Best Dispersed Camping near Chugach National Forest
Dispersed camping in Chugach National Forest offers several free primitive sites with varying accessibility and amenities. Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area provides spacious camping near Seward with mountain views and river access. Moose Pass features a large open area approximately 25 miles from Seward where seaplanes occasionally take off from the adjacent lake. Lost Lake Trailhead serves as both a parking area and access point to backcountry camping. Decision Point requires boat access from Whittier and includes tent platforms with bear-proof storage boxes.
Most dispersed sites in the region lack basic facilities. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available at the majority of locations. Several campers noted that Exit Glacier Road has an 8-night maximum stay limit and requires visitors to pack out all waste. High-clearance vehicles are necessary for many sites, particularly Exit Glacier Road where the entrance can be difficult to spot due to large boulders partially blocking access. The Lost Lake Trail requires a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the rough road conditions beyond the trailhead sign.
This is bear country, and proper food storage is essential. The Forest Service recommends camping only in designated areas at Lost Lake to protect fragile tundra vegetation. Fires are prohibited in alpine areas. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region; Moose Pass generally has good coverage for major carriers while Exit Glacier Road has minimal to no service. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly near Prince William Sound where strong winds can create dangerous wave conditions for boaters accessing remote sites like Decision Point.
