Located across multiple sites in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park region, glamping accommodations provide comfortable alternatives to traditional camping near Chitina. Kennicott Riverside Campground offers yurts and glamping accommodations with on-site amenities including showers and toilet facilities, while Base Camp Root Glacier provides glamping options with picnic tables and designated fire pits for a more rustic experience. "One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen," noted a visitor about the Base Camp area. Klutina Salmon Charters & Campground includes cabin and glamping accommodations with more extensive amenities, featuring electric hookups, running water, and market access for supplies, making it suitable for those seeking a balance between wilderness immersion and comfort.
The surrounding wilderness provides exceptional outdoor experiences directly from these glamping sites. Guests can access Root Glacier for guided ice climbing adventures, with shuttle services available from Base Camp Root Glacier to McCarthy and Kennicott. A recent visitor mentioned, "The views are unbeatable! This also gives great access to McCarthy and Kennicott shuttles." Liberty Falls offers spectacular waterfall views near some sites, while riverfront locations provide opportunities for salmon fishing, especially at Klutina Salmon Charters. Most glamping accommodations operate seasonally, with Klutina Salmon Charters & Campground specifically open from late May through August. Visitors should note the remote location requires preparation, as the McCarthy Road journey takes approximately three hours on gravel roads to reach some of these boutique camping destinations.
"I was here in May and they weren't ready for the summer camping season. No pricing was posted but the honor box is still available right when you drive in."
"This camp ground really makes you appreciate the freedom to explore Alaska and see all the beauty. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen in Alaska."
from $25 / night
"There are lots of fire pits and picnic tables around, as well as outhouses. Great location right by the river and bridge and a short walk to the lake with amazing views of the glacier!"
"You can either drive the 30-mile gravel road for 3 hours or take a 4-seater plane in. The flight was our vacation splurge and it was breathtaking."
"Very friendly staff. If you are looking for a great place to camp here it is. Call and make reservations!"
"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."
from $25 / night
TravelerOutstanding glacier view; quiet; picnic tables, firerings, and (smelly) out houses scattered throughout. Rocky and lumpy road access but do-able with caution. Short walk to shuttle to McCarthy (town) and Kennicott mine. Mine tour and Lots of hiking in area. Be bear aware.
ScoutPerfect place to camp
GuideWhile 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.
RangerTiny camp site with beautiful waterfall. Really nice spot to listen to green noises.
LegendStopped here before our hike up to root glacier. The drive there was so beautiful but definitely challenging.
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.
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.
Glamping close to Chitina, Alaska provides access to the immense Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, America's largest national park at over 13 million acres with elevations ranging from sea level to 18,008 feet at Mount St. Elias. The area experiences short, mild summers with average July temperatures between 50-70°F, making May through September the primary season for most accommodations. Most sites require traveling the McCarthy Road, a 60-mile gravel route that crosses the Copper River.
**Glacier exploration: Access Root Glacier for day hikes with proper equipment. Primitive backcountry camping is allowed directly on Root Glacier for experienced adventurers with bear-resistant containers and water filtration systems.
Fishing opportunities: Liberty Falls offers excellent fishing access with convenient amenities. "This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I've seen in Alaska. Although this campground is just off the road system, the roads in Alaska can always use some work," notes Sierra S. about Liberty Falls State Recreation Site.
McCarthy exploration: Campers staying at Base Camp can easily walk into the historic mining town. "The host was really friendly and helpful, easy going guy who owns the property. It's a flat rate and you can camp wherever you want! There is lots of space to have your own spot," writes Kari P. about Base Camp Root Glacier.
River proximity: Many campsites offer riverside locations with natural white noise. At Klutina Salmon Charters & Campground, Jessica J. notes, "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."
Unique water features: Liberty Falls offers both scenic beauty and practical resources. Aaron U. highlights: "Best drinking water anywhere. Has hand pump well. Clean out houses. Great camping by the creek. Thundering waterfalls."
Secluded camping options: Kennicott area provides more remote camping experiences. "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," describes Cody M. about Kennicott Riverside Campground.
Limited availability: Many campgrounds have very few sites that fill quickly. "Cannot 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," advises Tanya B. about Liberty Falls.
Seasonal considerations: Most facilities operate only during summer months. Klutina Salmon Charters operates from late May through August with limited services in shoulder seasons.
Weather preparedness: Wind conditions can affect comfort at some locations. "If you are tent camping you have to set up on the bare rocks. It can also get very windy," warns Hannah C. about Base Camp Root Glacier.
Road conditions: The McCarthy Road requires careful driving and appropriate vehicles. Melissa W. notes about Base Camp Root Glacier: "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."
Water play opportunities: Liberty Falls offers safe water access for children. "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," recommends Tanya B.
Site selection for convenience: When glamping near Chitina with children, choose sites with more amenities. "We found a site on the other side (the side by the picnic table had cars/RVs that had driven in, our side had 3 tents the first night, none the next 2 nights). There aren't really any designated campsites, but there were a scattering of picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of land," shares Abby M. about Base Camp.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper food storage. SJ D. warns about Base Camp: "Plenty of bear tracks sited hiking in the area and locals said the grizzly's were coming out at night."
Size limitations: Most glamping facilities near Chitina accommodate smaller RVs only. "Mostly tent sites only one or two sites big enough for an RV. The campground along is worth stopping in to see the waterfall if nothing else," notes Shadara W. about Liberty Falls State Recreation Site.
Hookup availability: Klutina Salmon Charters offers electrical hookups with 30-amp service, making it one of the few sites with power in the area.
Bridge crossings: Some areas require separate parking and walking across footbridges. Melissa F. shares about Liberty Falls: "10 sites and one bathroom. Three of the sites are private. At least three of them can be an RV site. Great for community camping."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Chitina, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Chitina, AK is Liberty Falls State Recreation Site with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Chitina, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 glamping camping locations near Chitina, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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