Mendenhall Campground

A really lovely place on the planet. RV/Trailer sites are very large, graveled, surrounded by indigenous forest and set up with water, electricity, a picnic table and sturdy fire ring with a grate. There's plenty of room for a tent (or two) for the kids or brother-in-law that you are tired of sharing RV space with. If desired for just couple dollars more, you can have a space with its own drain (dump station) for your tanks. There's also an easily accessed shared drive through dump station for those who's space doesn't include a drain. The Ranger was very friendly and helpful as well.

It rained heavily at times, but the campground is lovely and this is a temperate rain forest. We had to leave 2 nights early due to Mendenhall Lake flooding. Disappointing, but a necessary safety measure. The Ranger was very friendly and informative. Although it was past the normal 2:00pm check out time for the day, we still had 2 nights remaining and got refunded for 1 of them. Since I didn't really expect a refund at all, I guess that was OK. I wish I could just have kept the 2 nights left on our reservation for another visit, we really love it there.

It rained heavily at times, but the campground is lovely and this is a temperate rain forest. We had to leave 2 nights early due to Mendenhall Lake flooding. Disappointing, but a necessary safety measure. The Ranger was very friendly and informative. Although it was past the normal 2:00pm check out time for the day, we still had 2 nights remaining and got refunded for 1 of them. Since I didn't really expect a refund at all, I guess that was OK. I wish I could just have kept the 2 nights left on our reservation for another visit, we really love it there.

I'm a local resident, who enjoys the convenience of drive-up camping and kayaking when the seas and wind are too rough. The sites are wooded with bear-proof food lockers, fire pit and picnic tables - though check the forecast and bring tarps if showers are coming; this is, after all, a rainforest. I will only camp around here with a tent with a good rainfly that reaches near to ground level. Shower facilities normally are available, but not this 2020 season due to COVIND. Restrooms are available within reasonable distance to camp sites. Groomed trails provide a peaceful stroll among spruce, hemlock, alder, and cottonwood-- with plenty of birds, porcupines, an occasional beaver and bears. Muskeg and ponds are plentiful (thus the beavers and birds), and thus mosquitoes love it here, too (bring bug spray or your favorite deterrent). Off-trail exploring is also fun in this heavily-carpeted mossy campground. Erratics can be found roadside and in the woods--carried by the glacier then abandoned. Views of the Mendenhall Glacier (Tlingit name: Aak'wtaaksit) can be seen along the camp road and shoreline of a few sites. If the lake level is low enough, much of the shoreline can also be walked. Blueberries were ripe and great snacking. Camp sites are wooded and strategically placed to provide relative privacy. I bring my kayak, and stay at sites along the lake to paddle, offering a different perspective of the land, and opportunity to visit ice bergs. This most recent stay there was a loud young group blasting music past midnight; the next night I reported it to the camp host who was responsive--but started up again at 10:30 (quiet time is 10:00p.m.). Local law enforcement contacted them about 11:00 and I enjoyed falling asleep to the downpouring rain. If a lengthy hike is more your liking, the West Glacier Trail / Mt. McGinnis (difficult/strenuous ALL day venture, but with incredible views on a non-raining day).

I'm a local resident, who enjoys the convenience of drive-up camping and kayaking when the seas and wind are too rough. The sites are wooded with bear-proof food lockers, fire pit and picnic tables - though check the forecast and bring tarps if showers are coming; this is, after all, a rainforest. I will only camp around here with a tent with a good rainfly that reaches near to ground level. Shower facilities normally are available, but not this 2020 season due to COVIND. Restrooms are available within reasonable distance to camp sites. Groomed trails provide a peaceful stroll among spruce, hemlock, alder, and cottonwood-- with plenty of birds, porcupines, an occasional beaver and bears. Muskeg and ponds are plentiful (thus the beavers and birds), and thus mosquitoes love it here, too (bring bug spray or your favorite deterrent). Off-trail exploring is also fun in this heavily-carpeted mossy campground. Erratics can be found roadside and in the woods--carried by the glacier then abandoned. Views of the Mendenhall Glacier (Tlingit name: Aak'wtaaksit) can be seen along the camp road and shoreline of a few sites. If the lake level is low enough, much of the shoreline can also be walked. Blueberries were ripe and great snacking. Camp sites are wooded and strategically placed to provide relative privacy. I bring my kayak, and stay at sites along the lake to paddle, offering a different perspective of the land, and opportunity to visit ice bergs. This most recent stay there was a loud young group blasting music past midnight; the next night I reported it to the camp host who was responsive--but started up again at 10:30 (quiet time is 10:00p.m.). Local law enforcement contacted them about 11:00 and I enjoyed falling asleep to the downpouring rain. If a lengthy hike is more your liking, the West Glacier Trail / Mt. McGinnis (difficult/strenuous ALL day venture, but with incredible views on a non-raining day).

Usually our stay is excellent however this last stay should've been june 13th thru the 16th but after one day we were asked to leave because we allotted our 2 week stay. The forrest service guy himself said he would ok our refund but when trying to request it...was told not found . not a happy camper (pun intended) as we really needed that money back

Usually our stay is excellent however this last stay should've been june 13th thru the 16th but after one day we were asked to leave because we allotted our 2 week stay. The forrest service guy himself said he would ok our refund but when trying to request it...was told not found . not a happy camper (pun intended) as we really needed that money back

We love some of the larger campsites with views of the lake and glacier. Saw the aurora borealis our last 2 nights!

We love some of the larger campsites with views of the lake and glacier. Saw the aurora borealis our last 2 nights!