Decision Point Dispersed Camping

Camp on the deck of a ferry. Covered solariums located on the upper decks of each vessel are popular sleeping areas and for those traveling with small tents, they are allowed on the upper decks. 

Alaska Marine Highway

Whittier Parking and Camping offers supervised vehicle and vessel trailer parking and a separate campground facility in the heart of Whittier, Alaska.  Our friendly staff monitors operations during extended business hours, 7-days per week, during spring, summer and fall--usually from mid-April to late October.  We are found across the railroad tracks along Whittier Street, a short walk south of the local small boat harbor, private marina, cruise dock and day-cruise facilities.

        Parking and camping operations are available at reasonable rates to support visitors who recreate in Western Prince William Sound during the six-month summer season.   We accept cash, checks and most major credit cards (Visa, Discover and Master Card). 

Whitter Parking and Camping

Whittier Parking and Camping offers supervised vehicle and vessel trailer parking and a separate campground facility in the heart of Whittier, Alaska.  Our friendly staff monitors operations during extended business hours, 7-days per week, during spring, summer and fall--usually from mid-April to late October.  We are found across the railroad tracks along Whittier Street, a short walk south of the local small boat harbor, private marina, cruise dock and day-cruise facilities.

Parking and camping operations are available at reasonable rates to support visitors who recreate in Western Prince William Sound during the six-month summer season.   We accept cash, checks and most major credit cards (Visa, Discover and Master Card). 

 

City of Whittier Camp Ground

## Overview

Pigot Bay Cabin is tucked away in a secluded and picturesque area of Prince William Sound. It is open year-round, offering an ideal base for exploration, recreation and relaxation.   
  
  
  
The area can be accessed by float plane or boat, depending on conditions. The cabin is reached via a staircase from the beach. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Recreation

The topography is very rugged, which limits hiking in the area. Visitors can bring kayaks to explore the bay along the coast of Port Wells, but should consult the [local tide reports](http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions/NOAATidesFacade.jsp?Stationid=9454798) in advance for their safety.   
  
Fishing is fair for pink salmon in late July and early August in freshwater streams and the saltwater of the bay. Saltwater fishing is possible for halibut and red snapper (rockfish) near Pigot Bay and the western shore of Esther Island.   
  
Pigot Bay also offers some good shrimping spots. Digging for butter clams is possible on the few gravel beaches at the head of the bay. Hunting for deer and bear is allowed in designated seasons with the proper permits. Blueberries and raspberries are also available for picking in season.

## Facilities

The 16 x 16 foot A-frame cabin has a main floor and a loft. It sleeps six and comes equipped with wooden bunks, a table with benches, an oil drip (Kerosene) stove, fire extinguisher and a broom. Cabin users must supply their own karosene fuel for the stove. Typically 1 gallon/ day is sufficent.   
  
  
A new Composting Toilet has recently been built. The toilet has a seperating toilet seat which redirects urine into a leach field. The outhouse has been converted to a composting toilet and requires the user to add a small amount of peat (1/2 cup) after use. There is a metal bin for users to burn their toilet paper, please burn tp. 

The gravel area in front of the cabin has a small campfire ring.   
  
  
Water and electricity are not available. Visitors must bring their own supply of drinking water, especially since natural sources may be difficult to access. Any water from natural sources should be treated before drinking.   
  
  
  
Items such as a cook stove, cooking gear, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, sleeping pads, trash bags, toilet paper and Kerosene are not provided. 

Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving.

## Natural Features

Pigot Bay Cabin is located on a tall bluff overlooking Pigot Bay. The bay is mostly steep-sided, but has a wide, shallow outwash valley at its head. The cabin sits at the edge of a dense evergreen forest, offering views over the bay to the mountains and glaciers beyond.   
  
Black bears, bald eagles and waterfowl (mainly geese at the head of the bay) are common visitors to the area ([learn about bear safety](http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=livingwithbears.bearcountry)). Mountain goats are sometimes seen on the surrounding cliffs. Prince William Sound supports such species as Dall's and harbor porpoises, harbor seals, sea otters and sea lions. A lucky few may even spot a pod of orcas or a humpback whale.

Pigot Bay Cabin

Entry Cove State Park

## Overview

Paulson Bay Cabin offers a secluded getaway for relaxation and recreation in the beautiful Prince William Sound. The cabin is open year-round and makes a great base for sea kayaking, fishing, shrimping and sightseeing.   
  
This remote site can be accessed by float plane or by boat, depending on conditions. The cabin sits on a bluff and can be reached by some steps leading up from the beach. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Recreation

Hiking in the area is fairly easy because there is relatively little brush to inhibit movement. A three-quarter mile route leads north from the cabin to the creek.   
  
Guests can bring kayaks for exploring the coastline and the bay. [Local tide reports](http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions/NOAATidesFacade.jsp?Stationid=9454798) should be consulted before any kayaking trip, and kayakers should watch out for the numerous submerged rock ledges in the area.   
  
Fishing is good for chum and pink salmon, usually from late July through August. Guests can also catch shrimp and bottom fish. Hunting for bear and waterfowl is available in season with the proper permits.

## Facilities

The 12 x 14 foot cabin sleeps six and comes equipped with wooden bunks, a table with benches, and an oil drip (Kerosene) stove for heat, fire extinguisher, broom and an outhouse with composting toilet. It is the responsibility of cabin users to supply kerosene fuel for the duration of their stay. With moderate use, the stove burns about 1 gallon/ day. 

A new Composting Toilet has recently been built. The toilet has a seperating toilet seat which redirects urine into a leach field. The outhouse has been converted to a composting toilet and requires the user to add a small amount of peat (1/2 cup) after use. There is a metal bin for users to burn their toilet paper, please burn tp. 

Water and electricity are not available. Guests must bring their own supply of drinking water.   
Items such as a cook stove, cooking gear, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, sleeping pads, trash bags and toilet paper and heating fuel (kerosene) are not provided. 

Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving.

## Natural Features

Paulson Bay Cabin is situated at the head of Paulson Bay, on the west side of Cochrane Bay in Prince William Sound. The terrain is rolling and transitions into rugged mountains. The cabin is set in an open wooded area with muskeg nearby and offers a spectacular view of Port Wells and College Fiord with Harvard Glacier in the background.   
  
Black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles make their home here ([learn about bear safety](http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=livingwithbears.bearcountry)). Prince William Sound supports abundant sea life, including waterfowl, sea otters, orcas, Dall's porpoises, harbor seals and sea lions.

Paulson Bay Cabin

Open year round, but some of the season is considered "off season"...During the off-season there is no water, no trash service, and no fees. Please pack out all garbage. Outhouse/toilet facilities may be unavailable. Reservations are made though Recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777) and recommended for summer camping. Fees are charged during the summer season. Reservations may be made up to180 days prior to your desired arrival date in the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day in September). Williwaw is the the larger of the two campgrounds in Portage Valley. Located about 1 mile from the popular Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. 60 sites. Can accomodate RV's. Restroom facilities and hand pump water is provided. $18 (single)/$28 (double). A non-refundable service fee will be added to each reservation by Recreation.gov Williwaw Campground, an idyllic area, sits beside Williwaw Creek near the town of Girdwood, Alaska. The campground boasts prime fishing, hiking and wildlife watching all within the Portage Valley. Next to the campground is the Williwaw Salmon Viewing Area, a top-notch spot for salmon viewing. In August, visitors can see these fish spawning in impressive numbers through the translucent waters. The area is a great place to view numerous glaciated valleys and the Portage Glacier. Over the past 80 years, the glacier calved large icebergs into Portage Lake, located just east of the campground. Recreation Wildlife viewing includes moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles and wolves. The Williwaw Nature Trail can be reached from the campground. It heads to the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, passes under the highway bridge and follows Williwaw Creek to a series of ponds. The trail then connects to the Trail of Blue Ice, which accesses the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. The Trail of Blue Ice is also popular among mountain bikers. Facilities Drinking water from hand pumps, vault toilets, picnic tables and a parking area are provided at Williwaw Campground. Campsites are nicely separated, but no electric hookups are available. Natural Features The campground sits in the Portage Valley of the eastern Kenai Peninsula in the Chugach National Forest. The Forest, spanning 5,361,803 acres is comprised of arid tundra wilderness, jagged mountains, deep fjords and glacier-fed rivers that surround the Prince William Sound. Nearby Attractions Consider visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Portage Glacier, the town of Whittier and Byron Glacier. ADA Access: N

Williwaw Campground

**Black Bear Campground is open. Beginning May 18, 2019 fees will be charged and services available.** During the off-season there is no water, no trash service, and no fees. Please pack out all garbage. Outhouse/toilet facilities may be unavailable. A small loop campground with 12 sites suitable for vehicle camping (RV's not recommended) and tents. 12 sites. Vault toilet, hand driven water pump, dumpster, picnic tables, fire rings, bear lockers. Not included: running water, electricity, dump station, or wood. $14/night

Black Bear Campground

## Overview

Note: Goose Bay Cabin remains closed due to damage sustained from heavy snow loading. For more information, please contact the Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242. Goose Bay Cabin is a great place for recreation, relaxation and sightseeing on Prince William Sound. This is a prime spot for winter recreationists, but a variety of activities are offered throughout the year for backcountry enthusiasts. This remote site can be accessed by a 45-minute float plane trip from Anchorage or a boat ride from Whittier, depending on conditions. In mid-November, the bay freezes over, making transportation to the cabin a challenge. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. 

## Recreation

The area around Goose Bay offers year-round recreational opportunities. Hiking and kayaking are popular summer pastimes.   
  
The terrain on Culross Island attracts backcountry and cross-country skiers in winter and early spring, as well as snowshoers. A ski or snowshoe adventure to the high point on Culross Island offers spectacular views of Prince William Sound and the jagged, glaciated peaks of the Chugach Range.   
  
The cabin makes a good base for fishing and shrimping expeditions in Culross Passage. Deer hunting can be good here in the fall.

## Facilities

The 12x14 foot cabin sleeps six and comes equipped with wooden bunks, a table, benches, a propane stove for heat and an outside pit toilet.   
  
The facility does meet accessibility standards, but the ramp leading to the cabin from the water is only wheelchair-accessible during high tide. At low tide, guests may have to walk through some mud to get to the ramp from the water. Propane may be available onsite during the summer season only (June-August).   
  
No electricity or water is available. Guests need to bring their own supply of drinking water, as well as propane between October and mid-May. The propane stove has the same hookup as a standard gas barbecue grill.   
  
Items such as a cook stove, lanterns or flashlights, bedding, sleeping pads, cooking gear, garbage bags and toilet paper are not provided. All trash must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before departure.

## Natural Features

Goose Bay is at the head of a narrow waterway on the east side of Culross Passage. The cabin is tucked into a small lagoon on the east side of Goose Bay on the western shore of Culross Island. Fragile muskeg, tall grasses and evergreen trees surround the cabin. Views from the front porch reveal a small waterfall and the gentle, evergreen-forested slopes across the bay.   
  
  
  
Visitors to the area may see bald eagles soaring overhead, catch a glimpse of a Sitka Black tail dear or black bear ([learn about bear safety](http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=livingwithbears.bearcountry)). Lucky guests may spot orcas or Dall's porpoises frolicking in the waters of Prince William Sound on the approach to Goose Bay.

Goose Bay Cabin

## Overview

Shrode Lake Cabin is open year-round, offering the opportunity to enjoy both summer and winter recreation in beautiful Prince William Sound. The cabin is in a secluded location that provides a true backcountry experience.   
  
The site can be accessed by float plane or boat, depending on conditions. Those arriving by boat have two choices.   
The Long Bay trailhead is only accessible at very high tides and small shore-going boats (Kayak, packraft or Dinghy).   
It's about a 1 mile hike from salt water to the Cabin from the Long Bay trailhead. If accessing the Shrode Lake Cabin from the Three Fingers trailhead, larger boats can motor into the middle (of the three) finger and will see a trailhead sign at the head of the Bay. It's ~2 mile hike from Trailhead to the Cabin and requires a river crossing just before arriving to the Cabin. A third option (from the Three Fingers Trailhead) is to utilize the .5 mile Portage trail (between Salt Water and Shrode Lake) to carry a canoe, kayak or packraft. Then you'll have a ~2 mile paddle along the North shore of Shrode Lake to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements, safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Recreation

Hike on the one-mile trail to Long Bay or hike to Jack Lake (no designated trail), which is a half-mile from the cabin. Three Fingers Cove to the west of Shrode Lake can be accessed via a one and a two mile primitive trail that may require some route-finding skills. Note: This trail requires a substantial river crossing (Shrode River) before arriving at the Cabin. Depending on the water level Shrode River can be fordable in knee high rubber boots or completley unpassable (without a packraft or similar).   
  
  
  
Anglers can fish for sockeye salmon in mid-July, a relatively small run that passes through quickly. Abundant pink salmon are available from mid-July to mid-August, and silver salmon in late August. Fishing takes place in Long Bay (saltwater), the lagoon between saltwater and Shrode Lake, and the stream that drains Shrode Lake. Dolly Varden trout are available in Shrode Lake.   
  
  
  
Guests can use the small rowboat and oars provided by the Forest Service at Shrode Lake, but should bring their own personal floatation device. It is important to consult tide tables before boating in order to properly navigate the lagoon and avoid the numerous rock hazards in the area ([local tide tables](http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tide_predictions.shtml?gid=276)).  
  
  
  
In season deer and bear hunting is possible in designated areas with a permit. The terrain and amount of snowfall makes for excellent cross-country and backcountry skiing in the spring months.

## Facilities

The cabin is a 16 x 16 foot A-frame with a main floor and a sleeping loft. It accommodates up to six people and comes equipped with wooden bunks, an oil drip (kerosene) heater, a table, benches, broom, fire extinguisher and an outhouse with a pit toilet.   
  
  
  
Water, electricity and fuel for the heater are not provided. Freshwater is available around the cabin, but it should be treated before drinking.   
  
  
  
Visitors are responsible for bringing their own drinking water, kerosene for heater (typically a gallon/ day is sufficent), a cook stove, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, mattresses, toilet paper, garbage bags, cookware, dishes and utensils.

Visitors are responsible for packing out all trash and cleaning the cabin after use. 

## Natural Features

Shrode Cabin is situated on the northeastern shore of Shrode Lake, a freshwater lake near Long Bay, which is just off Culross Passage in Prince William Sound. Shrode Lake is separated from the saltwater Long Bay by a lagoon.   
  
The cabin is located in an open grassy and muskeg area with evergreen forest nearby. The front of the cabin overlooks the lake and surrounding mountains.   
  
Black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, waterfowl and bald eagles make their home here ([learn about bear safety](http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=livingwithbears.bearcountry)).

Shrode Lake Cabin

## Overview

Spencer Bench Cabin is located at 1,900 feet in elevation at the end of the Spencer Bench Trail.   
The trail climbs away from the lake revealing breathtaking views of the Placer River Valley, Spencer Lake and the Spencer Glacier below. The cabin sits just below several alpine meadows with vegetation of low shrubs, grasses and summer wildflowers.   
  
  
Spencer Bench Cabin is available for rent year round. 

Spencer Bench Cabin is available to rent on Recreation.gov from Labor day through May 31 annually. 

During the summer season, from June 1 through Labor Day, the Alaska Railroad provides access to the area as well as reservations for Spencer Bench Cabin. To reserve the cabin during the summer season, please contact the Alaska Railroad at 800-544-0552. Summer reservations go on sale the First Friday in March annually. 

Please verify schedules at the Alaska Railroad website (www.alaskarailroad.com) prior to relying on the train for transportation. 

Outside of the core summer season, the Placer river valley (and Spencer Lake) is accessible via jet boat and float plane. 

## Recreation

Spencer Bench provides a picturesque view into the heart of the Chugach National Forest. Although the Spencer Bench Trail currently ends at the cabin, the open alpine areas just above the cabin offer excellent off-trail hiking and sightseeing opportunities during the summer months. Glaciers and peaks around the cabin offer experienced climbers a challenging adventure.

For winter recreationists, this cabin provides an incredible base camp for backcountry skiing and snowmachine adventures. It takes an advanced skillset and knowledge of avalanche hazards to access this Cabin via skis or snowmachines in the winter. Some parties do opt to charter a ski plane or helicopter to provide quick and easy winter access. More information on avalanche hazards in this area can be found at the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center website (www.CNFAIC.org). 

## Facilities

The cabin is a 15x17-foot, trapper-style cabin made entirely out of Alaskan yellow cedar. It can sleep six to eight people and offers a small kerosene heater, wooden bunks, a table with benches, fire extinguisher, and an outhouse. Electricity, water and fuel (kerosene) for the heater are not provided. Guests are responsible for supplying their own drinking water, kerosene for heater (Typically 1 gallon/ day is sufficient), a cook stove, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, mattresses, toilet paper, garbage bags, cookware, dishes and utensils. A creek is located near the cabin site but water should be treated before consumption.

## Natural Features

Black and brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine and moose inhabit the area. Mountain goats, marmots, arctic ground squirrels and spruce grouse may be spotted on the terrain around the cabin. Crow berries and Salmon Berries are plentiful in the late summer, along with low-bush blueberries.

## Nearby Attractions

The Placer River Valley and Spencer Lake developed Recreation area offers diverse recreational opportunities including easy hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing, rafting and fishing during the summer months. In the winter this area is popular with backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.

Spencer Bench Cabin

USDA Forest Service

A 5 mile paddle from Whittier, AK. Watch the weather waves can build up quickly. A number of tent platforms, 2 toilets and a few bear proof boxes. From this camp ground it is time to "decide" which way you want to go as the sound really opens up to you. There is fresh water but boil or filter it first. I think I must have camped here at least 30 or 40 times, most of it before tent platforms, toilets or bear containers. I've camped here May June July August

Decision Point Dispersed Camping

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About a 5 mile ocean kayaking trip from Whittier, Alaska, tent platforms

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