every tide that washes these shores connects modern campers to this rich tapestry of indigenous heritage and the enduring relationship between people and this spectacular landscape.
Weather and SeasonsThe dramatic Alaskan seasons paint Turn Island Beach in ever-changing hues throughout the year. Winter transforms the campsite into a crystalline wonderland where snow blankets the forest and temperatures plunge, creating a challenging but rewarding experience for the most adventurous souls. As summer arrives, the landscape softens under gentler skies, though Pacific storms can still sweep through with wind and rain that remind visitors of nature's raw power. The most coveted camping windows emerge when high pressure systems deliver those magical weeks of clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and low humidity – perfect for beachcombing at sunset and stargazing through the long twilight hours.
ElevationPerched at sea level where land gracefully yields to ocean, Turn Island Beach Campsite offers the rare opportunity to camp literally steps from the high tide line. This coastal positioning means you'll experience the full drama of Alaskan tides, from the exposed tidepools at low water to the powerful surge of incoming seas, all while enjoying surprisingly easy access without the lung-burning climbs found at many backcountry sites.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to panoramic views across pristine saltwater channels where the morning mist dances between forested islands like ancient spirits. The campsite serves as your front-row seat to Southeast Alaska's coastal theater, where Sitka spruce and western hemlock frame ever-changing seascapes. This corner of the Tongass reveals its treasures slowly – from the delicate beach strawberries hiding among the rocks to the occasional black bear foraging along the shoreline, while overhead, bald eagles patrol their domain and seabirds dive for silver fish in the nutrient-rich waters.
Geological RegionPositioned on Wrangell Island's west shore, Turn Island Beach Campsite occupies a fascinating geological intersection where the ancient bedrock of Southeast Alaska meets the relentless Pacific. This saltwater setting within the Tongass National Forest showcases the region's dramatic geological story – from ice-carved fjords to volcanic origins – while tidal actions continue to sculpt and reshape the coastline with each passing season, creating an ever-evolving canvas of beaches, rocky outcrops, and tidal pools teeming with marine life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe source materials do not mention any specific accessibility features.
Sites SizeThere are two tent platforms available, but specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyDetails about site privacy, such as whether the sites are secluded or clustered, are not provided.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUse the tent platforms for camping and picnicking. Bring your own water and supplies due to lack of potable water onsite.
Best CampsitesBoth tent platforms are available for use. No specific 'best' site is identified.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Unspecified
Check-out
Unspecified
Stay Limit
Unspecified
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unspecified
Groups
There are no group camping facilities mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campsite consists of two tent platforms and a shared outhouse facility.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round access.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are required or available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a walk-in basis; sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system is in place; cancellations do not apply.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Turn Island Beach Campsite offers limited recreational activities, primarily focused on water-based experiences. Boating is a key highlight, with opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized boating due to its location on saltwater.
Boating
Boating activities, both motorized and non-motorized, are explicitly available due to the site's saltwater location.Winter Activities
Winter recreational activities are not described in the source materials.Water Sports
Only boating is explicitly mentioned as a water-based activity; other water sports are not detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Unspecified
- Quiet hours are Unspecified
Hazards
General hazardsPotable water is unavailable, and campers must supply their own. Wildlife may pose risks typical of forested coastal areas.
Active alertsNo active alerts reported.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely located in Wrangell, which includes hospitals, police stations, and other services.
Good to know
Peak season datesUnspecified
Trash and recyclingNo information on trash and recycling facilities or pickup schedules is available.
Proximity to water featuresThe campsite is situated on saltwater along the west shore of Wrangell Island.
Common complaintsLimited facilities: potable water not available.
Campground Map
Wrangell Island, Alaska
Driving directionsFrom Wrangell, drive 14 miles south on Zimovia Highway. Turn right on Forest Road 6267 (Nemo-Skip Loop Road). Park at the Nemo Saltwater Access Trailhead (MP 5.2). Access to site is via the 0.5-mile trail.
Access is via a 0.5-mile trail at the Nemo Saltwater Access Trailhead. The campground is reachable by foot or boat. The area near the trailhead is accessible by paved roads, but the site itself is not directly reachable by vehicle.Nearby places
Wrangell: approximately 14 miles south (driving)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and camping necessities, can likely be sourced from Wrangell, approximately 14 miles north of the trailhead.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Turn Island Beach Campsite has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available in the provided materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Due to the lack of user reviews, no specific positive highlights are available.
Common Concerns
No complaints have been documented as user reviews are absent.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are included.
Seasonal Insights
There are no user reviews to provide insights into seasonal variations or trends.
Camper Quotes
No direct user quotes are available from the sources.
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no reviews mentioning specific campsites or their comparative quality.
Accessibility Features
No user reviews address accessibility features or experiences.
Pet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews discussing pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025