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Established Camping

Williwaw Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Williwaw Campground, near Girdwood, Alaska, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of Chugach National Forest. With spacious sites that offer a good amount of privacy, campers can enjoy the great outdoors without feeling cramped.

This campground is known for its picturesque views, especially of the nearby mountains and glaciers. Visitors rave about the well-maintained picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for cooking up a meal or roasting marshmallows. One camper mentioned, “The picnic table was big and clean, and the fire pit had a grate over the top for cooking.”

For those who love hiking, you’re in luck! Williwaw Campground is close to several trails, including the Trail of Blue Ice, which offers breathtaking scenery. Plus, the nearby creek adds to the tranquil atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring. Just remember to pack a rain jacket and be prepared for some wind, as the area can get breezy.

While there are no electric hookups or showers, the campground does provide vault toilets and drinking water. It’s a popular spot, so arriving early or making a reservation is a smart move. Whether you’re camping in a tent or an RV, Williwaw Campground is a solid choice for a memorable Alaskan adventure.

Reservation Info

Reservations are made though Recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777) and recommended for summer camping. Fees are charged during the summer season. Reservations may be made up to180 days prior to your desired arrival date in the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day in September).

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Location

Williwaw Campground is located in Alaska

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Anchorage go 55 miles south on Seward highway to Portage Glacier Road (milepost 78.9). The campground is located at mile 4.1 of the Portage Glacier Road.

Address

145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129
Girdwood, AK 99587

Coordinates

60.7866667 N
148.8775 W

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Connectivity

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    Verizon
    No Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2022

Great Private Spot

Even though the campground was completely full, we still had privacy. The picnic table was big and clean, and the fire pit had a grate over the top for cooking. There was also a nice open space for our tents at the site. We had a Mountain View and we’re close to multiple nature trails.

Site33
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Samantha F., July 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Samantha F., July 2, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2022

Glacier Blue Camp

This is a double site in Williwaw Campground and it was great! The air was crisp and cool, close to a flowing creek and a trail, a hand pump for water was next to the site, and the triangular fire pit was cool! We were in a campervan and did have mosquitoes at times. There was a short walk to the restrooms. The campground was quiet but we could walk the Trail of Blue Ice which had an entrance in the campground. Cell service in Alaska is hit or miss but AT&T was pretty much useless and Verizon was not much better…..but who comes out here for that.😊 Girdwood is your closest town for ice and firewood but take the tunnel to Whittier for a cool experience and quick snack!

Site020 DBLS
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Angie G., June 12, 2022
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Angie G., June 12, 2022
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Angie G., June 12, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2020

Always bring a rain jacket

Campground: Portage – Williwaw   So many nice things about this campground and the other portage campgrounds.  I always like to give the warnings but hope this does not keep you from coming here.  Be prepared for WIND.  I mean big wind.  Bring extra stakes if you are tent camping.  Be prepared for rain, lots of rain.  Be prepared for wildlife encounters.  I cannot tell you how many times I have seen black bear along this road.   It is centrally located between Anchorage and the Peninsula but has so many things to offer.  Trip through the Whittier tunnel is a definite.  If you are a hiker Byron glacier in good weather is decent hike.  If you have kids and even if you don’t then the Wildlife Conservation Center of Alaska is great way to get close to the biggest animals Alaska has to offer.   Cell Service: No Internet: No 2020 Cost: $18-$28 Max stay: 14 days Distance from Anchorage: 55 Best sites: Premium sites $28 – 20, 21, 30, 34, 41, 50, 57 Also good are spots 24, 25, 26, and 38 Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 5 if it gets sunny the bugs come out

  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Tanya B., August 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Tanya B., August 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Tanya B., August 23, 2020
  • (18) View All
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2019

Portage Valley Beauty Surrounds

Always full each weekend of summer so get here early or better yet make a reservation. There are pull through, back in and standard sights close to the river with easy access to the Trail of Blue Ice. Only downside is that where there is lots of privacy with full brush and trees between sights it in turn makes spotting a bear hard and there is a lit of bear activity here. No hookups but beautiful.

  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Shadara W., August 28, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2018

Must Stay in Chugach National Forest

Williwaw Campground near Portage Glacier is a must stay for those visiting Chugach National Forest. Located central to several hiking trails, salmon viewing, and 1.5mi from the visitor center. This campground offers large sites for RVs and tents alike. Picnic tables and fantastic fire pits at every site. Vault toilets and potable water available. We are looking forward to staying here again soon!

  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Kathy M., July 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Kathy M., July 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Kathy M., July 26, 2018
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2018

Amazing

This is a hidden gem!! It has completely paved roads. Each site is paved and very large. There are some pull throughs. It is super quiet and very well maintained. Unbelievable for $18. a night.

Site37
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Delaine N., July 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Delaine N., July 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Delaine N., July 5, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2018

Kids biking paradise

We have stayed at Williwaw many times and we really enjoy biking the trail to the visitor center and along the salmon stream. My kids learned to bike without training wheels on the paved loops in the campground. We also di a family ride to the the Byron Glacier trailhead and hiked 1 mile to see the glacier up close and personal.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Dylan H., June 23, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2017

Portage Area

We camped near this campground but not in the actual marked campground. The area was gorgeous, the creek had fish and we had tons of fun roasting s'mores :)

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 30, 2017

#1 in Portage

Williwaw is my favorite campground in Portage. You're right at the base of the mountain and the scenery is beautiful. It's huge (59 sites) and a great place to camp with kids. The road and driveways are paved, so it's easy walking and biking throughout the campground. Lots of trees and bushes between sites. We saw quite a few pull-through spots for motorhomes/campers and multiple vehicles.

Camp host is the first site on the right as you enter the campground. There are two one-way loops with sites on each side. The first loop on the right featured walking access to the Williwaw Salmon Viewing Area (salmon are running later in the summer). Toilets, fire rings and picnic tables are available. Take a day trip to Alyeska Resort to hike around or eat goodies at the Bake Shop, or to the Wildlife Conservation Center for big animal viewing. Check out the Begich-Boggs Visitors Center to learn all about glaciers, local wildlife and history of the Portage area. Head through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to Whittier (fee applies) and take in a day cruise or fishing trip.

Site15
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Audry P., May 30, 2017
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Audry P., May 30, 2017
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Audry P., May 30, 2017
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2016

Beautiful Campground tucked away from the busy world

In the summer, this campground books up fast so make reservations to guarantee your spot! It is a beautiful campground with a great glacier view from the campground and nice hiking trails. You are close to Portage Glacier and Whittier. The sites are nice and shaded with good separation between them. Great place to camp.

  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Staci J., August 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Staci J., August 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Staci J., August 30, 2016
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2016

A quick stop at the glaciers

We were only there for a few days, but wow! The things to do near the Williwaw Camground is perfect for a few days! Fishing, hiking, and seeing the glaciers are just a few. We enjoyed our stay very much and also met other happy travelers.

  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Joshua L., June 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Joshua L., June 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Williwaw Campground by Joshua L., June 27, 2016
  • (9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos available of Williwaw Campground to view before booking?

Yes, photos of Williwaw Campground are available on various camping platforms and the Chugach National Forest official website. These images typically showcase the campground's paved sites, mountain views, nearby glaciers, and surrounding forest. Photos help visualize the campground's layout with its picnic tables, fire pits with cooking grates, and the natural setting with trees and bushes between sites. For the most current visual representation before booking, check the Forest Service website or call the visitor center directly.

Is there a map of Williwaw Campground showing campsites and facilities?

Yes, maps of Williwaw Campground are available through the Chugach National Forest and recreation.gov websites. The map shows the 59 campsites, including pull-through and back-in sites, along with the paved loop road system. It indicates locations of amenities such as water pumps, restrooms, and access points to the Trail of Blue Ice. For detailed campsite selection, the map helps identify sites closer to the river or with mountain views. You can obtain physical maps at the Portage Glacier Visitor Center, located 1.5 miles from the campground.

What do reviews say about Williwaw Campground in Alaska?

Williwaw Campground in Alaska is highly rated for its scenic beauty, offering stunning mountain views and glacier vistas. Located in Portage, this 59-site campground features paved roads and driveways, making it ideal for walking and biking. Visitors appreciate the large, well-maintained sites with good separation between them, providing privacy despite being popular. The campground is perfectly situated for outdoor activities including fishing, hiking nearby trails, and visiting glaciers. It's particularly family-friendly with biking trails and salmon viewing opportunities. Be prepared for potentially windy conditions. Reservations are recommended as it fills up quickly during summer months.