🌤 Weather at Jack Bay State Marine Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19–53 °F | 44–62 °F | 21–53 °F | 15–31 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Valdez, 9 mi away, elevation 62 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Island Campsites in a Bay Southeast of Valdez Narrows
Jack Bay State Marine Park covers 811 acres about 15 miles from Valdez, southeast of Valdez Narrows. The uplands are alder, muskeg and salt marsh, with old-growth spruce and hemlock forest. The northern arm of the bay turns shallow a quarter mile out, so go carefully. The bay works as a fair-weather anchorage but is not protected.
The best camping is on the island in the middle of the bay: a protected bight on its southeast end has four campsites, two of them tent platforms, and a small latrine. Two more tent platforms sit near the tip of the mainland peninsula just east of the island, with a fire ring and cooking area between them. None of the campsites has water nearby; you can get water on the northern shore of the bay.
Things to Do
- Camping: four sites on the island and two tent platforms on the mainland peninsula
- Kayaking: listed by Alaska State Parks
- Fishing: listed by Alaska State Parks
- Wildlife viewing: listed by Alaska State Parks
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | About 15 miles from Valdez, southeast of Valdez Narrows |
| Size | 811 acres |
| Access | No road access. Boat or plane |
| Facilities | Campsites and tent platforms, a latrine, a fire ring. No water at the campsites |
| Fees | No entrance fee listed by Alaska State Parks (as of October 2026) |
| Accessibility | Not an ADA facility, according to Alaska State Parks |
| Managed By | Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
| Coordinates | 61.0310, -146.5634 |
Getting There
Valdez is the starting point, about 15 miles away. The bay is not protected, so use it as an anchorage only in fair weather, and watch the shallows in the northern arm.
Nearby State Parks
All neighbors are reached by water, so the straight-line distances below are shorter than any boat route. Shoup Bay State Marine Park lies about 8 miles north and Sawmill Bay State Marine Park about 8 miles west.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jack Bay State Marine Park?
About 15 miles from Valdez, southeast of Valdez Narrows in Prince William Sound; access is by boat or plane only.
Where are the campsites at Jack Bay?
The best ones are on the island in the middle of the bay, where a protected bight has four sites, two with tent platforms; two more platforms are on the mainland peninsula to the east.
Is Jack Bay a safe anchorage?
Only in fair weather. Alaska State Parks says the bay is not protected, and its northern arm becomes shallow a quarter mile out.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Jack Bay State Marine Park. Last updated: October 2026.
Camping reservations: Camping at Jack Bay State Marine Park cannot be booked online; Alaska State Parks lists no reservable sites for this park. Cabins and campsites that can be booked are listed at reservealaskastateparks.com. As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Jack Bay State Marine Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 9 feet required in developed facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, swim beaches, boat ramps).
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide pet ban on beaches; swim beaches count as developed facilities where the 9-foot leash rule applies.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- In the backcountry leashes are not required but pets must remain under voice control; in trapping areas (e.g. Chena River SRA) leashing is strongly advised for dog safety.
Are dogs allowed at Jack Bay State Marine Park?
Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.alaska.gov. More: Alaska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Jack Bay State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
