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Best Tent Camping near Chitina, AK

49 Reviews

Tent camping areas surround Chitina, Alaska, primarily within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, which offers several established tent camping options. Copper River Campground provides riverside tent sites with access to the confluence of the Copper River, while Jumbo Creek Camping Area offers more primitive backcountry tent camping 1.5 miles from Kennicott. Root Glacier Primitive Backcountry Camping provides hike-in and walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more remote experience within the national park boundaries.

Most tent campgrounds in the Chitina area offer minimal amenities. Copper River Campground permits fires and provides firewood and picnic tables, but lacks drinking water and toilet facilities. A review mentioned, "Amazing 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." Campers should be prepared for self-sufficient camping, as services are limited. Bear boxes are available at some locations like Jumbo Creek, but proper food storage remains the camper's responsibility. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so tent campers should bring appropriate gear for temperature fluctuations.

The tent camping experience near Chitina offers exceptional access to natural features and wildlife viewing. Sites at Jumbo Creek provide spectacular mountain views, with one camper noting it "provided possibly the best view we ever had while camping." The area serves as an excellent base for hiking to attractions like Bonanza Mine and Root Glacier. Both boat-in and drive-in access is available at Copper River Campground, while Root Glacier requires hiking or walking to reach tent sites. Fishing opportunities abound, particularly for salmon in the Copper River. Tent campers should be aware of bears and other wildlife, cooking away from sleeping areas as a precaution. The camping season generally runs from late spring through early fall, with later summer often providing better conditions according to recent reviews.

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Best Tent Sites Near Chitina, Alaska (3)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Chitina, AK

49 Reviews of 3 Chitina Campgrounds

  • Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2019

    Base Camp Root Glacier

    Rocky and sketchy but with amazing views!

    I came to this campground in the middle of May. No one else seemed to be camping there. There were cars parked in the parking area but most of them seemed to be broke down. No one ever even acknowledged that we were there. You pay buy an honor system of filling out a white slip of paper and putting it on your dash. $20 for overnight camping and $5 for day parking. This campground is conveniently located right next to the foot bridge that goes into McCarthy. If you are tent camping you have to set up on the bare rocks. It can also get very windy. Outhouses did not seem to be set up so we drove a mile out of town to the NPS public pit toilets since they were clean and open. There are picnic tables and rock fire rings scattered around for public use. The views are stunning and I'm sure they are even better in the summer!

  • Cody M.
    Jun. 24, 2021

    Kennicott Riverside Campground

    Primitive & Secluded

    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.

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jul. 27, 2017

    Jumbo Creek Camping Area — Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

    Incredible views, close to Kennicott

    Like other national parks in Alaska that we encountered, there is often an expensive route and a very affordable route for exploring the park. Wrangell-St. Elias was no exception. While plenty of visitors stayed in the lodge, or in nearby McCarthy, we opted for the free Jumbo Creek Campground, only 1.5 miles from the heart of the park in Kennicott, Alaska.

    Camping here requires a 1.5 trek to and from your site everyday, but if you can get past that, your time here will be unforgettable. Our site here provided possibly the best view we ever had while camping all across the U.S. last year.

    At the “campground” -- a flexible term for an array of flat areas around the trail where you can find a place to camp -- is a bear box, and that’s about it. But it’s free, so what can you do?

    We found the perfect place to pitch our tent, but we cooked a ways down the trail to take every precaution against bears in the area. We didn’t see any during our time here.

    Hiking in and out of the campsite each day was a bit of a chore, but it was worth it to access some amazing hiking: we loved the hike to Bonanza Mine and out the other direction to Root Glacier (where we strapped on crampons with our guided tour.)

    We also enjoyed hearing about the history of Kennicott from rangers in the many available ranger tours.

    You can read much more about our three days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Wrangell-St. Elias)

  • A
    Sep. 5, 2016

    Base Camp Root Glacier

    Remote, difficult to get to, and totally worth it!

    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. There is no NP campground in this remote part of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (the largest NP in the US). 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. We were dropped off by a shuttle at the other side of the river and used a wheeled cart to carry out gear and cross the pedestrian bridge to the campground. No one was there but we found a picnic table with instructions to put our $20/night cash in an envelope. We found a site on the other side (the side by the picnic table had cars/RV's 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. Despite the remoteness, we were glad to discover an outhouse and a large container of potable water on site. The town of McCarthy (15 minute walk) had 1 restaurant open that we ate dinner at each night after exploring the Root Glacier and ice climbing. We bought sack lunches from the lodge in Kennicott and only had to cook breakfast. Bear containers are required here if you don't have a vehicle, and we were able to check one out for free from the NP visitor center (not on site, but several hours earlier in the day's drive). While the campground itself is very basic, the remote location and beauty make the effort and expense to get here absolutely worth it! Highly recommended!

  • Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2019

    Liberty Falls State Recreation Site

    Wonderful as always!

    I've reviewed this campground before but found some more information about it. It costs $20 to camp here per the listing in the Milepost. 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. Only one pit toilet was open in the off season and the water was locked. Bear proof trash recepticals are still available. There are 6 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. 4 of the campsites have tent pads. There are also lots of trees where you could hang a hammock! Cell reception was spotty here.

  • Shadara W.
    Aug. 12, 2019

    Liberty Falls State Recreation Site

    Gorgeous Waterfall Limited RV Spots

    Gorgeous waterfall but very limited camping spots, about 5 in all with a couple walk in tent sites. First come first serve basis but all sites have a beautiful view of the creek and waterfall. 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.

  • Shadara W.
    Sep. 15, 2019

    King For A Day Campground & Charters

    Roughing it even with hookups

    We 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.

  • Riley N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2022

    Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site

    Very beautiful and clean spot

    We 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

  • Shadara W.
    Sep. 15, 2019

    Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site

    Fishing and Berry Picking

    25 sites all with trees galore, tables and firepits. $20 a night along the bank of squirrel creek. Bear proof trash cans, restrooms and potable water. This is a wonderful weekend stop to fish and berry pick.

Guide to Chitina

Chitina tent camping options showcase the untamed wilderness of eastern Alaska. Situated near the confluence of the Copper and Chitina Rivers at an elevation of approximately 570 feet, this remote area serves as a gateway to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-75°F with rapid weather shifts common, requiring campers to prepare for variable conditions even during peak season.

What to do

Dipnetting for salmon: During summer months, Copper River Campground provides direct access to one of Alaska's premier dipnetting locations. "Fish, eagles and big rivers! Windy, dusty, bears and dipneters. Fishwheels and historic Copper River North Western Rail Road bed. Major bridge over Copper River," notes Aaron U. in his Copper River Campground review.

Glacier hiking: Pack crampons for exploring Root Glacier near the Root Glacier Primitive Backcountry Camping area. This primitive camping zone requires a hike-in approach but rewards with proximity to one of the park's most accessible glaciers. Drinking water is available, though most other amenities are absent.

Historical exploration: The abandoned copper mining town of Kennicott offers fascinating ruins and ranger-led tours. Camping at Jumbo Creek puts you just 1.5 miles from these historical sites. According to SwitchbackKids, "We also enjoyed hearing about the history of Kennicott from rangers in the many available ranger tours."

What campers like

Mountain panoramas: The ridgeline views from tent sites provide spectacular vistas across the Wrangell Mountains. One camper at Jumbo Creek Camping Area shared that "Our site here provided possibly the best view we ever had while camping all across the U.S. last year."

Wildlife viewing: The confluence of rivers creates prime habitat for eagles, bears, and other wildlife. Copper River Campground visitor Cody L. suggests timing matters: "Later in the summer here the better the experience" when wildlife activity and fishing opportunities peak.

Peaceful seclusion: Despite being only 1.5 miles from Kennicott, Jumbo Creek provides remarkable solitude. "Like other national parks in Alaska that we encountered, there is often an expensive route and a very affordable route for exploring the park," notes a camper, highlighting the free camping option with minimal crowds compared to lodges or McCarthy accommodations.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas near Chitina have minimal amenities. At Copper River Campground, Tanya B. points out an important consideration: "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."

Bear safety: Food storage is essential. Jumbo Creek provides bear boxes, but campers should still take precautions. "We found the perfect place to pitch our tent, but we cooked a ways down the trail to take every precaution against bears in the area. We didn't see any during our time here," reports one visitor.

Weather variability: Summer conditions can change rapidly, with windy conditions common along the Copper River. Robert M. described it as "Quiet and awesome" but rated it lower, likely due to challenging conditions that can affect the camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chitina, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chitina, AK is Copper River Campground — Wrangell-St. Elias National Park with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Chitina, AK?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Chitina, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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