El Capitan Campground

Tongass National Forest, Alaska

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As of October 2026, El Capitan Campground is a campground in Tongass National Forest, Alaska with 3 campsites. El Capitan Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks El Capitan Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
El Capitan Campground is located at 56.1625° N, 133.3210° W.

El Capitan Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 1 (3 sites)Oct 2 (3 sites)

3 sites open on Oct 1 at El Capitan Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 01:24 UTC.

Campsites at El Capitan Campground

123

Standard 3

Amenities

potable water

At a glance: Setting: Forest.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife, photography.

All sites at El Capitan Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the El Cap Campground loop.

Site	Type
1	Standard
2	Standard
3	Standard

About El Capitan 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.

Rules and notices at El Capitan Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check El Capitan Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

No hookups available

Roads may be under construction

Click here for more information on the Tongass National Forest

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

El Capitan Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at El Capitan Campground?

El Capitan Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at El Capitan Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at El Capitan Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does El Capitan Campground have?

El Capitan Campground has 3 campsites.