RV Dump Stations In Coffman Cove, Alaska

There's several RV dump station in Coffman Cove with some free options. Given that Coffman Cove is a remote community of about 200 people on Prince of Wales Island, having any dump station at all is something to appreciate. There aren't many alternatives on the island, so plan your tank management around this station. If it's temporarily out of service, you may need to drive to Thorne Bay or Craig for the next nearest option, which could be 30 to 50 miles away on island roads.

You'll need to take the Inter-Island Ferry Authority from Ketchikan to Hollis on Prince of Wales Island. The crossing takes about three hours and runs daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. From Hollis, it's roughly a two-hour drive (55 miles) north to Coffman Cove through the island road system. Make ferry reservations well in advance, especially for summer travel with a vehicle. Confirm your RV fits the ferry's vehicle deck since larger rigs may have size restrictions. There's no other way to get a vehicle to Prince of Wales Island.

El Capitan Cave is the longest mapped cave in Alaska, extending over two miles underground. It's part of a network of more than 600 known caves on Prince of Wales Island. The US Forest Service runs free guided tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day that take you 500 feet into the cave. Tours last about two hours and must be booked at least two days in advance by calling the Thorne Bay Ranger District at 907-828-3304. Groups are limited to six people. You'll need your own headlamp, sturdy non-slip footwear, and enough fitness to handle a 367-step staircase to reach the entrance.

Cell service is extremely limited to nonexistent in Coffman Cove and throughout much of Prince of Wales Island. Don't count on being able to make calls, send texts, or use data on your phone in many areas. Some local businesses offer Wi-Fi, but consistent internet access isn't guaranteed. We strongly recommend downloading all maps (Google Maps offline, Gaia GPS, etc.), entertainment, and any important information before you leave Ketchikan. Let family and friends know you'll be out of touch. A satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach is worth considering for emergency contact.

R&R Fuels is the only fuel provider in Coffman Cove, and the Riggin Shack is the only grocery store. Both carry the essentials but selection is limited and prices are significantly higher than mainland prices due to the remote supply chain. Everything on Prince of Wales Island arrives by barge, and that cost gets passed on to consumers. Our strong recommendation is to stock up on groceries, fuel, and supplies in Ketchikan before taking the ferry to the island. Treat Coffman Cove's stores as backup sources for items you forgot or ran out of, not your primary supply run.

Cool and wet, year-round. Summer highs only reach about 60F, so forget about shorts and flip-flops. The area gets over 67 inches of rain annually, and precipitation can happen on any day in any season. Winter temps drop to the high 20s and low 30s. The best weather (relatively speaking) comes in June, July, and August when you'll get the most daylight and the least rain, though "least rain" still means you should pack rain gear. This is Southeast Alaska temperate rainforest climate, so moisture management in your RV is important. Run your dehumidifier and ventilate regularly.

Ferry rates vary based on vehicle size and number of passengers. Standard vehicles are one price, but larger RVs and motorhomes cost more based on their length. Check the Inter-Island Ferry Authority website at interislandferry.com for current rates and to make reservations. Budget this as a significant expense in your trip plan, not an afterthought. Round-trip ferry costs for an RV-sized vehicle plus passengers can add up to several hundred dollars. Booking early is important during summer months since vehicle deck space is limited and popular travel dates fill up.

This depends on your rig and your comfort level with remote travel. The roads from Hollis to Coffman Cove are mostly paved but not all are wide, and some sections can be rough. Larger motorhomes (35 feet plus) will fit on the road but you'll need to be careful on tighter sections and watch for logging trucks. The ferry can accommodate most RVs but verify your length and height with IFA before booking. Once in Coffman Cove, the RV park can handle a range of sizes but it's not a luxury resort. If you're in a Class A pushing 40 feet, honestly assess whether the remote roads, single fuel source, and limited services match what you're comfortable with.

The fishing around Coffman Cove and Prince of Wales Island is outstanding. Saltwater fishing offers king salmon (May through July), silver/coho salmon (August through September), pink and chum salmon, halibut, and various rockfish species. Freshwater streams on the island have trout and salmon runs. You'll need an Alaska fishing license, which we recommend buying online before your trip since internet access on the island is unreliable. Charter fishing services operate out of Coffman Cove for those who want a guided experience. Bring your own gear if you plan to fish from shore since tackle selection at local stores is very limited.

We think it's a smart idea, especially if you're traveling solo or with family. With cell service essentially absent in many parts of Prince of Wales Island, a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach or a SPOT device gives you a way to send messages and trigger emergency SOS if something goes wrong. Medical facilities on the island are extremely limited, and evacuation to Ketchikan or Juneau could take hours. For the cost of a satellite communicator and a basic subscription plan, you get peace of mind in genuinely remote territory. It's one of those expenses that feels unnecessary until the moment you need it.

Prince of Wales Island is rich with wildlife. Black bears are common and you should take standard bear precautions (store food properly, keep a clean camp, make noise on trails). Sitka black-tailed deer are everywhere, including on the roads, so drive carefully especially at dawn and dusk. Bald eagles are frequent sights, and you'll likely see harbor seals, sea otters, and possibly humpback whales if you're near the water. The island's streams attract bears during salmon runs, so give them plenty of space. Bird watchers will find a huge variety of seabirds, songbirds, and raptors throughout the island.

We'd suggest a minimum of three to four nights to make the ferry trip and driving time worthwhile. That gives you a day to arrive and settle in, a day for the El Capitan Cave tour, a day for fishing or exploring the island, and a day to head back to the ferry. If you're really into fishing, wildlife watching, or just want to disconnect from the world for a while, a week is not too long. Some RVers stay two weeks and love it. Just remember that your supplies are limited to what you brought and what the Riggin Shack carries, so plan your provisions for the full duration of your stay.

Coffman Cove has {{stationCount}} RV dump station located at the local RV park. This facility serves the small community and visiting RVers exploring Prince of Wales Island. The station handles both black and gray water disposal with basic amenities typical of remote Alaska locations.

Currently {{freeCount}} free dump stations operate in Coffman Cove. The available station charges a fee for access, typically around $10-15. This reflects the remote location and higher infrastructure costs associated with maintaining facilities on Prince of Wales Island.

Dump station fees in Coffman Cove typically range from $10-15 per use. The pricing reflects rural Alaska's higher operational costs and limited infrastructure. Payment is usually cash-only, so come prepared since credit card processing can be unreliable in this remote location.

Pack your own garden hose, rubber gloves, and valve lubricant since remote stations may lack equipment. Bring cash for payment and extra fresh water if possible. The dump station may not have reliable rinse hoses, so backup equipment ensures a successful dumping experience.

Access Coffman Cove via Inter Island Ferry Authority from Wrangell or drive Forest Service roads from Craig. Ferry reservations are essential for RVs. Road access involves 45 miles of gravel logging roads with steep grades and tight turns challenging for larger rigs.

No gas stations or major supply stores operate in Coffman Cove. Fuel up in Craig before arrival, which is 45 miles away on rough Forest Service roads. Stock food, water, and RV supplies before reaching town since the nearest services require significant backtracking.