Several RV parks operate near Chitina, Alaska with varying amenities and seasonal availability. Kenny Lake Mercantile & RV Park, located in Copper Center, provides electric hookups including 30-amp service, water connections, and a sanitary dump station from May through September. Liberty Falls State Recreation Site accommodates RVs but offers no hookups, while Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site provides big-rig friendly spaces with drinking water and a dump station from May to September. Wrangell View Campground features 11 sites with full hookups including 50-amp service, sewer connections, and pull-through spaces for larger motorhomes. "One of my favorite stops in Alaska with easy access and great owners," noted a visitor about Kenny Lake Mercantile.
Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact RV travel in this remote region. The McCarthy Road leading to some campgrounds presents challenges for larger rigs, with one traveler noting "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." Most RV parks in the area operate primarily during summer months, typically May through September. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, particularly at Liberty Falls. Between Copper Center and Chitina, RV travelers can find fuel and basic supplies, though services become increasingly limited heading toward McCarthy. Pet-friendly policies exist at most parks, though fire restrictions vary by location and season.
"Decent campground with about 12 full hookup sites and some dry camping. Fairly quiet and clean."
from $50 / night
"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."
"We were only looking for a place to pull off and use the restroom but we were so caught up by the cleanliness and beauty of the area that we decided to eat lunch at one of the picnic tables near the falls"
from $25 / night
"Beautiful views close to McCarthy's walking bridge. Picnic Benches. Very friendly host. Must try the Roadside Potatohead! It was about a 10 minute walk from our campsite."
"Our campsite had a short walk to a waterfall the family and I played in. It was an amazing experience. The showers/bathrooms here weren’t terrible."
from $20 - $21 / night
"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."
"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."
from $35 - $150 / 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."
"Very friendly staff. If you are looking for a great place to camp here it is. Call and make reservations!"
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.
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.
LegendYou 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Chitina, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Chitina, AK is Kenny Lake Mercantile & RV Park with a 4.0-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Chitina, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 RV camping locations near Chitina, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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