This is the HEADLINE

Western

$150 to REI, $100 to MiiR, and 1 year of The Dyrt PRO

**GRAND PRIZE**
$150 to REI, $100 to MiiR, and 1 year of The Dyrt PRO

**4 RUNNERS UP WIN**
[The Dyrt PRO](https://thedyrt.com/pro): 6-Month Membershp


nearby

Looking for the best Alaska dispersed camping? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds in Alaska, including sites, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Alaska camping adventure.

Alaska

The Best Dispersed Camping in Alaska

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Chugach National Forest? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Chugach National Forest just for you.

Chugach National Forest

The Best Dispersed Camping Near Chugach National Forest, Alaska

## Overview

Barber Cabin offers a remote lodging experience on the Eastern Kenai Peninsula of south-central Alaska. The rustic cabin has few amenities, but provides access to the great outdoors and a scenic mountain lake. There is great fishing in Lower Russian Lake, and hiking and biking trails abound. Wildlife viewing is good in the area as well, though visitors should watch out for bears.   
  
The cabin can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing, horseback or floatplanes. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Recreation

Visitors enjoy boating and rainbow trout fishing on Lower Russian Lake. A rowboat with oars is provided at the cabin. Fishing equipment is not provided and permits are required to fish in the state ([click here](http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=regulations.main) for Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations). The lake freezes during winter months.   
  
A variety of trails and unexplored areas exist near the cabin. Hikers and bikers can explore varying terrain, including muskeg, meadows and high-canopied forest along the 21-mile Russian Lakes Trail, toward the Upper Russian Lake Cabin. There is a high avalanche hazard on Russian Lakes Trail in the winter ([learn about avalanche safety](http://www.cnfaic.org/)). Snow can remain on the trail until early June. Hunting is popular along the trail and in the surrounding area.

## Facilities

The accessible log cabin has bunk space for six and a maximum occupancy of eight people. It is equipped with counter space, table, benches and a wood stove for heat. A splitting maul and hand saw are available. An outhouse is also provided.   
  
There is no electricity, potable water, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils or cut firewood at the cabin. Visitors should bring sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear and food. Water taken from the lake should be treated or boiled before consumption.

## Natural Features

The cabin is close to Cooper Landing off the Sterling Highway, in a fairly flat area on the east shore Lower Russian Lake. It is surrounded by a scattered spruce forest, and meadows with shrubs and brush, providing scenic mountain views.   
  
A variety of wildlife make its home in the area, including moose, black and brown bears and wolves. The surrounding area has a particularly high concentration of bears. For more information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and [outdoor safety and ethics](https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r10/recreation/safety-ethics), please contact the Seward Ranger District.

Barber Cabin

## Overview

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.

## Recreation

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](http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=regulations.main) 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](https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd564962.pdf) about hiking the Russian Lakes Trail

## Facilities

The log cabin has bunk space for six and max. occupancy of eight people. It is equipped with counter space, table, benches and a wood stove for heat. An outhouse is also provided. Firewood can also be cut in the area, using the splitting maul and hand saw supplied at the cabin.   
  
Visitors will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes. Water taken from streams and lakes must be treated or boiled prior to consumption. Visitors will also need to bring their own bedding and sleeping pads, flashlights, cooking gear, food, clothing and cooking utensils, among other necessities. All garbage and food must be packed out.

## Natural Features

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](https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r10/recreation/safety-ethics), please contact the Seward Ranger District.

Upper Russian Lake Cabin

## Overview

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.

## Recreation

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.

## Facilities

The campground is divided into three loops. Spruce Tree loop has ample shade and stellar views of the mountains. Eagle Point Loop overlooks Kenai Lake and the River Terrace Loop is nearest to the river.   
  
The group campsite, which accommodates 70 guests, is part of Trail River Loop. The picnic shelter at the group site is a great place for large gatherings such as wedding receptions, retirement parties or birthdays. It has a beautiful, timber frame pavilion with a large central grill and covered picnic tables. The adjacent volleyball court, horseshoe pit and playground make it fun for all ages. There is also a large fire ring with seating, and plenty of parking. Amenities include vault toilets, trash collection and drinking water.   
  
The Day Use Area (mentioned above) includes lake shore access, picnic tables and vault toilets.

## Natural Features

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. 

## Nearby Attractions

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.

Trail River

## Overview

Tenderfoot Creek Campground unveils views of the surrounding mountains from every direction and offers campsites that face the edge of a glistening lake.   
  
Perched along Summit Lake on the Eastern Kenai Peninsula of Alaska, Tenderfoot Creek provides an ideal destination for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking and wildlife watching.   
  
Campers may experience morning wakeup calls from loons or view bald eagles fishing in the clear waters. Impressive wildlife inhabitants include moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx and wolves. Campsites are nicely spaced along the eastern shores of Summit Lake. Tenderfoot Creek passes through the campground and surrounding forest includes spruce and hemlock.

## Recreation

The Summit Lake Trail heads south of Summit Lake and connects with the Resurrection Pass Trail, a wonderful 39-mile hiking and biking trail that climbs 2,100 feet of elevation, providing excellent views of the area. The lake is stocked with Dolly Varden and Rainbow trout.   
  
Winter recreation includes backcountry skiing, snow-boarding and snowshoeing.

## Facilities

Tenderfoot Creek campers enjoy amenities such as drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, trash collection, fire pits and a boat ramp. The majority of campsites are pull-through and parking aprons are gravel. Firewood can be purchased onsite.

## Natural Features

Summit Lake is a small cirque lake, or tarn, reaching a depth of 20 feet. This cirque was the beginning of a long-gone, alpine glacier. The surrounding terrain and unique mountain landscape is all glacially carved. 

## Nearby Attractions

Visit Portage Glacier in the 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.

Tenderfoot Creek

Cooper Creek North Campground

## Overview

Granite Creek Campground is set in the captivating Kenai Mountains, surrounded by wildflowers and spruce forests. The rugged mountains of the Kenai Peninsula are one hour south of Anchorage.

## Recreation

Biking is a popular activity at Granite Creek, with a paved bike path along the Seward Highway that extends for five miles south to the Hope Road. While on the path, look for raspberries to pick and wildflowers to smell. Fishing is considered intermediate, and Dolly Varden trout are among the tasty fish you might catch.   
  
Look for wildlife like moose, snowshoe hare, black and brown bears and mountain goats, or sit back and listen to water rushing through the glacier-fed Granite Creek.

## Facilities

The 19 sites are set apart from each other, so you'll get a sense of true nature and quiet. Most sites are right beside the creek. Bears frequent the area, so please make use of the bear boxes available.

## Natural Features

Set in the Chugach National Forest, the campground is along Granite Creek, a roaring glacier-fed river. Towering mountains, a mature spruce forest, and many glaciers describe the spectacular sights that await. 

## Nearby Attractions

A mile east of Granite Creek is the Johnson Pass Trail, a well-maintained 23-mile trail of mostly level terrain and breathtaking vistas. Nearby is Six Mile Creek, with Class V whitewater for rafting and kayaking.

Granite Creek

Exit Glacier has a 12-site, walk-in, tent-campground. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservations or camping fees. There is a fourteen-day stay limit. The campground frequently fills by early evening in July and August. A central food storage, cooking and dining shelter is provided. Cooking and/or storing food in campsites is prohibited. There is a pump for drinking water and pit toilets are available. Pets are not permitted in campsites.

Exit Glacier Campground

Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground

Upper Skilak Lake Campground - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Anchorage, AK is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Anchorage is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Anchorage, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Anchorage

The Best Camping in Anchorage | Alaska Campgrounds

Fairbanks, AK is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Alaska camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Fairbanks

The Best Camping Near Fairbanks, Alaska

Are you in need of a campground near Juneau, AK? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Juneau campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Juneau camping trip.

Juneau

The Best Camping in Juneau, Alaska | Alaska Campgrounds

Are you in need of a campground near Eagle River, AK? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Eagle River, AK. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Eagle River

The Best Camping Near Eagle River, Alaska

Searching for the best camping near Badger, AK? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Badger, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Badger, AK. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Badger

The Best Camping Near Badger, Alaska

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Knik-Fairview, AK has a lot to offer. Knik-Fairview is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Knik-Fairview, AK. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Knik-Fairview

The Best Camping Near Knik-Fairview, Alaska

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, College, AK is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—College is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near College, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

College

The Best Camping Near College, Alaska

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Sitka, AK has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Sitka campgrounds just for you. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Sitka and user-submitted reviews.

Sitka

The Best Camping Near Sitka, Alaska

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Lakes. Lakes is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Alaska camping adventure.

Lakes

The Best Camping Near Lakes, Alaska

Tanaina is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Tanaina, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Tanaina, AK. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Tanaina

The Best Camping Near Tanaina, Alaska

Chugach National Forest, AK is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

The Best Camping Near Chugach National Forest, Alaska

Some of the best camping in Alaska is found at Denali National Park and Preserve, where campers can pitch a tent or stay in a cabin with views of the tundra and Denali, the highest peak in North America with a summit at more than 20,000 feet. Near Denali National Park is Healy, AK. There, tent and RV campers can gather supplies and plan their trip to the extensive park. Summer campsites offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and biking along the trails. Adventurous hikers can tackle the high mountain trails. The campgrounds also offer many chances to see the native wildlife like moose, wolves, caribou, grizzly bears, and Dall sheep.

Denali National Park

The Best Camping Near Denali National Park, Alaska

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Tongass National Forest, AK is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Tongass National Forest. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Tongass National Forest camping trip.

Tongass National Forest

The Best Camping Near Tongass National Forest, Alaska

Sitting on a peninsula in southern Alaska is some of the best camping in the state at Katmai National Park and Preserve. Near the aptly named city of King Salmon, AK, it’s a good idea to stock up on supplies before heading to the campgrounds. Camping near Brooks Falls puts campers close to the salmon and the foraging brown bears. Campsites close to the forests and mountains get hikers close to the park’s miles of winding trails. You also won't want to miss the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes formed by ash and lava flows. RVs will need to stay close to the lodge to ensure they have the necessary hookups.

Katmai National Park & Preserve

The Best Camping Near Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Searching for the best camping near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, AK? Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Alaska camping adventure.

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

The Best Camping Near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Looking for the best campgrounds near Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, AK? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge

The Best Camping Near Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Home to everything from mountains and glaciers to temperate rainforests, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve has some of the best camping spots in southeast Alaska. Near Juneau, AK, campers can explore the trails running through the temperate forests and beach meadows where brown and black bears are common sights, along with majestic moose. Campsites close to the beach provide views of seals and whales. It’s also the ideal spot to put a kayak in to get a closer look at the glaciers and explore the fjords. Most campgrounds accommodate all types of campers, including RVs. Along with spots for tents, visitors can also stay in warm cabins and yurts.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

The Best Camping Near Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Denali National Park & Preserve, AK has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Denali National Park & Preserve is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Denali National Park & Preserve and user-submitted reviews.

Denali National Park & Preserve

The Best Camping Near Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Camping near the Harding Icefield in Alaska is an unforgettable experience. Campers can pitch tents close to the outflowing glaciers or by the fjords and islands on the coast. Campsites near Kenai Fjords offer kayaking and boating excursions. Any supplies campers forget, they can easily pick up in Seward, AK. RV drivers will want to fuel up in the city before heading to the campgrounds. When the weather’s too cold for tent sleeping, there are cozy cabins in the area complete with a range of amenities.

Kenai Fjords National Park

The Best Camping Near Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Denali National Park and Preserve, AK is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Denali National Park and Preserve is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Denali National Park and Preserve, AK. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

THE BEST Dispersed CAMPING NEARChugach National Forest, Alaska

About Chugach National Forest Dispersed Camping

Top Chugach National Forest Dispersed Campgrounds

Barber Cabin

Upper Russian Lake Cabin

Trail River

Tenderfoot Creek

Cooper Creek North Campground

Granite Creek

Exit Glacier Campground

Chugach National Forest Ptarmigan Campground

Upper Skilak Lake Campground - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Upper Skilak Lake Campground - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Dispersed Campgrounds in Chugach National Forest, Alaska

Get the App

See What We’re Up To