Top Free Dispersed Camping near Anchorage, AK

Camping near Anchorage, Alaska, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: Trails like the Twin Peak trailhead near Eklutna - Chugach State Park provide beautiful views and a chance to see wildlife. One camper mentioned, "Trails were beautiful, lake view beautiful, lots of animals to see."
• Fishing: Many campgrounds, such as Granite Creek, are close to rivers and lakes where you can fish. A reviewer noted, "Granite Creek runs along the east side of the campground, and there are some small fish (Dolly Varden) that you might catch."
• Paddling: The calm waters at Eklutna - Chugach State Park are perfect for flat water paddling. One visitor shared, "The lake offers lots of stunning recreation opportunities for flat water paddling and fishing."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A review for Bird Creek Campground highlights, "This campground has nice size sites for RV's... The sites were clean, as were the vault toilets."
• Wildlife Encounters: Many enjoy spotting wildlife. A camper at Eagle River Campground mentioned, "We also had a moose and calf hanging around."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness of places like Porcupine Campground. One reviewer said, "It was quiet and from all aspects was exactly what we were looking for."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Eagle River Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "Limited water (20gal a day). No hookups, no trash service and no RV dumping."
• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A camper at Bird Creek Campground warned, "Mosquitoes ate us alive."
• First-Come, First-Served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A reviewer at Finger Lake State Rec Area advised, "I would try to show up closer to noon after people are leaving those sites."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. A family at Matanuska River Park Campground enjoyed, "This is a wonderful campground in the town of Palmer."
• Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. One camper at Williwaw Campground mentioned, "We had a Mountain View and were close to multiple nature trails."
• Pack Snacks: Keep kids happy with snacks on hand. A visitor at Granite Creek noted, "The campground was quiet but we could walk the Trail of Blue Ice."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Eagle River Campground said, "Nice size for RVs if all lengths."
• Be Ready for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds don’t have electric hookups. A camper at Matanuska River Park Campground mentioned, "There are also some sites with electricity - a few more dollars but extremely close together."
• Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A visitor at Bird Creek Campground advised, "This first come-first served campground is popular on weekends."

Exploring the anchorage, Alaska camping sites can be a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone.