Bartlett Cove Campground

This is deliberately simple, wilderness-oriented camping: no picnic tables, no individual fire rings, and no vehicle access to sites. Instead, there’s a single communal fire pit on the beach, a small warming shelter, and composting toilets. Bear-proof food storage caches are provided at the campground, and wheelbarrows help you shuttle gear from the dock or parking area. Potable water plus trash/recycling are by the Visitor Information Station, a short walk away.

The shoreline setting is the star. Scan the water for sea otters and the occasional humpback whale, watch bald eagles cruise the treetops, and keep your eyes open for bears moving through the area. The dense, mossy forest and misty bay make even rainy days feel atmospheric—just come prepared to stay dry.

Registration is free and handled at the Visitor Information Station. Campers follow strict food storage and cooking rules (store all food and scented items in the caches; do your cooking on the beach, not at your tent). Firewood for the communal fire pit is provided, and the warming shelter is there when weather turns.

Think backcountry basics with a dash of comfort: a solid rain fly or tarp, waterproof layers, and dry bags make life better. Bring your own stove and kitchen kit and plan to carry gear a short distance to your site; the wheelbarrows are clutch for heavier loads. Supply options in Gustavus are limited, so come stocked.