15 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Chugach National Forest offers numerous primitive tent camping opportunities within its vast wilderness, from walk-in tent campsites with waterfront views to free backcountry sites requiring only a pack and bear canister. Exit Glacier Campground in Kenai Fjords National Park provides walk-in tent sites in a forested setting close to glacial views. Crescent Creek Campground near Cooper Landing offers secluded tent sites with creek access, while Chugach Backcountry Camping provides free dispersed options for more adventurous campers seeking solitude.
Most tent sites in the area feature minimal improvements, typically situated on compact soil or forest floor with limited leveling. Bear-resistant food storage is mandatory throughout the region, with communal lockers provided at established campgrounds like Exit Glacier. Vault toilets are available at larger campgrounds, while backcountry sites require proper waste disposal techniques. Seasonal access varies significantly, with many areas inaccessible until mid-May through September due to snow conditions. A recent review noted, "Sites are wooded or pretty open and close to the glacier, mountains, and water. Lots of wildlife in the area and wildflowers!"
Walk-in tent sites provide superior wildlife viewing opportunities and greater privacy than vehicle-accessible options. The Tonsina Point area at Caines Head offers free tent camping with picnic tables and vault toilets accessible only by foot. According to one visitor, "Small campground only 9 sites, no host so pack in your wood. Set far back with tons of privacy." Many tent campsites feature creek or lake views, with sites like Lower Skilak Lake providing waterfront options. Campers should remain vigilant about bear activity, as multiple reviews mention fresh evidence of bears near campsites. The remote nature of these tent-only areas means limited or non-existent cell service, offering a true wilderness experience. Most primitive tent locations provide excellent access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and glacier viewing, making them ideal basecamps for day adventures.
"Camping is free and no registration required, just set up in an open spot. Spots are secluded and spaced far apart. Sites are nothing but a gravel pad."
"This is a nice little walk in campground. The sites aren't very far from the car and the food storage/shelter/eating area isn't far from the car either."
"Tent camping works best here, sites are pretty small for anything bigger than a sprinter van. Very beautiful"
"Set far back tons of privacy. #4 has a creek view, #9 and #7 were both also nice sites. Large sites great for tents however with food lockers. Watch for bear activity as we saw fresh Scat."
"Beautiful lake/mountain scenery though. Sometimes you will see Bald Eagles, Trumpeter Swans, Loons, and other kinds of wildlife."
"Couple little trails that hike around the lake. Bathrooms. Also has a couple mile service trail/off road trail that is a fun little drive. 4WD ONLY."
"Great cabin on Crescent Lake for a long day hike or make it an overnight at the other cabin first. Be careful of avalanches in the spring even when most of the snow has melted"
from $60 / night
Check Availability"Was amazed with the beauty and trails in this area. The campsite for tents have to be hiked in to get to. The RV sites can accommodate tent camping, with smaller tents."
"There is not charge for these spots and most have picnic tables and are right on the shore of the lake."
"The bugs are pretty heavy right next to the river but deep in the woods are are very few. Great place for exploring. Walk in campsites are very close and have bear proof food storage."
"It's walk in, but not far from the car. The vault toilets have been clean every time we've come up. The campsite is at quite an elevation so is chilly at night and early morning even in the summer."
"These are walk in tent sites. There are no spots for RVs or trailers. Firewood is a fun place and not too far from Anchorage."
"Small private walk up sites. Parking is close. There is a large common area for a camp fire and covered picnic tables. I enjoyed the common areas as that facilitates meeting new people."
"There are so many options to backcountry camping and you don’t even have to walk very far. You can drive down and camp at the pull offs. RVs are not recommended on this road."
"There are two group campsites that must be reserved through the Alaska Railroad 800.544.0552."
"Tonsina Point Campground is the first campground, 2.1mi hike in from Lowell Point, on the way out to Caines Head/North Beach or is a great destination to camp on its own."
"Hiking in, which we did on the way in. It is very important to check the tides, and it is recommended to avoid hiking along the beach once the tide reaches +3."
from $5 / night
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TravelerCame on Aug 14. It’s mostly an RV site. There are basic pit toilets and dumpster. No water at the site but there is water and showers at the harbor from what we heard. Pay through the app Lots of flies
GuideThis was a great find on our way to Whittier. We had an amazing view of the glacier. Campground was clean and quiet. Hiking trails are through the park too.
ScoutThere's probably around 30 sites here they are not numbered they are somewhat private separated by trees and brush and some of them are right next to the river there is no tables fire rings are made of rocks not very well maintained some not to level
GuideClose to road so easy access. Water pump. Vault toilets. On lake summit
GuideGreat place to go explore the beach at low tides. Excellent views
LegendGeneral: 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.
ScoutAnyone that is into the outdoors from rudimentary camping to RV lifestyle it is perfect
GuideCool 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.
GuideOnly 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.
Tent camping in Chugach National Forest offers access to Alaska's glaciers, rivers, and alpine environments. Most backcountry sites sit at elevations between 500-2,500 feet, with significant temperature drops after sunset even in summer months. Water sources throughout the forest require filtration, with seasonal streams becoming unreliable by late July.
Glacier viewing day hikes: Exit Glacier Campground provides tent sites near multiple glacier trails. "Great and unique campground with glacier views. Tents only and campground is clean and well maintained. Nice little hike out to the glacier or longer hikes up to the ice field if you want," notes Adam S. from Exit Glacier Campground.
Wildlife photography: Lower Skilak Lake Campground serves as a prime location for wildlife observation. "We saw black bears, mamma and cubs. Very curious cubs got very close, momma didn't seem to mind or get aggressive. Still be prepared for an encounter for your safety. There were lots of smaller critters we saw/heard and signs of moose," reports Jessica J. from Lower Skilak Lake Campground.
Alpine hiking: Coeur D'Alene Campground tent sites connect to several mountain trails. According to Stacey C., "Nice little campground with small amt of campsites, not really suitable for large groups or RVs so it's nice and quiet. It's walk in, but not far from the car. The campsite is at quite an elevation so is chilly at night and early morning even in the summer."
Proximity to glacial features: Many tent campers select sites based on glacier access. "Short drive from Seward and you're at this glacier with hiking and a small primitive campground. Walking around the park really hits you how bad climate change is. Our camp site was shady and forested," notes Dan N. from Exit Glacier Campground.
Water access: Tonsina Point at Caines Head offers beachfront camping options beyond the forest sites. "If it's a nice day like we had, bypass the official camping area and camp on the beach. We found a lovely flat spot well above the waterline. Woke up to eagles, harlequin ducks and glacier views," advises Stacey C. from Tonsina Point at Caines Head.
Solitude: The tent-focused campgrounds limit larger vehicles and groups. One camper at Crescent Creek notes, "Small campground only 9 sites, no host so pack in your wood. Set far back tons of privacy. #4 has a creek view, #9 and #7 were both also nice sites. Large sites great for tents however with food lockers."
Bear safety requirements: Bear activity remains constant throughout the forest. "The bear storage bin had recently been attacked sporting huge dents and claw scratches," warns Stacey C. about Coeur D'Alene Campground. Most tent sites require proper food storage in provided lockers.
Weather preparation: Despite summer camping, nighttime temperatures drop significantly. At Crescent Creek, Michael V. explains, "This place is secluded, and magical. Tent camping works best here, sites are pretty small for anything bigger than a sprinter van."
Access limitations: Many tent sites require hiking in. For Tonsina Point, "It is very important to check the tides, and it is recommended to avoid hiking along the beach once the tide reaches +3," cautions Les R. Water taxis provide alternative access for $50 one-way.
Ranger programs: Exit Glacier Campground offers youth-focused activities. "Park rangers patrol regularly, which is both a nuisance (when they woke my husband asking him if he had food in his tent) and an excellent safety feature considering how frequently bears are encountered in the area," notes Joy W.
Shorter hike-in options: Some tent sites offer easier access for families with young children. At Hope Alaska Backcountry Sites, Tanya B. explains, "There are so many options to backcountry camping and you don't even have to walk very far. You can drive down and camp at the pull offs."
Accessibility considerations: Some sites provide improved access. "There are two accessible camp sites. You are not allowed to store food at your campsite but there is a communial storage area for these items. There are vaulted toilets and a cooking area to use," reports Samantha M. about Exit Glacier.
Size limitations: RV access remains extremely limited for tent camping areas in Chugach National Forest. "This poor campground needs some road work, lots of pot holes and short sites so large rigs won't fit here. You pass over three one lane bridges with a max of 10 tons allowed," warns Shadara W. about Crescent Creek.
Alternative parking: Some tent-focused areas provide limited vehicle parking. "RVs are not recommended on this road," notes Tanya B. regarding Hope Alaska Backcountry Sites. Most tent sites require walking gear in from parking areas.
Solar power options: For those with smaller camper vans, James B. notes about Lower Skilak Lake Campground, "There are a few spots great for solar and Starlink. Others are in trees. Really nice free campsite."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chugach National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chugach National Forest is Exit Glacier Campground — Kenai Fjords National Park with a 4.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Chugach National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Chugach National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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