The US Forest Service manages this campground within the Chugach National Forest, where rough access roads lead to forested sites near Ptarmigan Creek. The facility operates from late May through early September, charging $19 per night during the managed season, though gates may remain open longer with no services or fees if weather permits.
Sites accommodate RVs up to 85 feet, with pull-through spots 10 and 13 designed for larger rigs. The campground sits close enough to Seward for day trips while providing creek access for fishing. Black bears frequent the area, making proper food storage essential. "Ptarmigan Creek is one of my favorite places to take friends camping in AK," notes Melissa N.. A boardwalk offers salmon viewing opportunities during late-season runs from August through October.
Campers report limited cell service and variable bug activity depending on weather conditions. The creek runs rapidly but provides good fishing access. Sites remain somewhat secluded from the road, though the campground fills quickly during favorable weather. Reservations help secure spots during peak season, and visitors must pack out all trash during off-season camping when services aren't provided.
Description
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
Campground amenities include drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings and dumpsters. No RV hookups are available but firewood is sold on-site. Parking aprons are gravel.
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.
Map & DirectionsChugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground is located in Alaska near Moose Pass
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/6/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
