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Best Campgrounds near Chitina, AK

51 Reviews

Camping options around Chitina, Alaska include several established sites and dispersed camping areas within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Liberty Falls State Recreation Site offers tent and RV camping with 10 sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings near a scenic waterfall. The Copper River Campground provides riverside sites suitable primarily for tent camping, while McCarthy Road Camp offers more primitive dispersed camping opportunities for both tent and RV campers approximately 60 miles east of Chitina.

Most campgrounds in the Chitina area operate seasonally from May through September due to Alaska's harsh winters. Road conditions can be challenging, particularly the McCarthy Road which requires careful navigation. "You can not beat your surroundings and the view!! I would give it 5/5 stars for that. It's unfortunate that you have to drive down the terrible, McCarthy road. It was bad," notes one visitor about accessing the McCarthy area. Facilities vary widely between campgrounds, with Liberty Falls offering drinking water and vault toilets, while dispersed camping areas typically provide no amenities. Cell service is limited throughout the region, and campers should be prepared for potential wildlife encounters, including bears.

Water features heavily influence camping experiences near Chitina. Campsites along the Copper River are popular for fishing and wildlife viewing, particularly during salmon runs. According to one camper, "Fish, eagles and big rivers! Windy, dusty, bears and dipneters. Fishwheels and historic Copper River North Western Rail Road bed." Liberty Falls State Recreation Site consistently receives high ratings for its waterfall setting, with campers noting it as "one of the most beautiful camping areas" with "thundering waterfalls" and "great camping by the creek." While some developed campgrounds provide amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, others are more rustic. Many tent sites include platforms to promote Leave No Trace practices. Most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, making weekday arrivals advisable during peak summer months.

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Best Camping Sites Near Chitina, Alaska (20)

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Recent Camping Photos near Chitina, AK

6 Photos of 20 Chitina Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Chitina, AK

51 Reviews of 20 Chitina Campgrounds

  • m
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site

    4th of July

    Showed up on the 4th of July and still got a spot. Such a beautiful secluded campground. Lots of privacy and being near the creek was just the cherry on top. Perfect spot for checking out Thompson pass and Valdez for the day. Definitely would return!

  • D
    Jun. 26, 2025

    King For A Day Campground & Charters

    Easy access to the river

    I love how close this campground is to the river. I love how they added more electric access spots. I just wish some spots were bigger than others so we weren’t so close together.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2025

    Base Camp Kennicott

    3 Day Stay next to glacier

    Booked three nights after driving the McCarthy Road Area is pretty open with fire rings and a few pit toilets. The ground is not paved or graveled so it’s bumpy coming back.
    We parked our pickup camper with a view of the glacier out our door.
    Easy walk to McCarthy foot bridge. Need to pack out trash as there is no local pickup.
    $35 a night for small rigs, $45 for large.

  • Todeshandler54 G.
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site

    Great Spot

    Loved the location. Close to Glenallen and not far from Valdez. Lots of spots with great shade. We found a spot in the back right on the creek. Left to go to Valdez and came back and found the same spot still open. Absolutely loved the campground minus the mosquitos.

  • E
    Jun. 11, 2024

    Base Camp Root Glacier

    Best campsite in all of Alaska

    While this campsite might be basic in amenities, the views are unbeatable! This also give great access to McCarthy and Kennicott shuttles. Be very careful on the road here, we got a flat on the way out but some very kind Alaskans helped us out and got us on the way.

  • Melissa W.
    Oct. 29, 2023

    Base Camp Root Glacier

    Great secluded camping

    This place is so far out of the way and worth it. We only stayed one night but there was enough around and the site was so great, I wish we could have stayed for two. The road to get here isn't hard, just extremely long. When it's wet and the potholes are full of water, you have to treat each of them like they're a foot deep since you have no depth perception. It took us about 3 hours on Nabsena road in our rental jeep compass. We were here in shoulder season and had our pick of spots. We set up right along the water. It was extremely peaceful and relaxing. You could sit here to just enjoy the scenery. Walking into McCarthy is fun too and has a couple of dining options. The city's public outhouses are night, the home made pits on the campground are okay (the dimensions are a little off and they're awkward to sit on). I can't remember if they have wood available but don't count on any amenities. Being shoulder season, we were treated to less than 10 others in the campground (any RV's should be prepared to bondock). Plenty of bear tracks sited hiking in the area and locals said the grizzly's were coming out at night. We even got a glimpse of the Northern Lights but the stars alone are incredible here. This site was well worth travelling for.

  • Kristi D.
    Aug. 17, 2023

    McCarthy Road Camp

    Beautiful spot

    You can not beat your surroundings and the view!! I would give it 5/5 stars for that..

    I asked the guy at the counter if the Basecamp is private. He said yes. It's unfortunate that you have to drive down the terrible, McCarty road. It was bad. They just grated it and if we didn't have a raff adventure booked my husband would have turned around since we are hauling a camper. I'm surprised nothing broke but we still need to get back :(

    Considering we are in the park, I wish they had more camping options. I gave it 3/5 stars as I'm comparing to other campgrounds...$35 for NO amenities is a lot.....if it was going to the national park to pay for the footbridge maybe my opinion would be different. You get a spot with no electric or water, no bathrooms, no trash. I asked the guy at the counter and he said "no trash is our biggest complaint". So $35 is a bit much for where we are, but since this is a once in a lifetime trip for us, I get it. We enjoyed the remoteness of the town and the idea of this small community. Usually when you end up in areas this remote, you end up with free camping or cheap camping via the national park service....

    We biked five miles to Kennicott mine, we got picked up at footbridge for our raft adventure and it wasn't far to eat at "the potato" for lunch.

Guide to Chitina

Camping near Chitina, Alaska, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and the sounds of nature. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. Many campers enjoy short hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, "Also great for a short hike!" at the Liberty Falls State Recreation Site.
  • Fishing: The area is great for fishing, especially at the Copper River Campground, where one camper noted, "Fish, eagles and big rivers!".
  • Water Activities: Enjoy splashing around in the water at the base of waterfalls, as highlighted by a visitor who said, "There is a great place to splash in the water at the base of this waterfall" at the Liberty Falls State Recreation Site.

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One camper at the Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site said, "This was our first place we camped in Alaska and it was very clean. It has a beautiful view with the lake right there."
  • Seclusion: Many appreciate the quiet and secluded spots. A reviewer at the Base Camp Root Glacier mentioned, "This place is so far out of the way and worth it."
  • Wildlife Watching: The chance to see wildlife is a big draw. One camper at the Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site noted, "Actually saw a squirrel within 5 minutes of being there."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds have basic facilities. A camper at the Copper River Campground pointed out, "There are pay stations everywhere but I did not see any bathrooms."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One visitor at the Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site mentioned, "Absolutely loved the campground minus the mosquitos."
  • First-Come, First-Served: Some campgrounds do not take reservations. A camper at the Liberty Falls State Recreation Site advised, "Get there early in the week and stay the weekend."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Spot: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly features. One reviewer at the Base Camp Root Glacier said, "Great spot for families, only 1/2 from McCarthy and 5 miles from Kennicott."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring gear for fishing and hiking. A camper at the Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site mentioned, "This is a wonderful weekend stop to fish and berry pick."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at the Copper River Campground noted, "Stopped here to watch the boats float the Copper River."

Tips from RVers

Camping near Chitina, Alaska, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Just remember to plan ahead and be ready for an adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Chitina camping areas?

Campgrounds around Chitina offer varying levels of amenities. Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site provides clean bathrooms, picnic areas, and beautiful lake views with active beaver populations. Base Camp Root Glacier offers fire pits, picnic tables, and outhouses with a self-pay honor system. Some campgrounds include level tent sites with stone fire rings, while others provide shower facilities. Kenny Lake Mercantile & RV Park caters to RV travelers. More rustic options like the free camping areas in Wrangell-St. Elias have minimal facilities. Nearby lodges sometimes offer additional amenities like ATMs and food service for campers looking to supplement their outdoor experience.

Where are the campgrounds located in Chitina, Alaska?

Chitina area campgrounds are scattered throughout the surrounding region, offering various scenic locations. Copper River Campground sits right on the Copper River, providing riverside camping opportunities. Near McCarthy, you'll find Glacier View Campground which is close to McCarthy's walking bridge with beautiful mountain views. Other campgrounds are located along the road system, including sites within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Some campgrounds are situated near waterfalls, lakes, and rivers, offering both accessibility and natural beauty. While some sites are just off main roads, others require driving on more remote routes to reach these spectacular camping destinations.

When is the best season for camping in Chitina?

The prime camping season in Chitina runs from late May through early September when weather conditions are most favorable. Liberty Falls State Recreation Site is particularly beautiful during summer months when you can enjoy one of Alaska's most stunning waterfalls. King For A Day Campground & Charters offers excellent fishing opportunities in summer, particularly for sockeye salmon. By mid-June, most campgrounds are fully operational with road access improved after spring thaws. Early season camping (May) can mean fewer crowds but potentially limited services, while late August brings cooler temperatures and potential fall colors. Weather can change rapidly in this region, so planning for variable conditions is essential regardless of when you visit.

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