Weekend availability at El Capitan Campground
Live from Recreation.gov · checked Sep 18, 6:55 AM PT- Fri, Sep 18Open3/3 sites
- Fri, Sep 25Open3/3 sites
- Fri, Oct 2Open3/3 sites
- Fri, Oct 9Open3/3 sites
- Fri, Oct 16Open3/3 sites
- Fri, Oct 23Open3/3 sites
Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.
How booked is El Capitan Campground?
as of September 18Sites are open right now — we found space out to Nov. That changes fast at a campground. We check El Capitan Campground around the clock, so the moment your dates fill up and a cancellation reopens them, you'll be first to know. Weekdays still have room — for now.
Weekends (Saturday night)
Weekdays (Wednesday night)
Availability checked directly against the reservation system, out to 3 months ahead.
Campsites & amenities
Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.
- Campsites
- 3
- Electric sites
- 3
About this campground
Overview This waterfront campground offers a scenic view of the beautiful El Capitan Passage. This site has access to fishing, hunting, kayaking, hiking, caving and marine dock. It provides a remote, scenic setting for recreation and relaxation on the Tongass National Forest. Recreation The El Capitan Campground is nearby many opportunities Prince of Wales island has to offer. Salmon fishing is popular during the summer months as well as fall deer hunting, beach combing and other marine sports including paddle craft and sea kayaking. The nearby El Capitan Cave offers guided tours during the summer season and is the longest mapped cave in Alaska at over two miles. Facilities There is access to an accessible outhouse as well as a nearby covered picnic pavillion and marine dock. Natural Features The El Capitan Campground is in an area of high geologic interest including the El Cap Cave. The surrounding forest boasts old growth species such as yellow cedar, red cedar, hemlock, and Sitka spruce. There is abundant wildlife viewing for both aquatic and terrestrial species including Sitka black tail deer, black bear, harbor seals, otters and many fish species. Prince of Wales Island has runs of every salmon species except chinook as well as populations of cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden. Nearby Attractions Prince of Wales Island Visitor Guide can be found on the Prince of Wales Chamber of Commerce website.
Getting there
El Capitan Campground can be reached by vehicle, boat, or plane. By road, follow Forest Service Road 20 to Forest Service Road 15 and take a left for about a mile (1.6 km) to the cave. Watch for signs. From both Thorne Bay and Craig is an estimated 3-hour drive. There is a Forest Service dock for use by boats and planes, but they should not be left unattended. No boats over 24' are allowed. Boats over 24' will need to anchore out and skiff in.
Activities
- BEACHCOMBING
- CAVING
- CAMPING
- HUNTING
- PICNICKING
- WATER ACCESS
- WILDLIFE VIEWING
- BERRY PICKING
Nearby federal campgrounds
Never miss an opening at El Capitan Campground
Popular Alaska campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch El Capitan Campground around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.
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We'll email you if El Capitan Campground opens up for a weekend you pick. No account needed.
Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.