If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Chugach National Forest, look no further. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.
Primitive camping alongside Exit Glacier road. The road is closed during the winter months. 4x4 recommended.
The Lost Lake Trail is a segment of the longer Iditarod National Historic Trail (INHT). Lost Lake Trailhead gives access to alpine/subalpine areas within 4 miles. First 2 miles through dense conifer forest opening up dramatically to open mountainsides. For backpacking, there is 15 mile hike through combined with Primrose Trail. Off trail hiking opportunities in neighboring valleys and ridges around Lost Lake.
Camping on Lost Lake is recommended at the designated campsites, some of which are equipped with bear boxes and pit toilets. Backpackers are strongly encouraged not to camp on the Lost Lake peninsulas so that tundra can grow back.
Many good backcountry camping opportunities in alpine area surrounding Lost Lake. Practice good Leave No Trace ethics and camp out of sight of the trail and 200' from lakes and streams.
Scout
Saw two seaplanes take off from the lake (take the Southern spot for this).
Hwy is loud but manageable, train as well.
Recommendable overnight position on the way to SEWARD.
Scout
Spend two great nights at this site. It’s free to use and huge! Expect lots of gravel and bumpiness but it’s doable without 4x4 (we had no issues with our „Four Winds“ RV.)
There is a local who rents out his mobile sauna to people at this plays. He literally drops off a sauna and helps out heating it up and it’s all yours 😅 If you a sauna person, I can recommend: Feel free to check out: sewardsaunas.com
LegendI stayed here with a group of my friends in our sprinter vans for two nights. Campground was quiet both nights. There was plenty of space between each party, so it felt relatively private.
The little road can be hard to spot, we drove right passed it the first time. Driving from the road is BUMPY, you'll need a vehicle with high clearance.
We rented mobile saunas, and I highly recommend doing it, it was awesome!! Here is the info: https://sewardsaunas.com/
Because this is not a formal campground, but rather a special use area, keep the following in mind:
LegendMoose Pass Trailhead
As with most BLM trailheads, zut services. Big area, some shaded mostly unshaded but big enough to have your own space
Seaplanes take off from lake during the day - pretty awesome
No onsite services. Seward offers free dump and potable water - near their RV parks
Starlink, Visible/Verizon and Cricket/Att all good
ScoutStayed 4 nights 6/4/23. Very close to Seward activities and Exit Glacier - Harding ice field hikes. Area can handle most size rigs. We have small pull behind trailer but had an Airstream and variety of other campers in the area. Entrance is next to a couple of large boulders but is wide enough to get through. Scenery was outstanding with snow covered peaks in all directions. We did see bear tracks and evidence of moose but didn’t see any when we were there. We highly recommend this camping location.
LegendBoondocking galore!!! It gets five stars for what it is. Beautiful spots right by the river and five minutes from Seward and shopping one way and five minutes from Kenai Fjords NP the other.
The entrance comes up quick and has huge rocks blocking part of the road. We blew by it the first time and said no way, but then we pulled over and I ran to see who was camping and surprisingly a bunch of bigger campers etc got back there so we gave it a go and we got thru better than we thought. You just need to take your time!
Big gravel like space but isn't level so you need to drive slow, but you can find a level spot to camp for the night. No amenities as you are boondocking, but well worth it for the night!!! Highly recommend!!!
TravelerThis is an awesome spot to hang out when in the Seward area! There is tons area for lots of rigs. The entrance is pretty narrow so it might not be best for anything larger than a truck camper or van.
In the spot we were at the cell service was almost non existent. We had one tiny bar for AT&T and nothing for Verizon. On a Saturday in July it wasn't busy and everyone could spread out to have their own area.
It is very close to the National Park and town so it's great before or after a long day exploring
Legend
This spot is a parking lot outside of the trailhead. It’s really crowded. There is a bathroom on site and the drive up is not horrible. We made it up in our rear wheel drive van just fine. Want a bad spot just wasn’t anything very special about it.
Legend
We happened across this spot when taking a wrong turn. We loved it! Beach access through a short trail so we were able to explore and not a lot of road noise.
LegendThe road after the sign is rough and a good 4 X 4 or ATV is recommended. This 7-mile hiking trail will take you to Lost Lake. After a 2-mile incline hike the trail opens up and levels off half way in.
The Forest service recommends that you camp on Lost Lake at designated campsites. This is bear country and some of the camp sites have bear boxes. There are also pit toilets but always pack your own TP. The Forest service ask that backpackers are strongly encouraged not to camp on the Lost Lake peninsulas so that tundra can grow back a reminder that FIRES ARE PROHIBITED in alpine areas.
Cell Service: at sign Internet: no 2020 Cost: free Distance from Anchorage: 110 miles Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 4-8 depends on weather
ScoutA 5 mile paddle from Whittier, AK. Watch the weather waves can build up quickly. A number of tent platforms, 2 toilets and a few bear proof boxes. From this camp ground it is time to "decide" which way you want to go as the sound really opens up to you. There is fresh water but boil or filter it first. I think I must have camped here at least 30 or 40 times, most of it before tent platforms, toilets or bear containers. I've camped here May June July August
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Chugach National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Chugach National Forest is Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Chugach National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Chugach National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
