115 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Chugiak, Alaska serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences within Chugach State Park and surrounding areas. Located about 20 miles northeast of Anchorage, this small community provides access to both developed campgrounds and more remote options. Eagle River Campground in Chugach State Park offers riverside camping with well-spaced sites and paved roads, while Bobbys RV Park in Chugiak itself provides electric hookups and amenities for RVers from mid-May through September. Eklutna Lake Campground, approximately 15 miles from Chugiak, features tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins with access to a glacier-fed lake known for its distinctive blue-green waters and mountain views.
The camping season in the Chugiak area typically runs from May through September, with most facilities closing during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended for popular sites, especially at Eagle River Campground where only eight sites can be reserved but they "fill up months in advance," according to experienced campers. Weather conditions remain variable even during summer, with campers advised to prepare for rain and wind. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region, with moose frequently spotted near campgrounds and along trails. As one visitor noted at Eagle River, "We also had a moose and calf hanging around." Bear safety precautions are essential, with many reviewers recommending bear spray and proper food storage regardless of campground location.
Mountain views dominate the camping experience around Chugiak, with several campgrounds positioned to maximize scenic vistas. Visitors consistently mention the quality of hiking trails accessible from campgrounds, particularly at Eagle River where "amazing hiking trails" connect directly to the campground. The Eagle River Nature Center receives frequent recommendations for its educational programs and trail system. Mosquitoes present a common challenge during summer months, with intensity varying by location and weather conditions. Cell service remains inconsistent throughout the area, with better coverage at developed sites closer to Anchorage. Fishing opportunities abound, with one reviewer suggesting visitors "bring your fishing pole as you're close to the river." Winter camping and activities like ice fishing are available at select locations such as Finger Lake State Recreation Site, though with significantly reduced services.
"Multiple trails travel along the campground and the river. Beautiful Alaskan experience right next to Alaska's largest city."
"Bring your fishing pole as you're close to the river. Enjoy what Alaska has to offer!"
"We started in Anchorage, AK and rested a day at Beach Lake campground in Chugiak. The following day biked up 1800’ ascent to Eklutna towards Serenity Falls."
"Trails to hike or play on the lake! This campground is situated with access to Eklunta Lake and boy is that perfect. Tons of campsites to choose from both double, single and handicapped."
from $5 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Centennial camp ground in Anchorage Alaska was a FAB SURPRISE!! Hidden, secret, clean, and big tent spots!"
"You do have to be sure to pack all food stuff in a secure location."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"The bathhouse is super clean, there's dumpsters close by, spaces are decently sized with a picnic table and charcoal grill set up, and trees offer some privacy."
"Walking distance from commissary, bx, and shoppette but still felt like wilderness. Really had a good weekend and would recommend to anyone with base access. Will go again"
from $12 - $33 / night
Check Availability"Friendly people, cute and quaint place, beautiful views of the lake, safe atmosphere, warm showers, right next to a state park. Definitely recommend!"
"A bit wide open and highway noise but on lake with laundry, showers, full hookups, firewood for sale, restaurant, matanuska lake access, long term parking too. Some sites have gorgeous lake views."
"Minutes away from the amenities of a small city. Not much privacy between spots but there are some trees. There’s a lake with some small walking trails which are nice in the morning."
"Great all around, Great Lake. Good trees."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"In the end, our stay had both frustrations and positives, with poor check-in and site issues offset by a helpful manager when we ran into problems."
"Favorite place we stayed at out of all locations on our trip. Cleanliest, coziest, well-taken care of place. Bathrooms and showers were 10/10."
"Only down side is that there is a lot of private property around the lake so one would need to be aware of docking kayak/boat to go off trail hiking."
"Very clean campground right next to Finger Lake. Vault toilets were spotless, campsites were clean, host puts reserved tags up on your camp post."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Saw a few with overlapping awnings 72 is a great site, our 30 ft 5er and f250 fitted in fine, but some caution needs to be exercised when driving. Trees made Starlink coverage a bit spotty."
"RIGHT next to a cemetery. Had a dump station and water. No Mountain View’s and bustling on the weekend. Spots are close together, parking lot style but do have grass and picnic table."
from $30 / night
Check Availability
TravelerSmaller sites. Any trailer over 23 feet, would be tough. Host was very helpful and all the sites were clean. One water hand pump with boil warning. Sites next to river very nice. If you like quiet and seclusion, this is your camp. Chickaloon store right down the highway!
GuideGreat place for dispersed camping PAST the recreation area on the Wasilla side. Tons of premade pull off spots for camping. I have seen big campers here before but a lot of the spots are small. You’d have to be lucky to get a spot for a big rig. Doesn’t hurt to try.
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
GuideRight on the river. Several spots. Rocky
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.
ScoutEasy payment system right at the entrance which takes card. No issue finding a site and there was overflow camping on the way out. Toilets were clean. Definitely go check out the river!
LegendGeneral: 83-site Good Sam RV park, plus 15 long-term sites. 72 are pull-through; the rest are back-in.
Site Quality: Roads are gravel, but sites are on grass. The grass was a bit high in our site (22). Sites are close together with no separation, as is typical of Alaska RV parks.
Bath/Shower: Six all-in-one units with sink, toilet, and shower. Clean but NO SOAP in any of the bathrooms.
Activities/Amenities: Spacious laundry room ($4/wash; $2 for dryer, but I needed two cycles of the dryer). Quarters are available in the office. There is a reservable covered pavilion. Dog walk area. Propane fill available. Cell service is limited (Verizon), and I was not able to connect to the WiFi in our campsite (I believe you could in the laundry room).
This is fairly typical of RV parks we have found in Alaska. It really annoyed me that there was no soap in the bathrooms; I am not in the habit of bringing soap with me when I go to the bathroom; this deducted a star in my review.
GuideThere are vaults toilets. a hiking trail to the river to fish. No numbered spots. Two loops where people park in front of a fire ring. Only about 10 spots. No fee. Quiet. Good for a layover because it is free. I suspect some campers are locals as we are here on a Saturday
GuideTent sites up to a few larger RV sites. 3 miles up a dirt road. Historic mine next door where you can pan for gold. 28-30' is probably the largest rig you want to take there. No walk ins, online reservation only.
Chugiak's camping area sits at around 350 feet elevation in a transitional zone between the Cook Inlet lowlands and the Chugach Mountains. The area gets approximately 17 inches of precipitation annually, creating a relatively dry microclimate compared to other parts of Alaska. Camping options near Chugiak range from tent-only sites to full-service RV parks, with most campgrounds operating from mid-May through early September when temperatures typically range from 50-70°F during the day.
Fishing opportunities: The Matanuska River provides fishing access at several campsites near Chugiak. At Matanuska River Park Campground, visitors can take "short walk to the River" and enjoy "trails down to the river" with "fishing opportunities" nearby.
Kayaking and canoeing: Eklutna Lake is ideal for paddling. According to one camper at Eklutna Lake Campground, it's "Perfect for biking, hiking, kayaking, or camping. Amazing views everywhere." Another notes that "Tons of campsites to choose from both double, single and handicapped" with "trails to hike or play on the lake."
Winter activities: Unlike most seasonal options, some campgrounds offer winter access. Finger Lake State Recreation Site provides "a great Winter Wonderland" for ice fishing. One visitor mentioned, "My friend and I went here this past winter to do some ice fishing for the first. It was amazing. The fish were biting every 5 seconds."
Riverside camping: Campers appreciate sites along Eagle River. At Eagle River Campground, one reviewer described it as a "Beautiful campground with paved roads. Lots are spread out well and it is fairly comfortable and quite. Multiple trails travel along the campground and the river."
Accessibility to services: Despite feeling remote, many camping locations offer nearby amenities. The Anchorage N KOA Journey provides "great amenities" including "laundry and showers look like an old west town," plus "cabins for rent, playground for the kids and propane to restock."
Well-maintained facilities: Several campgrounds receive praise for their upkeep. Lake Lucile Campground provides "bathrooms [that] were extremely spacious, clean vault toilets" and "walking trails leading to the soccer fields, and throughout the woodland park, down to the lake for boating, fishing or paddling."
Bear and wildlife safety: Wildlife encounters require preparation at campsites near Chugiak. One camper at Eagle River Campground warned, "Don't keep your food out of a secured box or by your tent... Make sure you take bear spray and/or a gun with you."
Seasonal operating times: Most campgrounds close in winter. At Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground, visitors find "a mix of full hookups, electric and water, and primitive sites so try and reserve if possible" during the operating season.
Mosquito preparation: Bring insect repellent for summer camping. A reviewer noted, "Also bring bug spray as the mosquitoes can be quite viscous. I bring a bug net for my head too, this way when they are extremely bad, I can still enjoy being outside."
Playgrounds and recreation: Several campgrounds offer dedicated family facilities. One camper at Matanuska River Park Campground described "large green area for soccer, frisbee, ect. Volleyball court, covered picnic areas, great hiking."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences. At Finger Lake State Recreation Site, families can explore "7 miles of canoe trails" and learn about the ecosystem. Reviewers note it's a "Great place to bring kids especially on a first camping trip."
Swimming access: Find campgrounds with safe swimming areas for children. One visitor to Eklutna Lake mentioned, "This would be a great location to have a bicycle. We will definitely visit, hike and camp!" Another noted that "dogs and kids love playing on the beach."
Space considerations: RV sites vary greatly in size and privacy. At Bobbys RV Park, spaces are designed specifically for RVs with "easy to get to" access, though one reviewer mentions this is an option "when other campsites are full."
Hookup availability: Check whether full or partial hookups are available. Fox Run Lodge offers "daily, weekly, monthly rates" with "a mix of full hookups, electric and water, and primitive sites," plus "$2 laundry, free showers, restrooms, firewood, a small store, restaurant."
Dump station access: Plan for waste disposal needs. Matanuska River Park Campground provides a "sani-dump usage included" with dry camping for $20, while others note "Water and sewer via dump station...30 amp service available up top."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chugiak, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chugiak, AK offers a wide range of camping options, with 115 campgrounds and RV parks near Chugiak, AK and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chugiak, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chugiak, AK is Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chugiak, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Chugiak, AK.
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