Fishing, wildlife watching, and trail access draw campers to Black Bear Campground in Portage Valley, where the surrounding forest and nearby creek give the site its name in more than one way. Bears do pass through. Shadara W. noted that one moved through camp without incident, "just getting to the creek and fish." The campground sits within Chugach National Forest, and anglers can head to the Williwaw Salmon Viewing Area down the road when fish are running. A boardwalk adds a practical touch to the forested setting.
The campground runs about 11 to 12 sites, none paved, and the layout does not accommodate RVs or larger motorhomes. Sites are described as fairly close together but reasonably spacious, each with a fire ring, wooden picnic table, and bear-proof food storage box. A hand pump provides water on-site, and restrooms are serviced regularly during the main season. Road noise is a consistent mention across reviews, as sound carries off the valley walls. Cell service is not available.
Williwaw Campground, just under half a mile east, draws more traffic and tends to fill faster. Black Bear is frequently passed over in favor of it, which means sites here are more likely to be available on busy summer weekends. The campground stays open into autumn and winter, though maintenance stops and facilities may not be stocked. Campers visiting off-season should bring their own supplies and plan to pack out all waste. No pets are permitted at any time of year.
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
Wildlife viewing includes moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles, and salmon. The Trail of Blue Ice that stretches almost the entire length of Portage Valley can be reached from the campground. From this trail you can acces the Williwaw Nature Trail, Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, Moose Flats Area, Begich Boggs Visitor Center, Byron Glacier Trail, and Portage Glacier Cruises. Portage Lake, at the head of the valley, allows access for kayaking and packrafting.
Facilities
Vault toilets, picnic tables, and bear boxes are provided at Black Bear Campground. Campsites are nicely separated, but no electric hookups are available.
Natural Features
Black Bear campground sits in the stunning Portage Valley in the Chugach National Forest.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 782-3242.
Nearby Attractions
Begich Boggs Visitor Center lies at the head of Portage Valley where you can learn about glaciers and Alaska. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is located on near the intersect of the Seward Higway and Portage Highway. Here you can see all different kinds of Alaskan wildlife. Portage Glacier Cruises offers the chance to ride a boat and get up close to Portage Glacier.
Map & DirectionsBlack Bear Campground is located in Alaska near Whittier
Directions
At mile post 78.9 of the Seward Highway, turn onto the Portage Highway. Drive 3.7 miles and the Black Bear Campground will be on your right.
Coordinates
60.788454 N
148.888759 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 50 min from Fairbanks, AK
