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Facilities

Established Camping

Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground

Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground, near Seward, Alaska, is a cozy retreat that offers a unique blend of seclusion and access to stunning natural beauty. With its hidden spots away from the road, it’s a great place to unwind and soak in the Alaskan wilderness.

This campground is perfect for those who enjoy fishing and hiking, with nearby trails leading to breathtaking views. Visitors have noted the good fishing opportunities in Ptarmigan Creek, and the area is known for its wildlife, including black bears, so keep your bear spray handy. One camper mentioned, “The spots are secluded and hidden from the road which is great,” highlighting the campground's peaceful atmosphere.

While there are no electric hookups or showers, the campground does provide essential amenities like toilets and trash disposal. Some campers recommend sites 10 and 13 for larger rigs, and it’s wise to make reservations during peak season to secure your spot. As one reviewer pointed out, “When the weather is good, it can be hard to find a spot.”

For those looking to explore, you’re just a short drive from Seward, where you can visit Exit Glacier or enjoy local dining options. The campground’s location makes it a convenient base for outdoor adventures, whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just enjoying the serene surroundings.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Chugach National Forest

Overview

Ptarmigan Creek is a small, peaceful campground with incredible views of the Chugach Mountains. Nestled beside Ptarmigan Creek and a short walk from Kenai Lake, the campground creates an ideal location for avid wildlife enthusiasts, hikers and anglers. Miles of hiking and biking trails weave throughout the area, and moose, brown and black bear, sheep and goats can be found across a large part of the forest.

Recreation

From late August to early September campers can view red salmon spawning in the creek from Ptarmigan Creek's fish viewing platform. Fishing is a popular pastime, and Dolly Varden and rainbow trout are frequent catches. The Ptarmigan Lake Trail takes hikers along the shore of the turquoise lake and inclines up through meadows, brush and forest.

Facilities

From late August to early September campers can view red salmon spawning in the creek from Ptarmigan Creek's fish viewing platform. Fishing is a popular pastime, and Dolly Varden and rainbow trout are frequent catches. The Ptarmigan Lake Trail takes hikers along the shore of the turquoise lake and inclines up through meadows, brush and forest.

Natural Features

The campground sits in a wooded area at 470 feet elevation along Ptarmigan Creek. Campsites are shaded by spruce and paper birch, and mountain views are all around. The campground is part of the Kenai Peninsula in the western part of Chugach National Forest. A largely alpine region with miles of fishing streams and remote mountain peaks, Chugach extends across more than 5 million acres of arid tundra wilderness, rugged mountains, deep fjords and the Prince William Sound.

contact_info

For local information, please call (907) 522-8368 or call (907) 288-3178 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

National Historic Iditarod Trail.

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Location

Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground is located in Alaska

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Anchorage, go south on Seward Highway to Crown Point, approximately 100 miles. The campground is located at Milepost 23.1.

Address

Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur
Seward, AK 99664

Coordinates

60.4075 N
149.3619444 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2022

Be bear aware when camping here!

The spots are secluded and hidden from the road which is great. We saw some black bears in the area which was cool but make sure you have bear spray just in case. close to Seward which is also great!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground by Riley N., July 29, 2022
  • Review photo of Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground by Riley N., July 29, 2022
  • Review photo of Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground by Riley N., July 29, 2022
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2020

@ the Y go LEFT

Many of these campgrounds stay open until it snows. If the gate is open the campground is open per the Forest service website. In the off season there is no services and no fees. If that is the case you must pack out all your trash. You can reserve campsites here.

There is a board walk for salmon viewing during the later part of the season (August-October). When the weather is good it can be hard to find a spot. If the weather is overcast, you have a chance of finding something here. Reservations are always recommended in the peak of camping season. Sites 10 and 13 are pull throughs for the bigger rigs. Cell Service: no Internet: no 2020 Cost: $14 Distance from Anchorage: 98 miles Best sites: 10, 13 pull throughs Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 4-7 depending on weather

  • Review photo of Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground by Tanya B., August 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground by Tanya B., August 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground by Tanya B., August 14, 2020
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2017

Peaceful Alaskan Campground

Ptarmigan Creek is one of my favorite places to take friends camping in AK. It is on the way to Seward, and a close drive to visit Exit Glacier. The creek can be pretty rapid, but the fishing is good. Pack your trash away, there are bears in the area. I used to make this a required camping stop after going to the Girdwood Forest Fair.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground by Melissa N., July 3, 2017
  • Review photo of Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground by Melissa N., July 3, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground?

    Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground is located at 466 feet.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground?

    Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground allows vehicles up to 85 feet.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground?

    There are 17 campsites at Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts