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.
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!
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 :)
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.
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.
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.
