Chitina is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Chitina is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Chitina, AK. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
$25 / night
The only full hook ups near the entrance to the Wrangell St. Elias National Park.
$50 / night
Traveler
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.
Scout
Perfect place to camp
Guide
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.
LegendThis 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.
Legend
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.
Scout
Quiet and awsome
RangerTiny camp site with beautiful waterfall. Really nice spot to listen to green noises.
RangerLater in the summer here the better the experience 🤘🏻
Ranger
One of my favorite stops in Alaska 🤘🏻
LegendStopped here before our hike up to root glacier. The drive there was so beautiful but definitely challenging.
Legend
We came across this campground riding into wrangell st elias and decided to check it out. Lots of porcupines in the area which was neat. Not very private but not bad. Beautiful drive to get there
LegendWe really enjoyed camping here. This was our first place we camped in Alaska and it was very clean. It has a beautiful view with the lake right there and the beavers are very active. Clean bathrooms
RangerBeautiful campground! Not many sites, but a few right by the waterfall. It’s a shard turn off the road so when coming near Chitna keep your eyes peeled.
Also great for a short hike!
Pros: tent platforms to practice those LNT skills!
RangerGreat spot for families, only 1/2 from McCarthy and 5 miles from Kennicott. Over the footbridge you can take public shuttles for a fee to Kennicott.
Warning- McCarthy can attract a lot of partying, some visitor may be louder and stay up late.
Traveler
Best place we stayed on our 900 mile round trip starting from Fairbanks. Fishing was good. Took us about an hour to land 4 sockeyes. Owners came down, gave us tips and offered to loan some gear we hadn't realized we needed. Bald eagles were playing, and flying around all day. The campsite we picked was by the river, plenty of room, picnic table, fire pit and a spot for our car.
This place is truly local and supports local. We were treated like locals even though we were 2000 miles from home and never been to Alaska before. I'm looking forward to coming back next year.
I definitely recommend this place for anyone who isn't impressed by people being herded from national parks into resorts, funnelled into gift shops reselling Walmart apparel and overpriced "dinner theatres".
LegendParking/campground at the end of the road. 25$ for very limited service. The view of the glacier is nice but the rest of the campground has no charm. If you have time, look for a dispersed site 10miles or so before McCarty.
Guide
This campground is only suitable for those with their own transportation as it is a considerable drive from the footbridge, but the trek is worth it. Nice level tent sites near the river with a picnic table and stone fire ring. Outhouse and showers are a short walk away. Guides for river rafting trips live in walled tents nearby if you need anything. Breeze near the river keeps insects at bay and some greenery between sites provide privacy. A nice place to camp away from the hubbub at the end of the road.
Traveler
The campsites are decently sized. The people working, visiting and in the area were all great. Very respectful of each other, helping newer fishers with techniques and how to tips. we had many great encounters with people on this adventure. Caught lots of reds and exchanged some great receipts with others. We took the car and gear without any problems. The shop had firewood for sale along with basic necessities.
RangerThe staff here was amazing great wholesome folks
LegendWell maintained campground. Kind of like a folk festival. Very friendly staff. If you are looking for a great place to camp here it is.
Call and make reservations! 907-822-3991 or kscharters@gmail.com
Prices are a little high for tent camping but pretty standard for RVs. Pets are welcome but drive slowly. Not a ton of room between spots.
Legend
I had to fix this ones location. This is within walking distance to Squirrel Creek Campground. They have an ATM and great food.
If you are tired of your camp stove this place is worth a stop and if you want a different bed or Squirrel Creek is full this is the place to stop.
LegendThis is a place to stay if all you want is fishing. Not a family campground. I tried reserving their cabin but it was no longer for rent.
If you are looking to just stop somewhere there are plenty of pull offs on the side of the road.
This campground is right on the river but for $20 a day you can go to a state campground for $5 more and have a better experience.
LegendAmazing camping right on the Copper River. This is the people’s land and managed by AHTNA Native Corp and well worth the $10 for day parking or $20 for overnight. As with all river bed camping watch where you drive. Stopped here to watch the boats float the Copper River. There are pay stations everywhere but I did not see any bathrooms. So with that being said and little trees around I just held it.
My suggestion is find a spot near the tree line.
LegendCannot reserve. Get there early in the week and stay the weekend. This campground only has 10 spots but is worth it. Spots are small but the waterfall is amazing. There is a great place to splash in the water at the base of this waterfall. This is one of those once in a life time spots so if you drive by and there is an open space take it.
There is great ground for tent camping as well.
LegendIf you are looking for a place for a hot shower this is the stop to make. Very nice people running the mercantile. If you are just stopping on the way you can get gas or grab items you forgot. Great place to grab some ice cream on a hot day or a bag of ice.
There are no picnic tables or benches so bring your own. I would not recommend a long camping trip here but this is a wonderful place to stop off. They also have rooms for rent.
LegendActually saw a squirrel within 5 minutes of being there. This is a well maintained campground with clean bathrooms. Spots along the river. Great place to stop for the night.
Campground was not full so if you run out of options this is a great choice. Worth the drive to Worthington Glacier and Valdez.
LegendWe drove through wanting to stay but were seriously grossed out. We got the impression that some sites had full time tenants. It was dirty, the bathrooms were stinky nasty outhouses with seats hanging on the wall. Trash just laying on the ground right next to the bins. Most sites were rough and wide open. A lot of did not have picnic tables or fire rings. Would not recommend unless you bring all your own amenities. Nothing but fishing so if that is what your looking for you may find it more acceptable than we did.
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.
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 camping is available near Chitina, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chitina, AK offers a wide range of camping options, with 18 campgrounds and RV parks near Chitina, AK and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chitina, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chitina, AK is Liberty Falls State Recreation Site with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chitina, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Chitina, AK.
What parks are near Chitina, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 0 parks near Chitina, AK that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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