M
Marcus H.
Guide
GuideCaptain Cook State Recreation Area Discovery Campground
Quiet location
Great place to go explore the beach at low tides. Excellent views
Camping near Chugach National Forest
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds around Chugach National Forest in Alaska provide varied options for outdoor stays, with established sites like Quartz Creek Campground on Kenai Lake and Trail River Campground near Seward. The area supports multiple accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, rustic cabins, and even yurt rentals. Several campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from late May through early September, with Russian River Complex and Cooper Creek Campground being popular options for anglers targeting salmon runs in the Kenai River.
The camping season throughout Chugach National Forest generally runs from May through September, with most facilities closing during winter months due to harsh Alaskan weather conditions. "This USFS Campground is right off the highway at Kenai Lake near Coopers Landing. Easy access for most any size RVs or trailers, well spaced, improved, level sites with big wooden tables and metal fire pits with metal cooking grates," noted one camper about Quartz Creek. Bear activity is common throughout the region, with many campgrounds providing food storage lockers. Several sites require advance reservations, while others operate on a first-come basis. Campgrounds vary in accessibility, with some accommodating large RVs while smaller sites like Crescent Creek are better suited for tents or small vans.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with multiple sites situated along Kenai Lake, the Kenai River, and various creeks. Fishing opportunities abound, particularly during salmon runs when the area becomes exceptionally popular. A visitor described Quartz Creek as "a lovely little spot, situated between Quartz Creek and Kenai Lake... With easy access to Kenai Lake, it's easy to see why so many kayakers and canoers visit this area." Amenities vary widely across campgrounds - while some offer basic facilities like vault toilets and drinking water, others provide additional services such as dump stations, firewood sales, and trash collection. Princess Wilderness Lodge & RV Park stands out for providing full hookups, showers, and laundry facilities, though at premium prices compared to public campgrounds.
Best Camping Sites Near Chugach National Forest (145)
1. Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
13 ReviewsCooper Landing, AK8 milesWebsite+1 (907) 288-7756$23 - $33 / night
"Tucked back in the chugach national forest is a quiet campground that is hard to get into without prior planning. No Rv hookups but does have a dump station and potable wAter."
"If you asked me where my favorite spot in Alaska is, I might just choose the Russian River."
2. Quartz Creek Campground
10 ReviewsCooper Landing, AK0 milesWebsite+1 (907) 288-3178$23 - $33 / night
"This USFS Campground is right off the highway at Kenai Lake near Coopers Landing."
"Quartz Creek Campground is a lovely little spot, situated between Quartz Creek and Kenai Lake. There are 45 spaces at this campground, so it's one of the larger ones."
3. Trail River
11 ReviewsMoose Pass, AK13 milesWebsite$23 - $200 / night
"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."
"The campground provides ample space for large group activities around the pavilion or your own little nook, tucked along the banks of the lakes. this campground was so fun to have our gatherings at!"
4. Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge & RV Park
6 ReviewsCooper Landing, AK4 milesWebsite+1 (907) 595-1425"The main lodge is just a short walk away too. Grocery store, shower, laundry ADA accessible, Ice and Propane make this a wonderful stop."
"There were paths around the campground to the lodge and down to the lake, which we enjoyed walking with our pups. There weren’t many grocery options in Cooper Landing."
5. Cooper Creek North Campground
5 ReviewsCooper Landing, AK5 milesWebsite$33 / night
"It was a very convenient campsite off the highway on the way to Homer, in the national forest. only $23 a night to camp or $11.50 if your a senior or have an access pass."
"We stayed in the first site and while it was sort of close to the road the noise wasn’t bad because you have the river so close. Perhaps not the best site for small children."
6. Cooper Creek South
4 ReviewsCooper Landing, AK5 milesWebsite$23 - $33 / night
"Cooper Creek is a great, smaller campground to choose when the popular nearby spots fill up with anglers."
"Large spaces right next to the Kenai River. Easily get to places that do rafting trips and fishing right from your camp site! Beautiful aqua water with mountain views!"
7. Tenderfoot Creek
8 ReviewsMoose Pass, AK13 milesWebsite+1 (907) 288-3178$23 / night
"We spent 4 nights in Tenderfoot Campground just on the other side of Summit Lake. It is hidden but located at the base of a tall mountain that would be in avalanche danger if snow were in season."
"Its close proximity to Summit Lake and lake access earned it 4 stars. Really great place to take a kayak. If it was not for the water aspect it would have only gotten a 3 star review. "
8. Cooper Landing Fishing Guide, LLC
2 ReviewsCooper Landing, AK3 milesWebsite+1 (907) 599-0126$100 / night
9. Juneau Lake Cabin
3 ReviewsCooper Landing, AK8 milesWebsite$75 / night
"Honestly, you can't go wrong - especially if you're utilizing the Forest Service cabins sprinkled all over Alaska. This particular cabin was in amazing condition, and very clean."
"The US Forest Service owns little cabins all over AK and each varies in amenities, age, distance, etc."
10. Exit Glacier Campground — Kenai Fjords National Park
16 ReviewsSeward, AK20 milesWebsite+1 (907) 422-0500"Exit glacier is an amazing destination for all ages and capabilities. Although dogs are not welcome on the hike, it is short enough that you won’t be missed long."
"Stayed here on my big Alaska trip. Really not much to it, but it was a super nice place to stay. I think there was only around 15 sites or so, and they are first come first served."
Recent Camping Photos near Chugach National Forest
91 Photos of 145 Chugach National Forest Campgrounds
Kyla M.
Quartz Creek Campground
Kenai
Float-n-Fish Campground
Dori S.
Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Ben S.
Moose Pass
Kristin Y.
Trail River
Melissa N.
Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground
John L.
Primrose Trailhead
Jennifer W.
Hidden Lake Campground
Valerie S.
Lower Ohmer Lake Campground
The Dyrt
Exit Glacier Campground — Kenai Fjords National Park
Tanya B.
Granite Creek
MG S.
Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area
Recent Reviews near Chugach National Forest
465 Reviews of 145 Chugach National Forest Campgrounds
- Karl W.Guide
crow creek mine & campground
rustic and historic
Tent sites up to a few larger RV sites. 3 miles up a dirt road. Historic mine next door where you can pan for gold. 28-30' is probably the largest rig you want to take there. No walk ins, online reservation only.
Lee D.
LegendDiamond M Ranch Resort
Family Fun!
General: RV sites, bunkhouse, tent camping, cabins, and historical suites. Additional campsites are available in the pasture during Dip Net season (July 10-31) for Alaska residents. The office/store is a recreation of Gold Rush-era buildings from various towns in Alaska. Sites are FHU.
Site Quality: Sites are mostly level. Some are gravel, and some are dirt. We were traveling in a caravan, and many of us had buddy sites (I believe this was to accommodate the influx for dip net season). This was not a problem as we used our 110 extension cord to convert to 30-amp for power. The sites are close together; some have trees providing privacy/separation, but not all of them.
Bath/Shower: There are four all-in-one (toilet, sink, shower) units plus laundry in our area of the campground (there is another bathhouse/laundry in another part of the campground). Again, because of the crowds for dip net, there was often a wait for a bathroom, and soap and/or paper towels would run out before the day was over. Not everyone heeded the signs asking campers to make sure shower curtains are closed to prevent flooding!
Activities/Amenities: The main amenity is the petting zoo and Matti’s farm tour on Saturday mornings ($5/per person for registered guests or $10 for community members; 50% of the proceeds go to their non-profit Mattis’s Farm, and the other 50% goes toward feeding the animals and permaculture education). At the end of the tour, you can interact with the animals (emus, chickens, goats, rabbits, a turkey). Ronna also leads guided hikes. One of Ronna and Blair’s daughters makes giant and delicious cinnamon rolls from her grandfather’s recipe on Fridays and Saturdays for a donation. There is a viewing deck open 24 hours/day and, on a clear day, you can see views of four of the peaks of the Ring of Fire. There is basketball, pickleball, a playground, and bike rentals. Free WiFi, although the signal is not strong. Also, a fish cleaning station.
It is obvious that Blair and Ronna and their family members are passionate about Diamond M. Blair and Ronna lead the farm tours, and during our stay, we saw one or both of them around the property.
Kellan K.
ScoutCentennial Park & Campground
Great app
Anyone that is into the outdoors from rudimentary camping to RV lifestyle it is perfect
- Karl W.Guide
Miller's Landing
Camping or fishing
Cool and quirky campsite names. Some nestled in the trees and some side by side waterfront. Cabins of various levels of accommodation are available. All kinds of fishing charters directly available from office. Good gift shop and a nice little Bistro, coffee place.
- Karl W.Guide
Williwaw Campground
Nice campground with paved and level sites
Only accepts cash. Must be bear aware. Bears every time we’ve been there. Would not recommend soft side campers or tents. Use available bear proof food safes.
Douglas S.LegendSeward City Campgrounds
This review is for the Iditarod campground at the end of the city camping sites
Ideally situated at the far end of town, this site offers easy access to the old part of town. This campground is far away from the cruise ship terminal and only the most DieHard tourists make it to this end of town.
Having said that this is a primitive campground that is nothing more than a gravel lot with a couple of picnic tables and fire rings. Being self-contained is an absolute must!
Unfortunately for me I arrived in the middle of a rainstorm and the gravel lot is more than a bit muddy. Please see attached photos and video for more details about this campsite.
- LLynde T.Guide
Seward City Campgrounds
Seward Campground — Harborside
Loved staying here. Tons of spaces among several campgrounds, many right along the beach. We stayed in Harborside because we booked last minute and it was the only area that had a beachfront spot available. Recommend booking early for that reason. But our spot was great.
Dry camping. Spots are $40+ nightly but they do have a central dump station available, multiple potable water areas available and dumpsters throughout. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings. They are fairly level and wide but it’s basically a parking lot in Harborside and many spots are like a parking spot where you pull straight in. We actually liked this because our motorhome windshield faced the ocean.
Short walk to town, national park visitor center and harbor. We saw seals daily, bald eagles and even a whale directly in front of our campsite. The access to a lot of Seward and the beach is really nice. A lot of people were surf fishing.
Little pricey for dry camping but the views and location are worth it.
- Douglas S.Legend
Forest Acre Campground
Nicely wooded public campground.
Located just across the street from the Seward MWR military campground, this facility represents what's typical of public campgrounds in Alaska.
Sites are nicely wooded and spacious. The campground also has an on-site host.
The public restrooms however leave a bit to be desired. It should also be noted that the train goes past this campground with some regularity.
Finally, I'm a firm believer in the idea that a pictures worth a thousand words so please see my attached photos.
Guide to Chugach National Forest
Chugach National Forest campgrounds span from Sterling Highway in Cooper Landing to Seward, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 feet. The camping season typically runs from late May through early September, when temperatures range from 50-70°F during summer days. Nighttime temperatures can drop to the 30s even in summer, requiring proper insulation for overnight stays.
What to do
Wildlife viewing from campgrounds: Campers frequently spot bears near fishing areas. "My family loved our weekend away at the Russian River Campground. It was super easy to make a reservation online (reserve early!), our loop was a short walk to the boardwalk to get down to the river," reports Megan W. about Russian River Complex.
Paddling on glacial lakes: Summit and Kenai Lakes provide calm waters for kayaking. "We enjoyed our spot here even though we couldn't get on right on the water so we spent most of our time in the day use area fishing," notes Riley N. about Quartz Creek Campground.
Hiking to waterfalls: Trails connect several campgrounds to scenic falls viewing. "Try the Russian Lakes Trail if you are interested in a short hike to see salmon jump into the Russian Falls. The Angler's Trail will take you right to the Kenai-Russian River Confluence - one of the most unique sights in the world!" recommends Taylor W.
What campers like
Peaceful mountain settings: Most campsites offer forest cover with limited highway noise. "This site has it all. Camping, day use and boat launch. We enjoyed our spot here even though we couldn't get on right on the water," says Riley N. about Quartz Creek Campground.
Lake views: Waterfront campsites provide direct access for fishing and boating. "Surrounded by mountains lays a long yet narrow lake, Kenai lake. It's a glacial lake that has a beautiful green/blue hue. The water is cold, but it's gorgeous here," describes Michael V.
Designated bear safety features: Many sites include bear-proof storage lockers. "Bear lockers at every site. Short hikes to the falls and the river. Beautiful place! Saw plenty of bald eagles and a black bear by the river," mentions Dori S. about Russian River Complex.
What you should know
Seasonal mosquito intensity: Bug activity peaks during summer months. "Bring a bug screen or bug dope," advises Tanya B., who adds, "There are water fill up stations and dump stations at every camping loop, which was very convenient."
Limited cell coverage: Most forest campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "Cell Service: no, Internet: no" notes Tanya B. about Cooper Creek North Campground.
Fishing permits required: Anglers need licenses for salmon and trout fishing. "Perfect fishing spot and also a nice paved home to the Russian River Falls. Watch for bears at all times and always have your fishing license on ya," advises Shadara W.
Weather variability: Mountain weather changes rapidly, even during summer. "We stayed here early summer season just after the ice had melted. The large fire pit was perfect for the chilly nights," mentions Valerie S. about Tenderfoot Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Book ADA-accessible sites: Several campgrounds offer wheelchair-friendly facilities. "There are 4 handicapped designated spots, but each site has a picnic table and firepit. Nice separated some with views of the mountains and even a few with partial river view," notes Shadara W.
Consider loop location: Different camping areas offer varying levels of privacy and amenities. "We personally preferred the outer edge of the Silver Salmon Loop, though we enjoyed them all. If you're a big fisher, the Red Salmon Loop is your go-to spot for easy access to the river," explains Taylor W.
Group sites availability: Some campgrounds offer larger capacity options. "This campground is great for group camping trips, as each site is rated for 8 people and a few can have up to 12. There are many ada-accessible sites to choose from as well, which was a great help when bringing along family in need," shares Taylor W. about Cooper Creek South.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns for larger rigs. "We ended up with a pull through spot that was a pain to get our rig into (26' pull behind). Luckily it was the first spot in the loop so we were able to back it in," explains Megan W.
Pull-through availability: Select sites accommodate larger vehicles without difficult backing. "Best spots: Double - 73, 78, 88, Pull though - 66, 69, 71, and 80," recommends Tanya B. about Russian River Complex.
Premium hookup options: For those needing full services, limited options exist. "Beautiful! Sat in hot tub staring at the snow capped mountains most of my stay here," mentions Michael V. about Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge & RV Park, which provides full hookups and amenities at higher rates than forest service sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chugach National Forest?
What camping is available near Chugach National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chugach National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Chugach National Forest and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chugach National Forest?
Which is the most popular campground near Chugach National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chugach National Forest is Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chugach National Forest?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chugach National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Chugach National Forest.
What parks are near Chugach National Forest?
What parks are near Chugach National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Chugach National Forest that allow camping, notably Kenai Fjords National Park and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
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