Campgrounds near Chitina, Alaska offer unique opportunities for tent and RV campers seeking solitude in the remote Alaskan wilderness. Located at the junction of the Copper and Chitina rivers, the area sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-70°F. Access to many sites requires traveling unpaved roads, with seasonal washouts common during spring thaw and heavy rain periods.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Liberty Falls State Recreation Site features a thundering waterfall with swimming opportunities. "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," notes one visitor about Liberty Falls State Recreation Site.
Berry picking: Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site offers excellent berry picking during late summer months. "Great swimming hole and wonderful berry picking. Clear water creek and lake. Nice beach and secluded campsites," reports a camper about the natural bounty available at Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site.
Fishing: King For A Day Campground provides 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," shares a visitor to this fishing-focused campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots with natural separation. "The sites are all different and pretty secluded, hardly saw anyone while there (September)," notes a visitor to Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site. This makes it ideal for those seeking solitude.
Natural water features: Campers appreciate sites near rivers and creeks. At Base Camp Root Glacier, a reviewer shares: "Chugach Mountains on one side, the Root Glacier on the other, and a rushing river on the third side. The MOST gorgeous scenery at a campsite I've ever been to."
Wildlife viewing: The area offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. "Bald eagles were playing, and flying around all day," reports a visitor to King For A Day Campground & Charters, highlighting unexpected wildlife encounters that enhance the camping experience.
What you should know
Road conditions: McCarthy Road presents significant challenges. A visitor warns: "It was bad. They just grated it and if we didn't have a rafting 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."
Tent platforms: Some sites provide raised platforms for tent camping. "Perfect campground! Not many sites, but a few right by the waterfall... Also great for a short hike! Pros: tent platforms to practice those LNT skills," notes a camper at Liberty Falls State Recreation Site.
Limited amenities: Many campgrounds offer minimal facilities. At McCarthy Road Camp, a visitor shares: "$35 for NO amenities is a lot... You get a spot with no electric or water, no bathrooms, no trash." This reflects the reality of camping in remote Alaska locations.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible water play: Find campgrounds with safe water access for children. "This is a wonderful weekend stop to fish and berry pick," notes a camper about Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site, which offers family-friendly activities.
Community atmosphere: Some campgrounds foster social interaction. "Kind of like a folk festival. Very friendly staff," reports a camper about the welcoming environment at Klutina Salmon Charters & Campground, where families can connect with others.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites near campgrounds provide learning experiences. "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," shares a visitor about activities accessible from McCarthy Road Camp.
Tips from RVers
Limited large-rig access: Many campgrounds can't accommodate larger RVs. "Mostly tent sites only one or two sites big enough for an RV," reports a visitor regarding rv sites near Chitina, Alaska at Liberty Falls State Recreation Site.
Boondocking options: Dispersed camping provides alternatives to established rv sites near Chitina, Alaska. "If you are looking to just stop somewhere there are plenty of pull offs on the side of the road," notes a visitor about Wrangell View Campground area.
Uneven parking areas: Be prepared for rough terrain at campgrounds. "The RV sites seemed a little overgrown and uneven, but otherwise not bad," warns a camper about Tonsina River Lodge, highlighting the typical condition of RV camping areas in this remote region.
