Base Camp Root Glacier, near McCarthy, Alaska, is a stunning spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature's beauty. With breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains and the Root Glacier, this campground offers a unique experience that’s hard to beat.

The area is perfect for tent camping, RVs, or even glamping, though amenities are pretty basic. Visitors often mention the peaceful atmosphere, with many choosing to set up right by the river to enjoy the soothing sounds of rushing water. As one camper noted, “You could sit here to just enjoy the scenery.” Fire pits and picnic tables are scattered around, making it easy to settle in for a cozy evening under the stars.

For adventure seekers, the campground serves as a gateway to McCarthy and Kennicott, where you can catch shuttles or explore the local dining scene. The nearby hiking trails are known for their stunning views and wildlife sightings, including bear tracks. Plus, if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights lighting up the sky.

While the road to get here can be a bit of a trek, many agree that the journey is worth it for the incredible scenery and the chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle. Whether you're here for a night or planning a longer stay, Base Camp Root Glacier is a fantastic choice for those looking to experience the wild side of Alaska.

Base Camp Root Glacier

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, McCarthy, AK has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are McCarthy campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near McCarthy, AK. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

McCarthy

The Best Camping Near McCarthy, Alaska

Chugach Mountains on one side, the Root Glacier on the other, and a rushing river on the third side. The MOST gorgeous scenery at a campsite I've ever been to. There is no NP campground in this remote part of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (the largest NP in the US). You can either drive the 30-mile gravel road for 3 hours or take a 4-seater plane in. The flight was our vacation splurge and it was breathtaking. We were dropped off by a shuttle at the other side of the river and used a wheeled cart to carry out gear and cross the pedestrian bridge to the campground. No one was there but we found a picnic table with instructions to put our $20/night cash in an envelope. We found a site on the other side (the side by the picnic table had cars/RV's that had driven in, our side had 3 tents the first night, none the next 2 nights). There aren't really any designated campsites, but there were a scattering of picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of land. Despite the remoteness, we were glad to discover an outhouse and a large container of potable water on site. The town of McCarthy (15 minute walk) had 1 restaurant open that we ate dinner at each night after exploring the Root Glacier and ice climbing. We bought sack lunches from the lodge in Kennicott and only had to cook breakfast. Bear containers are required here if you don't have a vehicle, and we were able to check one out for free from the NP visitor center (not on site, but several hours earlier in the day's drive). While the campground itself is very basic, the remote location and beauty make the effort and expense to get here absolutely worth it! Highly recommended! 

Remote, difficult to get to, and totally worth it!

I came to this campground in the middle of May. No one else seemed to be camping there. There were cars parked in the parking area but most of them seemed to be broke down. No one ever even acknowledged that we were there. You pay buy an honor system of filling out a white slip of paper and putting it on your dash. $20 for overnight camping and $5 for day parking. This campground is conveniently located right next to the foot bridge that goes into McCarthy. If you are tent camping you have to set up on the bare rocks. It can also get very windy. Outhouses did not seem to be set up so we drove a mile out of town to the NPS public pit toilets since they were clean and open. There are picnic tables and rock fire rings scattered around for public use. The views are stunning and I'm sure they are even better in the summer!

Rocky and sketchy but with amazing views! 

The host was really friendly and helpful, easy going guy who owns the property. It’s a flat rate and you can camp wherever you want! There is lots of space to have your own spot. There are lots of fire pits and picnic tables around, as well as outhouses. Great location right by the river and bridge and a short walk to the lake with amazing views of the glacier!

Friendly host, lots of space

This is less of a campsite and more of a  just roughing-in it (boondocking) on the side of the river on some gravel. Gorgeous views in every direction so worth the gravelly spots. Perfect Campground for the jumping off into Kennicott and McCarthy. Listen to the Raging River as you fall asleep. Friendly host went out of his way to let us use his phone to check up on grown kids at home. No real fire puts to speak of, we used rocks to enclose our fire and there were plenty of those. No table either but considering the price we really didnt mind for being close to the bridge into McCarthy. 

Breathtaking Views!

Parking/campground at the end of the road. 25$ for very limited service. The view of the glacier is nice but the rest of the campground has no charm. If you have time, look for a dispersed site 10miles or so before McCarty.

End of the road

Great spot for families, only 1/2 from McCarthy and 5 miles from Kennicott. Over the footbridge you can take public shuttles for a fee to Kennicott. 

Warning- McCarthy can attract a lot of partying, some visitor may be louder and stay up late. 

Stunning views

Stopped here before our hike up to root glacier. The drive there was so beautiful but definitely challenging. 

One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen 

This place is so far out of the way and worth it. We only stayed one night but there was enough around and the site was so great, I wish we could have stayed for two. The road to get here isn't hard, just extremely long. When it's wet and the potholes are full of water, you have to treat each of them like they're a foot deep since you have no depth perception. It took us about 3 hours on Nabsena road in our rental jeep compass. We were here in shoulder season and had our pick of spots. We set up right along the water. It was extremely peaceful and relaxing. You could sit here to just enjoy the scenery. Walking into McCarthy is fun too and has a couple of dining options. The city's public outhouses are night, the home made pits on the campground are okay (the dimensions are a little off and they're awkward to sit on). I can't remember if they have wood available but don't count on any amenities. Being shoulder season, we were treated to less than 10 others in the campground (any RV's should be prepared to bondock). Plenty of bear tracks sited hiking in the area and locals said the grizzly's were coming out at night. We even got a glimpse of the Northern Lights but the stars alone are incredible here. This site was well worth travelling for.

Great secluded camping

While this campsite might be basic in amenities, the views are unbeatable! This also give great access to McCarthy and Kennicott shuttles. Be very careful on the road here, we got a flat on the way out but some very kind Alaskans helped us out and got us on the way.

Photos of Base Camp Root Glacier

Real photos from real campers