Escape into nature and disconnect from your daily life with cabin camping near Chugach National Forest. Find the best information on cabin camping near Chugach National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Search nearby cabins or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Trail River Campground, set between the Trail River and Kenai Lake, provides lake, river and snow-capped mountain scenery among the hemlock and spruce forests of the Chugach National Forest. It lies within driving distance of two main tourism destinations; 24 miles north of Seward and 40 miles east of Cooper Landing, AK. Miles of hiking and biking trails weave throughout the area. Moose, brown and black bear, sheep and goats can be found across a large parts of the forest. Kenai Lake marks the headwaters of the Kenai River. The campground is situated on the Eastern Kenai Peninsula at elevation 450 feet.
The Day Use Site at Trail River Campground provides beach access to Kenai Lake. Many people enjoy fishing, collecting driftwood, skipping rocks and walking along the beach. The view of the mountains surrounding Kenai Lake is gorgeous. Snow is present in the high peaks and avalanche chutes until the end of August. Trout fishing can be very productive from the beach at Trail River Campground as well as at many nearby streams. The lake is home to Dolly Varden, rainbow trout and lake trout. Although trout fishing is open year-round in Kenai Lake, special restrictions apply within 1/4 mile of inlet streams. Kenai Lake is not open to salmon fishing. Anglers are required to have a State of Alaska Fishing license and obey all regulations. Within a one-mile radius of the campground entrance, are five trails: Falls Creek Trail, Crown Point Mine Road, Ptarmigan Creek Trail and Vagt Lake Trail. All of these trails run roughly east-west and provide access to the Iditarod National Historic Trail (INHT) which runs north-south. The INHT is an ongoing project to build a '"southern trek" connecting Seward (Mile 0 of the Iditarod Trail) to Eagle River (north of Anchorage). Currently, sections of this trail are still under construction, and several bridges are missing. However, links between Falls Creek Trail and Ptarmigan Lake Trail as well as between Vagt Lake Trail and Crown Point Mine Road make loop hikes possible. The Falls Creek OHV Trail is a half mile north of the entrance road. This steep trail provides good views of Kenai and Lower Trail Lakes and is deal for hikers and experienced OHV enthusiasts. A second option for motorized recreation is the Crown Point Mine Road. This trail is located one mile north of the campground entrance road at the end of Mine Road. This historic mining road leads above tree-line and provides great views. South of the entrance road is the Ptarmigan Creek Campground. This campground is also the location of Ptarmigan Creek Trail as well as a day use area with a fish-viewing platform where you can view spawning salmon in the late summer and fall. Ptarmigan Creek trail steadily gains elevation as it follows Ptarmigan Creek to Ptarmigan Lake. A round trip to the lake and back is seven miles. In the winter, the campground is closed and the campground's entrance road and loops are groomed for freestyle and Nordic skiing.
The Chugach National Forest covers the eastern half of the Kenai Peninsula and extends around Prince William Sound. It covers over 5 million acres and is characterized by jagged mountains, deep fjords, glacier-fed rivers, and dense forests. This rich natural area supports many miles of productive fishing streams as well as wildlife populations.
For local information, please call (907) 522-8368 or call (907) 288-3178 for general information.
Trail River Campground is located close to many tourist destinations. Within the Seward Ranger District, many world-class trailheads and day use areas await discovery. The newly-remodeled Seward Ranger District Information Office, is one mile south on Ranger Station Spur. There, friendly forest service employees can help you gather information, interpret the local ecology, purchase area maps, and offer advice about the Chugach National Forest. From this campground, possible day trips include wildlife viewing in Kenai Fjords National Park, rafting down the Kenai River, and a visit to Portage Glacier. Portage Glacier, is located in Portage Valley, a 14-mile isthmus that connects the Kenai Peninsula to mainland Alaska. Glacial remnants that can be seen today are Explorer, Middle, Byron, Burns and Shakespeare glaciers. Portage Valley is also home to the Begich Boggs Visitor Center, a world-class visitor center with a full-time interpretive staff and exhibits ready to inspire and explain the natural area.
$200 / night
Miller's Landing is a secluded Campground, Fishing Camp, and Adventure Tourism focal point located right on Resurrection Bay near Seward, Alaska.
$19 - $250 / night
Juneau Lake Cabin is a rustic cabin overlooking beautiful Juneau Lake, providing access to fishing, hunting, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. The cabin can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing, horseback, snowmobile or floatplane. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Visitors enjoy boating and fishing for rainbow trout, whitefish, burbot and grayling in Juneau Lake. A canoe with paddles is provided at the cabin. Fishing equipment is not provided and permits are required to fish or hunt in the state, click here to learn more about Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations. Hunting of various wildlife is popular along the trail and in the surrounding area.
The cabin is located north of Sterling Highway on the eastern shore of Juneau Lake, at an elevation of 1,300 feet. It is surrounded by a spruce and birch forest overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area. For more information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and outdoor safety and ethics, please contact the Seward Ranger District.
$50 - $75 / night
$13 - $17 / night
Trout Lake Cabin is a large, rustic cabin set alongside Trout Lake offering a place for visitors to come and enjoy the forests of south-central Alaska. It provides access to great fishing and canoeing opportunities on the lake, as well as a variety of trails and wildlife viewing in the area. The cabin can be accessed by floatplane, hiking, biking, skiing, horseback and snowmobile. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Visitors enjoy boating and fishing for rainbow trout and whitefish in Trout Lake. A rowboat with oars is provided at the cabin. Fishing equipment is not provided and permits are required to fish or hunt in the state, click here to learn more about Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations. In season, visitors hunt for moose, black and brown bears and wolves in the surrounding forest. Hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, skijoring, snowshoeing and snowmobiling (during open seasons) are also popular in the area.
The cabin is located north of Sterling Highway on the eastern shore of the lake. It is surrounded by a willow, spruce and birch forest and open brushy areas. The cabin overlooks the lake and provides views of the nearby mountains. For more information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and outdoor safety and ethics,please contact the Seward Ranger District.
$50 - $75 / night
Upper Russian Lake Cabin is a rustic trapper style log cabin located on Upper Russian lake. It was recently refurbished to keep the old fashioned charm of the 1950s, when it was originally built. Its location provides good fishing and boating opportunities. Visitors enjoy exploring surrounding trails and viewing wildlife. The cabin can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing, horseback, snowmobile, and floatplane. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Visitors enjoy boating and fishing for Dolly Varden and rainbow trout on Upper Russian Lake. A rowboat with oars is provided at the cabin. Fishing equipment is not provided and permits are required to fish or hunt in the state, click here to learn more about Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations. In season, visitors hunt for moose, black and brown bears and wolves in the surrounding forest. Hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling (during open seasons only) are also popular in the area. Learn more about hiking the Russian Lakes Trail
The cabin is located south of Sterling Highway, set back from the north shore of Upper Russian Lake. It is surrounded by an open grove of giant cottonwood trees with views of the lake and mountains beyond. For more information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and outdoor safety and ethics, please contact the Seward Ranger District.
$50 - $75 / night
Full service RV Park, cabins, and tent sites. We can accommodate any size rig. We have sites with full hookups or Water/Electric. We are 5 minutes from down town Seward, and also 5 Minutes from Exit Glacier. Book your stay at www.koa.com
$45 - $92 / night
$20 - $40 / night
Guide
In mid August we had very few mosquitoes. We also had our pick of some of the best camping spots I’ve ever seen. We became spoiled boomers and kept passing up sites until we got a close walk to the lake, a close walk to the well pump, and a close walk to the pit toilet(very clean). Also a short drive to Seward for all the tourist amenities.
Legend
Although we didn't camp here overnight, we ended up staying in the campground for a couple hours waiting out the rain. The vault toilets and covered group cooking/eating areas were in great shape and stayed dry.
From the campground, we hiked up to explore the abandoned WWII fort, Fort McGilvray. Super interesting and much bigger than I expected! See the full hiking route here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/caines-head-trail
You have two options for getting here:
Guide
It was 54 Degrees in July…… and Mosquitoes ate us alive Great Lake but forget to be outside your Camper. The Spots were not Level at all
GuideBeautiful lakeside setting, inexpensive well maintained facilities. Lots of camp sites, both rv and tent. Sites are fairly private. Quiet. Lots of families. Good camp host.
Scout
It’s crowded and I’m not even sure what to do because it’s a big mess but I’m gonna go ahead and do the same
Scout
Very comfortable here tent camping the owners are very kind and informative and check in on you to make sure your experience is going well. I can’t recommend them enough even with me being a life long Alabama fan and they being life long Tennessee Volunteer fans - :) Roll-Tide lol.
Scout
I made a reservation for the glamour tent. I showed up at 2:45pm and then waited until 3:30pm for someone to come and do the‘check in’. There was a girl that showed me where the showers were. Then she took me to an angry man who said he was willing to put me up in a hotel, they did not have any glamour tents, and then he offered me a cabin room but said there would be no curtains. And then he got mad at me for making reservations the day before and not allowing him to be prepared.. They then said they would give me a refund but charged me a cancellation fee of$183.34. I had to find a new place to stay and howling wolf resort have been dodging my phone calls and my emails. Worst customer service I have ever had. Super shady and unprofessional.
Guide
Hated having to be so close to everyone. Basically a parking lot that they squeeze everyone into.
Scout
"Situated along the waterfront, this property boasts unparalleled views of the sparkling ocean, creating a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere that enhances the overall living experience.
""Nestled in the heart of nature, this secluded property features expansive windows and balconies showcasing stunning mountain vistas, ensuring residents enjoy a picturesque and immersive connection with the scenic beauty that surrounds them."
ScoutSpencer Bench Cabin offers a stunning location at 1,900 feet elevation, providing breathtaking views of the Placer River Valley, Spencer Lake, and Spencer Glacier. The mcdvoice surrounding alpine meadows boast beautiful vegetation, including low shrubs, grasses, and summer wildflowers. This cabin is available for rent throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the area in any season.
Scout
There were several nice spots in amongst the trees for tent camping, but for the RV spots, you would want a spot along the beach or next to the bath house. We stayed in the spot named “Amy” next to the bath house. It was flat, but could be difficult to back in to if adjacent spots were full. We will stay in the North Annex next year, a place ran by the same owners.
LegendTo celebrate our 10th nomadiversary and 22nd wedding anniversary, we sea kayaked into this incredible campground about 5 miles from the boat launch point at Lowell Point, and found the most perfect tent platform just off the beach. This may be one of the most spectacular campsites we’ve ever enjoyed that is just a few miles from shore. Making a camp fire on the pebble beach to cook our dinner and watch the sun go down couldn’t have been a better way to end the day!
A short walk up a trail, there’s a picnic shelter with food storage lockers, and a fire rig.
A few more yards toward the ranger cabin you’ll find the two vault toilets (rustic, yet clean), but don’t forget to bring your own toilet paper. This place is a paddlers dream, with easy beach access and a sheltered cove. Paddle around the headland to the south beach and you’ll find sheer rocky cliffs and sea arches -- in good weather this is simply stunning.
If the weather is too harsh for paddling, there’s a great hiking trail leading between the two camping areas with a side trail up to the remains of Fort McGilvray, a World War II era fort. Truly beautiful hike, gorgeous views, and very interesting history.
Resurrection Bay, and Seward AK, is one of the most visited areas of the Kenai Peninsula. Visitors can access this area by boat, cruise ship, plane, train, motor vehicle, bicycle, or on foot. But, getting to Caines Head SRA is a bit of a logistical challenge, but totally worth the effort. The parking area is limited, with only a few spots for RV’s of any length, in the upper lot. But the experience is so worth it. There are a couple of cabins that are reservable through the DNR scattered throughout the Caines Head area. These are accessible via boat or at very low tide.
LegendThis is a great little campground between Anchorage and Girdwood, right along the Turnagain Arm inlet and Seward Hwy. While the road noise from the nearby (and busy highway), could be loud at times, things mostly quieted down during the nighttime hours. This first come-first served campground is popular on weekends because of the proximity to Anchorage, where folks usually rent RV’s to explore the Kenai Peninsula – so plan ahead.
The campsites are spacious, but only about half of the sites can accommodate larger RV’s; the rest can only manage a small van or travel trailer. There is plenty of space in each site to set up a tent, if that’s how you’re going to roll. The sites were clean, as were the vault toilets. Water is available in a few spigots distributed throughout the park, but they recommended boiling the water to be safe. Bring your solar panels, as these sites don't have electrical hookups!
There is a beautiful nature trail leading to the Bird to Gird (biking/walking path) for the young and old alike. Biking the path along the old railroad line is a great way to spend the afternoon. Bike all the way to Girdwood and reward yourself with some of their famous Blueberry fritters at Alpine Cafe and Bakery, which is right off the path at the intersection of the Seward and Alyeska Hwy.
Two other awesome natural features of the area are Byron Glacier (easy hike) and the bore tide. During certain times of the month, the incoming tide creates an incoming wave of water that is large enough to surf. Be sure to look for the tidal information online or in park's posted materials. Warning! Do not wade out into the water, the tidal mud is like quicksand and many a casual visitor has become entrapped. Heed the warnings of the locals, don’t wade out into the mud flats!
Girdwood has many services, including gas, the aforementioned fritters, laundry and showers, groceries, bakeries, restaurants, golf course, and a ski mountain. Might we also recommend the Girdwood Brewery with its food trucks!
RangerPerfect spot for a small wedding reception! The bon fire pit and grill gave an fun and cozy vibe while the cabin had comfortable beds and a warm stove while it was rainy. The stove would fog up the one of the big windows, but the window next it to was fine.
RangerLove this campground, camped here a few times 18-20 years ago. Take a day trip to Portage Glacier, ride the tram at Alyeska, take the tunnel to Whittier. Or venture further to Homer or Seward. Whales frequent Turnagain Arm as the Tide comes in. Beautiful area.
Ranger
Beautiful! Sat in hot tub staring at the snow capped mountains most of my stay here.
Traveler
Have stairs and have access to river to fish. Showers are coin operated and $1.50 for 7 minutes. Toilets are available. No standard picnic tables expect for deluxe sites. Campsite is right across Soldotna visitor center. Not very scenic but location is great!
Legend
I’m not really a big koa camper in my experience the service has been horrible but they were friendly here. Our view was really great and we were so close to exit glacier.
LegendWe’re not big rv park people so it wasn’t really our thing but as far as rv parks it was nice. The restaurant being right there was great we were able to enjoy cocktails and dinner on the deck
LegendWe enjoyed the camping here but the day use are was the real show stopper here! The lake is one of the most beautiful views in alaska in my opinion. facilities are clean and spacious. Picnic tables and fire pits at each spot.
LegendThe view was amazing and checking out the tide pools was so fun! Not much privacy but everyone was friendly that we ran into!
TravelerMy family used to frequent this ground and I recently revisited it.
There are two phenomenal aspects to this campground: 1) the lake, and 2) the inter-camp trails.
There are beautiful little paths between the camp sites that makes this place feel like a fairytale.
The lake is one of the most beautiful in the world, and virtually all yours.
Two important things to note: no cell service and insane numbers of mosquitos. I got a couple messages out, but that’s it.
LegendWe stopped here on our way to kenai and we really enjoyed it. Saw some bald eagles and enjoyed a short hike nearby with a great view!
Traveler20, 30, 50 Amp hookups and H2O. As others have said, quite tight against your neighbors and generally full during summer months. Bath house is nice and clean which is great considering there’s no sewer at the sites. Dump site on site so one can make do. A bit unorganized at check in because they don’t reserve sites until you arrive. If you’re in a big rig like I am you could find yourself SOL should the 45’ spots all be full. Overall, not a bad place because the price is right!
LegendThis campground has 22 sites and 2 public use cabins. There’s bathrooms but no showers. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table and there are trails within walking distance of your campsite.
We stayed during the off season so we ended up in the camp host site accidentally since it was one of the few that wasn’t still covered in snow. You definitely get some noise from Highway traffic but it’s not terrible. There’s a gas station right across the street for fuel and maybe some other last minute supplies you may need?
TravelerThe RV park was full so we parked at the overflow lot. Gorgeous view but loud from traffic. We made it work.
TravelerBeautiful park, clean bathrooms, friendly staff
Experience the beauty of cabin camping near Chugach National Forest, Alaska, where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Chugach National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Chugach National Forest is Trail River with a 4.7-star rating from 11 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 50 cabin camping locations near Chugach National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
