Liberty Falls State Recreation Site offers ten pet-friendly campsites near a thundering waterfall with clean facilities. All sites welcome dogs on leash, with campers noting the fresh drinking water from a hand pump well is some of the best anywhere. The small, secluded campground includes tent platforms, fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Three sites can accommodate RVs, though space is limited. Wrangell View Campground provides eleven sites with full hookups (electric, water, sewer) for pet owners, while Kenny Lake Mercantile & RV Park features hot showers and a nearby store for pet supplies. McCarthy Road Camp permits pets but charges $35 with no amenities and requires navigating a challenging road.
Dogs enjoy splashing in the water at the base of Liberty Falls, with the waterfall creating natural white noise that masks barking. Camping with pets near Copper River offers opportunities to observe wildlife including eagles and bears, though owners should keep dogs secured due to potential wildlife encounters. The region's rivers provide excellent fishing access for campers with dogs, and several campgrounds position sites near creeks where pets can cool off. Summer temperatures remain moderate, making this region suitable for pets that struggle with heat. Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site features spacious, secluded campsites with shade trees and creek access particularly appealing to pet owners, with sites positioned along the banks providing natural cooling and drinking water for pets.
"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."
"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!"
from $25 / night
from $50 / night
"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"
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
from $35 - $150 / night
"Pets are welcome but drive slowly. Not a ton of room between spots."
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.
RangerDecent campground with about 12 full hookup sites and some dry camping. Fairly quiet and clean.
ScoutShowed 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!
ScoutI 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.
LegendBooked 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.
TravelerLoved 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.
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.
Liberty Falls State Recreation Site offers camping opportunities for visitors exploring pet friendly camping near Chitina, Alaska. The Copper River area's elevation ranges from 600-1,000 feet with summer temperatures typically between 50-70°F. Camping season generally runs May through September, with most facilities closing once snow arrives and temperatures drop.
Glacier hiking access: Base Camp Root Glacier provides an ideal starting point for exploring Wrangell-St. Elias National Park's famous glaciers. "Stopped here before our hike up to root glacier. The drive there was so beautiful but definitely challenging," notes Riley N. The campground's proximity to McCarthy makes it convenient despite the remote location.
Fishing opportunities: King For A Day Campground & Charters offers direct river access for salmon fishing. "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," writes Sterling S. Sockeye salmon runs typically peak in July.
Berry picking excursions: Seasonal berries grow throughout the region, particularly near Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site. "This is a wonderful weekend stop to fish and berry pick," explains Shadara W. Blueberries typically ripen in August while cranberries come later in the season.
Natural white noise: Camping near running water creates peaceful sleeping conditions. "Tiny camp site with beautiful waterfall. Really nice spot to listen to green noises," describes Cody L. about Liberty Falls. Sites positioned along creeks and rivers help mask other campground sounds.
Campground privacy: Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site offers well-spaced sites. "The sites are all different and pretty secluded, hardly saw anyone while there," shares Kari P. The layout with trees between sites creates natural boundaries between camping areas.
Wildlife viewing: The Copper River area hosts diverse wildlife. "Bald eagles were playing, and flying around all day," reports Sterling S. at King For A Day Campground. Early mornings and evenings typically offer the best wildlife observation opportunities.
Challenging road conditions: Accessing remote campgrounds requires preparation. "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," warns Melissa W. about Base Camp Root Glacier. The McCarthy Road particularly demands careful driving.
Limited facilities: Many campgrounds offer minimal amenities. "You get a spot with no electric or water, no bathrooms, no trash," explains Kristi D. about McCarthy Road Camp, which charges $35 despite few services.
Variable site quality: Campground conditions vary widely across the region. "We drove through wanting to stay but were seriously grossed out... It was dirty, the bathrooms were stinky nasty outhouses with seats hanging on the wall," cautions Shadara W. about one property, highlighting the importance of researching before committing.
Beaver watching opportunities: Children often enjoy wildlife viewing right from campgrounds. "We really enjoyed camping here... It has a beautiful view with the lake right there and the beavers are very active," shares Riley N. about Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site. Evening hours typically provide the best beaver sightings.
Swimming holes: Several creeks offer safe swimming areas for families with pets. "Great swimming hole and wonderful berry picking. Clear water creek and lake. Nice beach and secluded campsites," notes Aaron U. These natural water features provide cooling options on warmer days.
Community atmosphere: Some campgrounds foster social interactions. "Kind of like a folk festival. Very friendly staff," writes Tanya B. about Klutina Salmon Charters & Campground. The proximity of sites creates natural opportunities for children to meet fellow campers.
Limited big rig access: RV camping options exist but with restrictions. "Gorgeous waterfall but very limited camping spots, about 5 in all with a couple walk in tent sites... Mostly tent sites only one or two sites big enough for an RV," cautions Shadara W.
Full hookup availability: Wrangell View Campground provides eleven sites with complete hookups for RVs requiring electric, water and sewer connections. "Lots of porcupines in the area which was neat. Not very private but not bad," notes Riley N. The campground's location provides convenient access to area attractions despite some road noise.
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds in the Chitina area prohibit generators to preserve the natural quiet. Check specific campground rules before arrival, as policies vary by location and some enforce quiet hours even when generators are permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Chitina, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly 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 dog-friendly camping near Chitina, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 dog-friendly camping locations near Chitina, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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