Anchorage, AK is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Anchorage campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Anchorage, reviewed by campers like you.
$85 / night
"Well maintained trails but a walk to the cabin or yurts. Accessible by foot year around. No horses or bikes allowed on trails. Tent camping along the Crow Creek Pass Trail."
"The bugs are pretty heavy right next to the river but deep in the woods are are very few. Great place for exploring. Walk in campsites are very close and have bear proof food storage."
"It's walk in, but not far from the car. The vault toilets have been clean every time we've come up. The campsite is at quite an elevation so is chilly at night and early morning even in the summer."
"There are so many options to backcountry camping and you don’t even have to walk very far. You can drive down and camp at the pull offs. RVs are not recommended on this road."
"This is the state of Alaska's public ferry system and runs from Bellingham, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK."
"You can pitch a tent on the deck, or sleep under the heated overhang. You can also get a private cabin if you’d like, or find a quiet place in other places on board."
"There are two group campsites that must be reserved through the Alaska Railroad 800.544.0552."
$100 - $150 / night
"it is more of a rest stop before leaving the y intersection to either Anchorage or to Seward from Kenai/Homer. Beautiful lake/mountain scenery though."
"Couple little trails that hike around the lake. Bathrooms. Also has a couple mile service trail/off road trail that is a fun little drive. 4WD ONLY."
"Tent camping works best here, sites are pretty small for anything bigger than a sprinter van.
Very beautiful"
"Set far back tons of privacy. #4 has a creek view, #9 and #7 were both also nice sites. Large sites great for tents however with food lockers. Watch for bear activity as we saw fresh Scat."
LegendCampground: Portage – Williwaw So many nice things about this campground and the other portage campgrounds. I always like to give the warnings but hope this does not keep you from coming here. Be prepared for WIND. I mean big wind. Bring extra stakes if you are tent camping. Be prepared for rain, lots of rain. Be prepared for wildlife encounters. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen black bear along this road. 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. Cell Service: No Internet: No 2020 Cost: $18-$28 Max stay: 14 days Distance from Anchorage: 55 Best sites: Premium sites $28 – 20, 21, 30, 34, 41, 50, 57 Also good are spots 24, 25, 26, and 38 Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 5 if it gets sunny the bugs come out
Legend2020 has modified service. July 3rd - September 7th.
There are two group campsites that must be reserved through the Alaska Railroad 800.544.0552.
Clean restroom facilities Bear proof food storage Picnic tables Fire ring
Just remember pack it in pack it out on the train.
Also available for a great day hike. At a $132 a person it is not a cheap hike.
LegendSome of the reviews are not for this campground. These are walk in tent sites. There are no spots for RVs or trailers. Firewood is a fun place and not too far from Anchorage.
Make sure if you are coming from Anchorage you stop off at Potters Marsh and check out the boardwalk. So many hiking trails no matter what way you go.
LegendAlthough there is no no alcohol allowed this campground is just pure cool. Quiet times from 10pm to 8am, they have a dump, day use area, tons of trails, and fire rings. There are several loops to choose from with a paved RV section up top. Sherrod loop is only 30 feet but much more secluded than above but with no hookups. Pull throughs sites above with over 87 sites total including the paved and dirt road ones. 4 pavilions with a playground and dog station.
LegendTrails to hike or play on the lake! This campground is situated with access to Eklunta Lake and boy is that perfect. Tons of campsites to choose from both double, single and handicapped. First come, first served. Fire rings, tables, restrooms, firewood for purchase ($15) and camp host. Two sets of walk in tent sites with food lockers also available. Well water available too. Come spend a weekend exploring Eklunta Lake!
GuideCamping at Eklutna Lake is convenient for people wanting to get away but don't want to deal with hours of driving. This campground is a short jaunt from Anchorage and features nice paved pads for parking, fire pits, picnic tables, etc. No reservations required but that also means spots fill up as the weekend approaches. The campground road is paved and it's nice for walking/biking. Bears have been known to wander through this area. One summer a bear clawed its way into a tent trying to get at toothpaste in a backpack!
The lake is the source of Anchorage's drinking water so it's a cool visual representation of the importance of keeping our waterways clean. Makes sense that no motorized crafts are allowed here. We've kayaked on the lake and the vistas are amazing. Always wear a life jacket! Watch out for the wind - it can whip up the surface of the water and make for a treacherous and difficult paddle.
GuideThis campground really has everything when it comes to a state campground. You want water access on a glacial lake? How about numerous hiking, biking skiing and horse trails? Are you looking for updated amenities including a table and fire pit, onsite bathrooms, bear proof dumpster, bear proof food storage, and a well for fresh water (no showers though) and even kayak rentals on site? Do you need large campsites with a reasonable amount of privacy instead of setting up your tent on top of someone else's? Eklutna is the spot. It is technically located within the Municipality of Anchorage about 30 minutes from down town. There is no cell service out there, so you can say goodbye to the rest of the world on your way up the mountain road. In addition, there are forest service cabins for rent that are located down one of the major trails, for even more privacy, and a different kind of adventure. Just a mile from the campground is a cute little ice cream shop for a sweet treat on hot summer days.
RangerBird Creek camp/ RV/ Cabin site is a beautiful 25 minute journey south of Anchorage. Far enough away but close enough to town if you feel the need to get back to the city.
We rented a cabin 95$ a night and took aprox 12 young ladies in the chilly month of November! Daring, I know! But state restrooms made sharing a bathroom easy :)
there is a small wood stove and wood supplied for each cabin which was amazing! A lil kitchen area is built in for your food prep pleasure- must bring stoves and water. No electricity so bring your choice of lighting. Also I recommend headlamps for winter months as bathrooms are a small treck from the secluded wooded cabins.
Bunks are built in and a loft makes for plenty of room.
There was a beautiful table with a map in the top- pretty awesome!
There is a walking trail and it's close to the inlet for beluga whale watching and if your lucky a bore tide!
Rv sites and tents sites available as well- plus table and fire pits at each site.
RangerPerfect place to stay if you’re looking for belugas, as it’s right along the water among the trees. There are now reservations and it’s a small site, so plan your schedule around snagging a site. The campground was renovated recently (maybe 2013), which according to our neighbors improved the roads and site flatness considerably. There’s water and vault toilets but no bear boxes or much else---great simple rustic site just outside Anchorage.
Tent camping near Anchorage, Alaska offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and explore the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Anchorage, AK is Eagle River Nature Center (public use cabins/yurts) with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Anchorage, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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