Searching for a tent camping spot near Chugiak? Find the best information on tent camping near Chugiak, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Alaska tent camping excursion.
$85 / night
Coeur D'Alene Campground is open. A small campground with six walk-in tent sites. This site is not recommended for large RV's or trailers. Water is not available at this campground. There are toilets, fire pits, and tables at the site.
Camp on the deck of a ferry. Covered solariums located on the upper decks of each vessel are popular sleeping areas and for those traveling with small tents, they are allowed on the upper decks.
Hop off the Train at the Spencer Whistle Stop! Take a tour with a Forest Service interpreter around the foot of Spencer Lake and then float among the icebergs that have calved off of the great glacier while the guide steers an Alaskan Native canoe. Or take a leisurely journey by raft down the Placer River toward Turnagain Arm.
The Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground is located at the head of the beautiful Placer River Valley at the Spencer Whistlestop. The campsites are nestled among the cottonwood and alder that have grown in after Spencer Glaciers retreat. This area known for packrafting, wildlife viewing, glacier viewing, and hiking. One can frequently see icebergs floating on Spencer Glacier Lake and might even be able to watch the glacier calving! The two group campsites at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground are available for reservations in the summer months while the Glacier Discovery Train is running on the Alaska Railroad. During these months, train transportation is required to reach the Spencer Whistlestop. To book train tickets visit the Alaska Railroad website.
Spencer Glacier Lake offers amazing opportunities for packrafting, kayaking, or canoeing. All these options allow you to explore the amazing icebergs floating in the lake. It also allows you to get close to Spencer Glacier and amaze at its vast size. Please note, glacier calving can cause large, unpredictable waves on the lake, so it is recommended that you stay at least 500 yards away. This area also offers other recreational opportunities including easy hiking, rock climbing, and fishing during the summer months. In the winter this area is popular with backcountry skiers, snowmobilers and ice climbers.
The Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground is located at the head of Placer River Valley near the Placer River outflow from Spencer Glacier Lake and is surrounded by the beautiful Kenai Mountains. There is a viewing area for Spencer Glacier located mile down trail. Black and brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine, and moose inhabit the area. Mountain goats, marmots, arctic ground squirrels and spruce grouse may be spotted higher in the mountains around Spencer Glacier Lake. Crow berries and Salmon Berries are plentiful at higher elevations in the late summer, along with low-bush blueberries.
Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Campground is located off the road system and accessible by train only. To book train tickets visit the Alaska Railroad website.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 783-3242.
$35 - $65 / night
Traveler
No amenities. What you pack in you pack out. 6 tent camping spots before the gate, back country camping after the gate. Look for the posts with yellow reflectors for camping sites past the gate. beautiful sunrise and sunsets.
Legend
This is an option if everywhere else is full. There is a sewage dump for $10 so that is a plus. RV sites and tent sites available.
RV spots are not very level so choose wisely.
Legend
Due to construction this campground is closing for the 2020 season. Reservations are required 2 weeks in advance. (907) 240-9797 or reservations@greatholidaycampgrounds.com Gates close you in from 8 am - 8 pm. Rentals for canoes and paddle boards.
With only 10 sites they fill up quickly.
RV and tent camping sites.
Ranger
Perfect place to camp if you're looking for belugas! We rented a kayak nearby and explored the bay. Surreal. The camp sites all had amazing views and the tent sites were forested and pretty private. Lots of locals camp here and offered insider tips about where to see wildlife, eat, etc.
Legend
Well maintained trails but a walk to the cabin or yurts. Accessible by foot year around. No horses or bikes allowed on trails. Tent camping along the Crow Creek Pass Trail.
Many choices for length of hikes depending on which loop you choose. This is bear county so bring your bear bells. Loved the hikes so much we decided to rent the cabin for my birthday.
Guide
This campground has nice size sites for RV's. If you are tent camping (I am), there's one pull in to 3 sites so you are close to strangers if your friends don't come. The toilets are clean but smell awful. One can also hear quite a bit of road noise and military aircraft all day because the campground is near both. Nice quick stop. $20 a site per day.
Legend
I needed a place to stay between Anchorage and Glen Allen. I was shocked this campground wasn't in Dyrt (found it on google). We actually ended up staying here two separate times- on our way North east and coming back South West. This State Rec Area is extremely clean. It's nice that there are tent sites separated from their RV sites (nothing worse than being in a tent and stuck hearing an RV's generator or TV all night). The RV lot is basically a parking lot but without many other options it would probably do the trick for an RV. The tent sites in the back are great. They are huge and have privacy between them. There's a vault toilet which is kept clean. No services or amenities but it's not far to the town of palmer. Despite being right off the state route, it stays pretty quiet from the road traffic because of all the trees. There's a pay station to pay when you arrive and pick your site. This was perfect in the shoulder season and in-between cities. I apologize I didn't get any campground pictures to post!
Legend
Some of the reviews are not for this campground. 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.
Make sure if you are coming from Anchorage you stop off at Potters Marsh and check out the boardwalk. So many hiking trails no matter what way you go.
Legend
Great campground. But you need to reserve a spot if showing up on the weekend. Brought our bikes which worked great for the trip to the outhouses or to throw out the trash. We tent camp and a friend car camped. Spots are tight. Water available to wash dishes or hands with a hand pump. This was site 001. 008 and 013 are pretty good and centrally located to the river, restrooms and pump water.
LegendTrails 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. First come, first served. Fire rings, tables, restrooms, firewood for purchase ($15) and camp host. Two sets of walk in tent sites with food lockers also available. Well water available too. Come spend a weekend exploring Eklunta Lake!
Traveler
I live on base and recently purchased a pop up. Took a maiden voyage here to feel out the beast and work out the kinks. Kids had a great time. All sites were back in other than the tent sites. 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
LegendBeautiful mountain views 18 sites good for RV and campers and 19 tent sites. $14 a night, only dry sites. Located along granit Creek which has Dolly Varden. Food lockers, dumpster, hand driven water pump. These are reservable online but I have never seen this campground completely full. Off season there is no trash service or water. Great place to spot mountain goats too.
Legend
All you can hear is Highway. This Campground may be considered the better of the three main choices for Anchorage however after asking around with my Anchorage friends I've heard that the homeless over takes this campground at night. After driving through the campground I did notice several questionable tent sites and also several questionable run-down RVs that looked as though they had been there for quite a while.
LegendOne our trip to check out the peninsula we considered stopping here for a night, but opted against it. It looks like an okay campground with large sites, but there is not a ton of privacy between the sites. Also, the whole place just seemed a bit run down and out of date. The views/scenery were nothing spectacular. I think having an RV might make this a more attractive place to stay, but for tent camping it just didn't have what we were looking for.
Legend
We came here in mid-May and everything was beautiful and green. I've read this campground can be busy but it was not at this time. Everything was well taken care of and you could tell the hosts make sure everything is in order. Each site has parking, fire rings, and picnic tables (excluding some tent sites). The picnic tables are large and have spots for someone in a wheelchair. The views of Turnagain Arm are stunning! Sites cost $9.
Legend
We drove through King Mountain State Recreation Park in order to get the lay of the land for future camping. We have a 28-foot camper. There were only about three spots worth a darn that would have fit us. This is more of a tent camping only Campground. The camp host was a young guy who could of used a shower and the sites were overgrown and tight some not even having room to park a car although map states they could. We wouldn't choose to stay here as there are prettier campgrounds with more to do.
TravelerOpen year round with 50/30/20amp sites (seasonal water hook up as well) and tent sites, this small campground is a great place while waiting for a house or on your way out. 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. There's a playground for the kids, a bike path that can be taken to the shopette or one of the neighborhood playgrounds. Close to the hospital, PX/commissary, and the Muldoon gate.
Guide
Small campground on the Kenai Peninsula. We've stayed here and at the nearby Granite Creek (one of my favorites) when we wanted a place to tent camp while we fished the Russian for salmon. You can fish both Bertha and Granite Creeks, but not for Salmon.
Sites are well-spaced and come with the standard Chugach National National Forest amenities: fire pit, picnic table, garbage, water pump, pit toilets. Unlike Granite Creek, you cannot reserve sites in advance, but this is a smaller and lesser known campground and often I have found a space here when others are full.
Be bear-safe and be sure to lock up all your food and toothpaste when away from your campsite.
Legend
Campground: Portage – Williwaw So many nice things about this campground and the other portage campgrounds. I always like to give the warnings but hope this does not keep you from coming here. Be prepared for WIND. I mean big wind. Bring extra stakes if you are tent camping. Be prepared for rain, lots of rain. Be prepared for wildlife encounters. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen black bear along this road. It is centrally located between Anchorage and the Peninsula but has so many things to offer. Trip through the Whittier tunnel is a definite. If you are a hiker Byron glacier in good weather is decent hike. If you have kids and even if you don’t then the Wildlife Conservation Center of Alaska is great way to get close to the biggest animals Alaska has to offer. Cell Service: No Internet: No 2020 Cost: $18-$28 Max stay: 14 days Distance from Anchorage: 55 Best sites: Premium sites $28 – 20, 21, 30, 34, 41, 50, 57 Also good are spots 24, 25, 26, and 38 Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 5 if it gets sunny the bugs come out
RangerThis campsite fills up fast! We happened to get the last available tent campsite right on the water and it was GORGEOUS! This is the more peaceful campground in Hope (there's another one in town that seems more fun but more noisy too). They have large picnic tables, one spot seemed handicap accessible even. There was a nice fire pit that helped for us novice fire makers. The camp hosts were super helpful and informative. There are two great hikes nearby within driving or walking distance. A perfect weekend getaway from Anchorage! You'll adore this beautiful spot.
Legend
This is Whitter. Land of beauty, glacier, the tunnel, and wet. Maybe not always rain but definitely wet.
This is a very small town with amazing views. Campground is situated right off the water and is very, very damp. I would not suggest tent camping if you have the option. This is a great place to car camp and the cost through the tunnel is $13.00. Views of glaciers great you as soon as you exit the tunnel. The best spots are right along the waters edge, but again bring your Extratufs.
Cell Service: yes Internet: yes 3G 2020 Cost: $20 Distance from Anchorage: 58 miles Best sites: Along the waters edge Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 1 (but I have only been here when it is raining)
Legend
This is the best camping in Alaska. Just find a spot big enough for your rig it tent and pull off. There are many regularly used sites that have rock fire rings already made. Always make sure you are not in a drive way and that there are no POSTED signs to keep off property. Bug shelters highly recommended because depending on the year it’s mosquitoes, flies, or bees.
Ranger
Bird Creek camp/ RV/ Cabin site is a beautiful 25 minute journey south of Anchorage. Far enough away but close enough to town if you feel the need to get back to the city.
We rented a cabin 95$ a night and took aprox 12 young ladies in the chilly month of November! Daring, I know! But state restrooms made sharing a bathroom easy :)
there is a small wood stove and wood supplied for each cabin which was amazing! A lil kitchen area is built in for your food prep pleasure- must bring stoves and water. No electricity so bring your choice of lighting. Also I recommend headlamps for winter months as bathrooms are a small treck from the secluded wooded cabins.
Bunks are built in and a loft makes for plenty of room.
There was a beautiful table with a map in the top- pretty awesome!
There is a walking trail and it's close to the inlet for beluga whale watching and if your lucky a bore tide!
Rv sites and tents sites available as well- plus table and fire pits at each site.
TravelerOur long bike ride took several hours to reach to the Serenity Falls. 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.
please note: bicycles and cars share the road to the Eklutna Trailhead parking lot. Narrow shoulder all the way, please be mindful of riders and wildlife. We saw a moose in the ditch eating.
From the Eklutna parking lot to Serenity Falls it is 12 miles. Shared trail with pedestrians, dog mushers/bikers, and on various days 4-wheelers.
on the way the sights are so beautiful. The glacier fed lake gives a blueish green appearance, beautiful mountains, wildlife (moose and Mountain goats), and the spooky looking trees that look like sticks out of the ground. There were several waterfalls along the way.
I have not yet mastered the dry brushing teeth, but there are little creeks and small rivers one can brush their teeth. Bring bug dope, and bear spray or gun in case of bears—I forgot my bug dope and was karate chopping mosquitoes in my sleeping bag (no tent) throughout the night. It Was a beautiful campsite.
RangerCentennial camp ground in Anchorage Alaska was a FAB SURPRISE!! Hidden, secret, clean, and big tent spots!
Ranger
We took the Alaska Marine Highway from Whittier to Petersburg with stops in Yakutat and Juneau. Highly recommend getting a private room for overnight adventures but if you’re on a budget you can bring your tent and camp gear up to the solarium.
RangerGranite creek is a great stop in between Anchorage Alaska and anywhere else south.
I only gave it a four stars because tent users must place there tent on gravel or pavement and not dirt so they can regrow the dirt areas.. As I know how important this is.. we had tents.. Not at all comfortable even with pads under us. So if you are an RV or camper trailer you are in luck!
Camp sites are spacious and have a fire pit and table. There is also plenty of trees and vegetation between camping spaces so you feel far away.
You can reserve a spot and I would recommend this if you plan on camping in the months of late June, or July.. as fishing season is truly a season here in Alaska and camp sites are golden. Water pumps and state bathrooms are here. Anytime you can get a toilet and paper in the woods is a plus :)
We use this campsite every August as a "Going back to school Celebration" for parents or a " Last hang out of summer" for the kids. The paved loop offers good space for biking, throwing a ball or side walk chalk and you can bring your choice of boat to fish or float in the lake. ( Remember if you fish in Alaska you need a fishing license ages 16+)
You get an amazing view of kenai mountains here and your typical Alaskan wildlife.. magpie, moose, eagle and sometimes bear.. although we have never seen a bear here, I highly encourage bear safety. This includes keeping your camp clean, food in your car and carrying bear spray.
Dogs are allowed here and we have never been told to leash them.. we rarely see a camp host coming site to site except to check that you have paid properly.
Some sites border the kenai river which can run pretty vast, cold and hard, so if you so choose that site please be respectable of the water and its ways.
There is a fee for staying here around 14.00 and a lovely little ice cream parlor at the corner to tell your children that if they are good camping you for see ice cream in their future :)
Tent camping near Chugiak, Alaska, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region. With a variety of well-reviewed spots, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while experiencing the tranquility of the Alaskan wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chugiak, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chugiak, AK is Eagle River Nature Center (public use cabins/yurts) with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Chugiak, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Chugiak, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
