Are you planning a camping trip to Alaska with your dog? We've got you covered. With The Dyrt, it's easy to find campgrounds in Alaska that allow pets. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect pet-friendly campsites that are scenic and easy to access.

Alaska

The Best Pet Friendly Camping in Alaska

Looking for the best pet-friendly campgrounds near Chugach National Forest? The Dyrt can help you find the best campsites for you and your dog. Search nearby campgrounds that allow pets or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Chugach National Forest

The Best Pet-Friendly Camping Near Chugach National Forest, Alaska

Gwins Lodge

Quartz Creek Campground is tucked between Kenai Lake and Quartz Creek in Cooper Landing, Alaska. Boating, hiking, nature-viewing and fishing are popular pastimes at this family-friendly campground, where most campsites offer sweeping views of the lake. At an elevation of 500 feet, the campground is relatively flat with small spruce trees dotting the area. Natural Features: Chugach National Forest covers more than 5 million acres and is comprised of ice fields, alpine tundra, jagged mountains, dense forests, glacier-fed rivers and the Prince William Sound. Bears, moose, mountain goats and wolves call the area home. Recreation: Kenai Lake is the third largest lake in the Kenai Peninsula. It is over 20 miles long and 500 ft. deep. It boasts about 14,000 acres of water as well as one island the three remote campsites at Ship Creek, Meadow Creek and Porcupine Island. These can be reached by boat from the boat launch at Quartz Creek Campground. Fishing is also popular in the area. Rainbow, lake trout and Dolly Varden are found in Kenai Lake, with rainbow and Dolly Varden found in Quartz Creek later in the summer. About two miles east of Quartz Creek Campground, Kenai Lake becomes Kenai River. Kenai River is world-famous for its trophy trout fishing as well as salmon fishing. Rafting and drifting are both popular on the river. Many outfitters and guides in the area can help anglers understand local fishing regulations as well as increase your chances of fishing success. Kenai Lake and River, offer unparalleled nature and wildlife viewing. However, they are also very cold and conditions can quickly deteriorate from calm to rough. If you plan to venture on the water, always let someone know where you are, when you will return and wear your life jacket at all times. Facilities: The campground provides a boat ramp to access the expansive lake. Quartz Creek offers 46 campsites for both tent and RV camping. Drinking water, flush toilets and picnic areas are provided at the campground. The west loop has parking spurs and firewood is sometimes sold on-site. Nearby Attractions: Quartz Creek Road leads to Crescent Creek Campground, Crescent Creek Trail and eventually becomes the Old Sterling Highway. The bridge over Quartz Creek is a great place to view salmon spawning from late July through September. The Crescent Creek Trail follows the creek for six miles to Crescent Lake where Crescent Lake Public Use Cabin can be reserved. Grayling fishing is popular in Crescent Lake. More adventurous hikers can continue on a primitive trail another eight miles along the lake to the Crescent Saddle Cabin. Beyond Crescent Lake, hikers traverse another three miles of beautiful alpine wildflower meadows and pass Carter Lake to end at the Seward Highway in Moose Pass. The Old Sterling Highway is open to motorized use, and great for OHV enthusiasts and wildlife viewers. It leads five miles through the woods above open marshy areas from Quartz Creek Road to the Tern Lake Day Use Area. Observant hikers may spot wood frogs, moose, hawks, owls and bears. The Tern Lake Day Use Area has picnic tables, vault toilets and a salmon viewing platform. Tern Lake is a premier spot for bird watching and photography. Throughout the summer arctic terns, trumpeter swans, and many types of ducks, wading birds and songbirds can be identified. This shallow, marshy lake often has a perfect reflection of the steep surrounding mountains making it a great spot to enjoy nature and wildlife. Other popular trails in the area include the Resurrection Pass Trail which takes hikers and bikers on a 38-mile scenic adventure that climbs from 500 to 2,600 feet. ACTIVITIES Biking: Mountain Biking Boating: Canoeing Fishing Hiking Wildlife Viewing

Quartz Creek Campground

 Due to ongoing road construction, the Russian River Campground will be closed starting on August 16, 2023. The campground will reopen for the 2024 summer season.  

Construction crews will rebuild and widen one mile of the access road, making it more stable and resistant to frost heaves. During the closure, all vehicle and pedestrian access will be restricted and campground reservations on Recreation.gov will be unavailable. The Forest Service anticipates reopening the road and campground no later than June 1, 2023 

Russian River Campground is perched between the Russian and Kenai Rivers in south-central Alaska. It lies within driving distance of two main population centers, 110 miles south of Anchorage and 40 miles east of Soldotna, surrounded by the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.   


Each year, this area is visited by over 100,000 people who recreate at the Russian River Campground, Ferry Access Site, Sportsman's Boat Launch, Russian Lakes Trail and K'beq Site. Hiking, biking and fishing are popular pastimes.

## Recreation

The Russian River is the most popular sockeye salmon stream in Alaska and a top-rated spot for rainbow trout. Retention of sockeye salmon is legal from June 11th to August 20th. Silver salmon can be retained from July 1st to September 30th. Trout can be retained from June 11th through April 30th. Anglers are required to have a State of Alaska Fishing license and obey all regulations and emergency orders.   
  
Kenai Peninsula is also a hiker's paradise, boasting hundreds of miles of maintained trails. The following two trails are accessible from the campground.   
  
The Russian Lakes Trail begins in the campground, and is the most popular trail on the Chugach National Forest. Most hikers travel only 2.3 miles to Russian River Falls where a viewing platform allows views of leaping salmon. More ambitious hikers and backpackers can travel another 19 miles past two lakes to the Upper Trailhead on Snug Harbor Rd. Along the trail, three public use cabins can be reserved; Barber Cabin, Aspen Flats Cabin and Upper Russian Lake Cabin.   
  
The Angler's Trail also begins in the Russian River Campground and travels 1.25 miles from the Russian River Canyon to the Kenai-Russian River Confluence. Along the way, 22 sustainable river access points allow anglers to enter the Russian River. At the confluence, hardy anglers can cross the Russian River (hip-waders recommended) and continue along the Kenai River, where another 15 access points are located. Staircases lead to this trail from campground loops as well as day use parking lots.

## Facilities

The campground consists of 83 campsites and 130 day-use parking spaces. The campground is open with full service from May through September with 24-hour operation at the "contact station." Compliance with all campground rules and regulations is necessary to insure a safe experience for everyone.   
  
Water, vault toilets, tables, fire pits and dumpsters are available, as well as paved roads and parking spurs.

## Natural Features

The campground sits at an elevation of 400 feet on the Eastern Kenai Peninsula in the Chugach National Forest. The forest, spanning more than 5 million acres, is comprised of jagged mountains, deep fjords and glacier-fed rivers. 

## Nearby Attractions

Resurrection Pass Trail: This trail climbs from 500 to 2,600 feet over 38 miles. It connects the towns Hope and Cooper Landing via a historic route.   
  
Russian River Ferry: The ferry transports anglers across the Kenai River.   
Sportsman's Boat Launch: The boat launch provides boat access to the Kenai River.   
K'beq Interpretive Site: At this site, tribal members share traditions, stories and culture with visitors through interpretive walks featuring archeological sites, traditional plant use, informational signs, and artifacts. The gift shop features Native art.

Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

## Overview

Located along Cooper Creek and the Kenai River, Cooper Creek South Campground presents a beautiful wooded area with sweeping mountain views within close proximity to many recreational opportunities. 

## Recreation

Sockeye (Red) salmon fishing is a popular activity on the nearby Kenai and Russian Rivers, and both boat and bank fishing offer excellent catches. The nearby Resurrection Pass Trail takes hikers and bikers on a 38-mile scenic adventure that climbs from 500 to 2,600 feet.

## Facilities

Cooper Creek South offers about 20 campsites available for advanced reservation. Amenities include drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings and dumpsters. Parking aprons are gravel and parking is limited. A dump station is available for a fee at nearby Quartz Creek Campground.

## Natural Features

At an elevation of 400 feet, Cooper Creek South sits among a spruce and cottonwood forest. The Chugach National Forest covers 5 million acres and is comprised of arid tundra wilderness, jagged mountains, deep fjords, glacier-fed rivers and the Prince William Sound.

Cooper Creek South

## 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

Ptarmigan Creek is a small, peaceful campground with incredible views of the Chugach Mountains. Nestled beside Ptarmigan Creek and a short walk from Kenai Lake, the campground creates an ideal location for avid wildlife enthusiasts, hikers and anglers.   
  
Miles of hiking and biking trails weave throughout the area, and moose, brown and black bear, sheep and goats can be found across a large part of the forest.

## Recreation

From late August to early September campers can view red salmon spawning in the creek from Ptarmigan Creek's fish viewing platform.   
  
Fishing is a popular pastime, and Dolly Varden and rainbow trout are frequent catches.   
  
The Ptarmigan Lake Trail takes hikers along the shore of the turquoise lake and inclines up through meadows, brush and forest.

## Facilities

Campground amenities include drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings and dumpsters. No RV hookups are available but firewood is sold on-site. Parking aprons are gravel.

## Natural Features

The campground sits in a wooded area at 470 feet elevation along Ptarmigan Creek. Campsites are shaded by spruce and paper birch, and mountain views are all around.   
  
The campground is part of the Kenai Peninsula in the western part of Chugach National Forest. A largely alpine region with miles of fishing streams and remote mountain peaks, Chugach extends across more than 5 million acres of arid tundra wilderness, rugged mountains, deep fjords and the Prince William Sound. 

## Nearby Attractions

National Historic Iditarod Trail.

Ptarmigan Creek

## 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

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge & RV Park

Crescent Creek Campground is open. As of May 17, 2019, fees are being charged and services are available. Reservations are made though Recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777) and recommended for summer camping. Fees are charged during the summer season. Reservations may be made up to180 days prior to your desired arrival date in the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day in September). A small campground with 9 sites. $14 (single)/$28 (double)

Crescent Creek

Cooper Creek North Campground

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

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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

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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 Pet-Friendly Camping in Chugach National Forest

Top Campgrounds in Chugach National Forest (82)

1.