The sound of Bertha Creek flowing past campsites creates a natural soundtrack at this 12-site Forest Service campground along the Seward Highway. Located 56 miles from Anchorage in Turnagain Pass, the campground sits at an elevation where early season temperatures drop significantly at night. Sites spread across both forested and open terrain, with some positioned to face mountain views while others back up to the creek itself.
A hand-pump water system serves the campground, and Abigail notes "a small waterfall and creek with many ways to get there." The rocky creek bank provides fishing access, though salmon runs don't reach this elevation. Food lockers protect against bears at each site, and campers must pack out all trash since no collection service operates here. The campground lacks a resident host, with management handled from Granite Creek campground down the highway.
Cell service remains unavailable throughout the area. Sites operate on a first-come basis without reservations, though the smaller size means availability during peak season fills quickly. The access road conditions can deteriorate, particularly after weather events. Campers seeking additional options in the region can explore campgrounds around Girdwood for different amenities and reservation systems.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Recreation
Bertha Creek campground makes a convenient base for berry picking, hiking, biking and exploring the area. The family can try out gold panning on unvegetated gravels along Bertha Creek.
Facilities
Bertha Creek Campground is a small loop campground with 12 sites suitable for vehicle camping, small RV's and tents. Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table. There are also vault toilets, a water spigot, and trash services durring the summer months.
Natural Features
Bertha Creek Campground is located just south of Turnagain Pass on the Seward Highway in the Kenai Mountains. The campground is tucked into an open forest beside the confluence of Bertha and Granite creeks at the base of steep mountains.
Nearby Attractions
Explorers can travel 1.5 miles south on the Seward Highway to the Johnston Pass Trailhead. From this trailhead you can hike or bike either the trail or the paved bike path that stretches roughly seven miles south to the wayside near the intersect of the Hope and Seward Highways. One can also head north on the Seward Highway 3 miles and reach Turnagain Pass. The parking area on the south side of the Highway offers access to the Turnagain Pass Trail to hike or bike and has ample opportunites to see wildlife and wildflowers in bloom.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 783-3242.
Map & DirectionsBertha Creek Campground is located in Alaska near Girdwood
Directions
Bertha Creek Campground can be found at mile post 65.4 of the Seward Highway. The campground is 61.6 miles south of Anchorage and 65.4 miles north of Seward.
Coordinates
60.751094 N
149.255688 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
Drive Time
- 7 hrs 57 min from Fairbanks, AK
