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Last Chance Campground in Alaska
Hard to BookNational Forest

Last Chance Campground

Tongass National Forest, Alaska

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As of October 2026, Last Chance Campground is a campground in Tongass National Forest, Alaska with 18 campsites. Last Chance Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Last Chance Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Last Chance Campground is located at 55.4323ยฐ N, 131.6860ยฐ W.
people allowed on each site
10

Last Chance Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

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

Next Available Dates

Oct 1 (18 sites)Oct 2 (18 sites)

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

As of 30 September 2026, 16:31 UTC.

Stay and booking rules

  • Maximum stay: 14 nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Last Chance Campground, read on September 29, 2026.

Campsites at Last Chance Campground

  • Standard 17
  • RV 1
  • Accessible 16

What an RV fits

  • 20 ft1 site
  • 25 ft2 sites
  • 30 ft9 sites
  • 35 ft1 site
  • 40 ft4 sites
  • 45 ft1 site

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain ยท Access: Gravel road.

Things to do: fishing, hiking, wildlife, photography.

All sites at Last Chance Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the LAST loop.

SiteTypeSleepsMax RVAccess
001Standard1030 ft-
002Standard1040 ftAccessible
003Standard1035 ft-
004RV1040 ftAccessible
005Standard1040 ftAccessible
006Standard1020 ftAccessible
007Standard1045 ftAccessible
008Standard1030 ftAccessible
009Standard1030 ftAccessible
010Standard1030 ftAccessible
011Standard1030 ftAccessible
012Standard1030 ftAccessible
014Standard1025 ftAccessible
015Standard1030 ftAccessible
016Standard1030 ftAccessible
017Standard1025 ftAccessible
018Standard1040 ftAccessible
019Standard1030 ftAccessible

About Last Chance Campground

Overview

Last Chance Campground is located in the Ward Lake Recreation Area, 9 miles north of downtown Ketchikan and about 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal. This campground straddles Last Chance Creek and lies next to Ward Creek with easy access to fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing.

Recreation

Hiking is a popular option, as the Ward Lake Recreation Area boasts seven trails. The Ward Lake Nature Trail meanders 1.3 miles around the lake.

A large day-use complex with picnic sites and shelters is also available. Freshwater fishing, wildlife viewing and scenery are favorite draws at Ward Lake.

Facilities

Last Chance Campground is designated to be fully accessible. Each campsite contains a picnic table, a campfire ring with grill and a gravel parking spur. Two hand pumps for drinking water and three vault toilets are provided.

Firewood may be provided but is not guaranteed. Firewood and other assistance may be obtained from the campground host located 2 miles away at Signal Creek Campground.

Natural Features

Last Chance is surrounded by an old-growth temperate rainforest comprised primarily of western hemlock and Sitka spruce. Last Chance Creek flows through the campground, and Ward Creek runs alongside.

At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and is the largest forest in the national forest system. The Tongass surrounds the Inside Passage, the network of waterways that buffers the jagged Alaskan Coast and a cluster of coastline islands.

The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas, including fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks abound.

Rules and notices at Last Chance Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Last Chance Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Check in time is 4 PM. Check out time is 2 PM.

There is a 14 day stay limit in 60 consecutive days within the Ward Lake Recreation Area campgrounds and cabin.

Black bears frequent the area, especially during August and September; all food should be stored inside closed vehicles or bear boxes.

No hookups available

Nearest dump station is at the Ketchikan City Public Works department on Tongass Avenue, just north of the ferry terminal

Firewood may be available but is not guaranteed

Use of the campground or road spurs by commercial operators, outfitters or guides is not permitted

Click here to learn more about 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.

Last Chance Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Last Chance Campground?

Last Chance 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 Last Chance Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Last Chance 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 Last Chance Campground have?

Last Chance Campground has 18 campsites.

More campgrounds in Tongass National Forest

Same forest, same drive. Set an alert on any of them alongside this one.

All 153 Tongass National Forest campgrounds

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