Eagle River Campground in Chugach State Park sits at elevations between 150-700 feet, offering campsites in a boreal forest environment. The park spans more than 495,000 acres and contains some of the most accessible wildlife viewing areas within 30 minutes of Anchorage. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F while summer daytime temperatures typically range from 55-75°F.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park, visitors can spot bald eagles along the river corridor. "This is one of my favorite campgrounds to visit. Living in Eagle River, this campground allows me to get out of town without going far," notes Melisa A., who recommends bringing bug nets for your head when mosquitoes are bad.
Lake activities: Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park provides kayaking, canoeing and swimming options with glacial mountain backdrops. According to Shadara W., "Gorgeous any time of year. Trails to hike or play on the lake! This campground is situated with access to Eklunta Lake and boy is that perfect."
Canoe trail system: At South Rolly Lake Campground, campers can access a 6-mile canoe trail system through Nancy Lake Recreation Area. "Great, well maintained campground for a base camp for exploring the Nancy Lake Rec. Area! We hiked on the nearby Red Shirt Lake Trail and caught a ton of small northern pike on Red Shirt Lake," shares Cassandra S.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Finger Lake State Recreation Site Campground offers spacious campsites with natural buffers. "The tent spots are large, level, and have nice and lush grass. The lake is just a short walk from the campgrounds and has a nice spot to fish from the shore with little ones," mentions Staci J.
Year-round accessibility: Rocky Lake State Recreation Site provides camping within 15 minutes of Wasilla. "Not the best campground for RVs but wonderful for tents and small campers. Only about 10 sites that can be reserved online. Right against the lake so great for fishing, canoeing and kayaking," notes a reviewer.
Tranquility close to town: Matanuska Lake State Recreation Area offers quiet tent sites despite proximity to highways. "The tent sites in the back are great. They are huge and have privacy between them. There's a vault toilet which is kept clean. No services or amenities but it's not far to the town of palmer," explains Melissa W.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: When glamping close to Anchorage, Alaska, bear encounters are possible. "Don't keep your food out of a secured box or by your tent, or rent one of their yurts. Make sure you take bear spray and/or a gun with you," advises a camper at Eagle River Campground.
Seasonal availability: Most glamping facilities near Anchorage operate May through September due to harsh winter conditions. Eklutna Lake Campground is typically open during these months only.
Gate closures: Some campgrounds restrict overnight access. At Rocky Lake State Recreation Site, "There is a curfew of sorts where they lock the entrance and exit gates at 8pm/10pm and open again at 8am," reports Jessica J.
Weather variability: Even summer visitors should prepare for rain. "It ended up raining the whole weekend but was still a great trip. The camp hosts were helpful with fire wood for sale," shares a visitor at South Rolly Lake Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: South Rolly Lake Campground offers calm water recreation and gentle trails. "We stayed here using a pull through site, no power with a walking path directly to the lake. The camp hosts were helpful with fire wood for sale, the toilets not terrible and bathroom area clean, kayak/canoe rentals on location, water, and a little sand area for kids to play in," says Samantha M.
Rainy day alternatives: When camping near Anchorage with kids, have backup activities planned. "We ended up driving to the extreme fun center for the kids since it rained all day and had a blast!" shares a camper who stayed at Rocky Lake Recreation Site.
Kid-friendly glamping: For luxury camping near Anchorage, Alaska, some sites offer enhanced comfort. "There is also a lovely little central area safe for kids to play in. We stayed up until the rise telling stories around the fire and taking late night swims," reports Sierra S. about South Rolly Lake.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Anchorage N KOA Journey offers full services for RVs. "Spots had space, grass, fire pits, full hook up and dump hook up. Staff was so accommodating! Firewood and other amenities available," notes Sierra D., who gave the campground 5 stars.
Parking challenges: Many wilderness campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "Watched a few RVs and 5th wheels struggle into spots on the one way road," warns a reviewer at Rocky Lake State Recreation Site about the tight access.
Budget-friendly options: Centennial Campground offers affordable RV camping with basic amenities. "Location and price is right and that is what you pay for. $35 for hookups for the night whereas the other campground in town was $80. Huge difference," explains Kristi D., who needed a quick stopover.
