Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Anchorage, AK

A nice campground a short trip away from anchorage. Lots of road noise at some camp spots but it’s bearable. Good well kept grounds with lots of cute spots. Awesome bike/hike trail right through the campgrounds. Spotty cell service but good 4G coverage.

Right off the Highway this RV park is not bad.  Although I prefer my camping more rural.  If you are visiting and just want to start one way out of Anchorage this could be a choice for you.  With everything from cabins, to full RV hook ups, to dry RV camping, and lakeside tent spots this is a good option for a first stop on a great Alaska adventure.    Because of it’s proximity to Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer you are not far from anything.  There is good cell and internet service here as well and stores to get everything you need.  Spaces are close to each other and I would not recommend spending my entire camping trip there, but they are a good option if you need something close.   Cell Service: Yes Internet: Yes Distance from Anchorage: Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 45 miles

I really enjoy this campground. My dog got a tick here (yes a tick) 15 years ago when I stayed here so I have been coming for many years. The close proximity to the lake is nice. This is not a motorized sport lake or float planes landing that I have ever seen means you can paddle out without worrying about other peoples wakes. It also lets you float silently and gives you better opportunities to get some great views of the local wildlife.

This is a large 98 site campground with all different sized spots including Premium spots (bigger /close to the water).

Cell Service: spotty Internet: no 2020 Cost: $20 - $25 Distance from Anchorage: 76 miles Best sites: A2, A8, A20, A22, A26, A24 Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 4-7 depending on weather

This campground has all three warnings, sometimes.  There is a really nice boardwalk and the drive to this campground is great.  This is a smaller campground with only 12 sites that are not suitable for RVs.  If you are in an RV look at the williwaw campground instead.    It is centrally located between Anchorage and the Peninsula but has so many things to offer.  Trip through the Whittier tunnel is a definite.  If you are a hiker Byron glacier in good weather is decent hike.  If you have kids and even if you don’t then the Wildlife Conservation Center of Alaska is great way to get close to the biggest animals Alaska has to offer.   During the autumn and winter this campground is still open but not maintained.  Toilets may not be available so bring your own TP and prepare to pack out all your trach.   Cell Service: No Internet: No 2020 Cost: $14 Distance from Anchorage: 55 Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 5 if it gets sunny the bugs come out  

This campground is on the edge of an ATV playground. With 26 campsites that are mostly pull through‘s there’s plenty of room for RVs pulling a TV trailers. The sign says that fees can be paid using the e-commerce option however there is no Jim Creek option on the website see her going to have to pay using the pay pipes. Cellphone service is decent, Internet service is spotty. Distance from Anchorage is 35 miles. The best sites are end sites closer to the bathrooms. 

This is a small campground of only 12 spots that fill up during the peak season.  The camp host is down the highway at Granite Creek campground (which I also recommend) so if there are no spots head down the road a few miles.  Because this is a smaller campground there are less restrooms.    This is a centrally located campground and a great choice for first time camping.  Close to Anchorage but still out in the middle of no where with no cell phones.  Bring extra blankets early in the season it gets pretty cold at these campgrounds.   Cell Service: no Internet: no 2020 Cost: $14 Distance from Anchorage: 56 miles Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy):  4-7

This campground is only a short drive from Anchorage, but far enough so you feel like you are away from the hustle and bustle of town. There are great trails for hiking. Biggest downside is that it is close to the highway. The turnagain arm is beautiful, and if you are lucky, you might see beluga whales. Portage glacier and Girdwood are just a little farther south and worth exploring as well.

The wildlife is amazing. You can see eagles, sheep, moose, and bears (if you are lucky). Don't camp or hike without either bear spray or a gun.

This campsite fills up fast! We happened to get the last available tent campsite right on the water and it was GORGEOUS! This is the more peaceful campground in Hope (there's another one in town that seems more fun but more noisy too). They have large picnic tables, one spot seemed handicap accessible even. There was a nice fire pit that helped for us novice fire makers. The camp hosts were super helpful and informative. There are two great hikes nearby within driving or walking distance. A perfect weekend getaway from Anchorage! You'll adore this beautiful spot.

The Palmer-Fishhook road will take you to the east entrance of Hatcher Pass and connects with the Willow-Fishhook road. Once you leave Hatcher pass going towards Willow there are tons of options for roadside camping. There is everything from riverside camping to wooded areas. Small spots for a camper van or larger spots that can house a number of RVs towing ATVs. Watch for posted signs but if there are no postings then make it yours. The drive is AMAZING!!

Cell Service: spotty Internet: spotty 2020 Cost: Free Distance from Anchorage: 83 miles Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 4-7 bring bug dope

Like all State Recreation site it has all the basics, the campsites are spaced out which is nice. Not sure the reason but this campground was buggier than the South Rolly lake one, which I would go to first given the choice. But if that campground is full this is a great one to fall back on. Bring bug dope or a netted awning which I just got, worth the money if you are planning on doing lots of camping or have kids who already complain that you drag them camping.

Cell Service: no Internet: no 2020 Cost: $20 Distance from Anchorage: 76 miles Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 7

This is Whitter. Land of beauty, glacier, the tunnel, and wet. Maybe not always rain but definitely wet.

This is a very small town with amazing views. Campground is situated right off the water and is very, very damp. I would not suggest tent camping if you have the option. This is a great place to car camp and the cost through the tunnel is $13.00. Views of glaciers great you as soon as you exit the tunnel. The best spots are right along the waters edge, but again bring your Extratufs.

Cell Service: yes Internet: yes 3G 2020 Cost: $20 Distance from Anchorage: 58 miles Best sites: Along the waters edge Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 1 (but I have only been here when it is raining)

This campground features 50 camping sites some are along the creek side. Make sure you plan ahead since the tunnel runs one way once an hour. Check your departures times. The tunnel is always a fun trip.

The cost is good at $20 an RV and $10-$20 for a car and tent depending on the number of people in the party. With level spots and little other tent camping choices these spots can fill up. There are no reservations and sites are first come first serve. There is plenty to do in Whitter, the drive, the tunnel, and the price make this a great option to stay.

Always plan for rain.

Cell Service: yes Internet: Yes 3G 2020 Cost: $10-$20 Operates: April to October depending on snow clearance Distance from Anchorage: 58 miles Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 3

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