Top Free Dispersed Camping near Cooper Landing, AK

Looking for dispersed camping near Cooper Landing? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cooper Landing, AK (8)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Cooper Landing

12 Reviews of 8 Cooper Landing Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Pass
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Moose Pass

    Calm, large and free campsite at a lake.

    Saw two seaplanes take off from the lake (take the Southern spot for this).

    Hwy is loud but manageable, train as well.

    Recommendable overnight position on the way to SEWARD.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area

    Incredible free camp site

    Spend two great nights at this site. It’s free to use and huge! Expect lots of gravel and bumpiness but it’s doable without 4x4 (we had no issues with our „Four Winds“ RV.)

    There is a local who rents out his mobile sauna to people at this plays. He literally drops off a sauna and helps out heating it up and it’s all yours 😅 If you a sauna person, I can recommend: Feel free to check out: sewardsaunas.com

  • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area

    Quiet campground with nice views for our mobile sauna rental

    I stayed here with a group of my friends in our sprinter vans for two nights. Campground was quiet both nights. There was plenty of space between each party, so it felt relatively private.

    The little road can be hard to spot, we drove right passed it the first time. Driving from the road is BUMPY, you'll need a vehicle with high clearance.

    We rented mobile saunas, and I highly recommend doing it, it was awesome!! Here is the info: https://sewardsaunas.com/

    Because this is not a formal campground, but rather a special use area, keep the following in mind:

  • Kevin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Pass
    Jul. 12, 2024

    Moose Pass

    Large open area, approx 25 miles from Seward

    Moose Pass Trailhead

    As with most BLM trailheads, zut services. Big area, some shaded mostly unshaded but big enough to have your own space

    Seaplanes take off from lake during the day - pretty awesome

    No onsite services. Seward offers free dump and potable water - near their RV parks

    Starlink, Visible/Verizon and Cricket/Att all good

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tustumena Lake
    May. 2, 2024

    Tustumena Lake

    Nice Spot

    This is a small campground with individual sites. It has a lake with boat ramp access and is used frequently, during summer months. Campsites have firepits. Some sites can be quite muddy to get to. Very nice. No cell service at sites.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area
    Mar. 24, 2024

    Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area

    Great dispersed camping in Seward

    Stayed 4 nights 6/4/23. Very close to Seward activities and Exit Glacier - Harding ice field hikes. Area can handle most size rigs. We have small pull behind trailer but had an Airstream and variety of other campers in the area. Entrance is next to a couple of large boulders but is wide enough to get through. Scenery was outstanding with snow covered peaks in all directions. We did see bear tracks and evidence of moose but didn’t see any when we were there. We highly recommend this camping location.

  • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area
    Aug. 26, 2023

    Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area

    Super convenient to Kenai Fjords

    Boondocking galore!!! It gets five stars for what it is. Beautiful spots right by the river and five minutes from Seward and shopping one way and five minutes from Kenai Fjords NP the other.

    The entrance comes up quick and has huge rocks blocking part of the road. We blew by it the first time and said no way, but then we pulled over and I ran to see who was camping and surprisingly a bunch of bigger campers etc got back there so we gave it a go and we got thru better than we thought. You just need to take your time!

    Big gravel like space but isn't level so you need to drive slow, but you can find a level spot to camp for the night. No amenities as you are boondocking, but well worth it for the night!!! Highly recommend!!!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area
    Aug. 18, 2022

    Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area

    Great boondocking on river bed

    This is an awesome spot to hang out when in the Seward area! There is tons area for lots of rigs. The entrance is pretty narrow so it might not be best for anything larger than a truck camper or van.

    In the spot we were at the cell service was almost non existent. We had one tiny bar for AT&T and nothing for Verizon. On a Saturday in July it wasn't busy and everyone could spread out to have their own area.

    It is very close to the National Park and town so it's great before or after a long day exploring

  • Riley N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Lake Trailhead
    Jul. 28, 2022

    Lost Lake Trailhead

    Just a parking lot

    This spot is a parking lot outside of the trailhead. It’s really crowded. There is a bathroom on site and the drive up is not horrible. We made it up in our rear wheel drive van just fine. Want a bad spot just wasn’t anything very special about it.

  • Tanya B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Lake Trailhead
    Aug. 14, 2020

    Lost Lake Trailhead

    Need 4x4 for this road. Pack it in, pack it out.

    The road after the sign is rough and a good 4 X 4 or ATV is recommended. This 7-mile hiking trail will take you to Lost Lake. After a 2-mile incline hike the trail opens up and levels off half way in.

    The Forest service recommends that you camp on Lost Lake at designated campsites. This is bear country and some of the camp sites have bear boxes. There are also pit toilets but always pack your own TP. The Forest service ask that backpackers are strongly encouraged not to camp on the Lost Lake peninsulas so that tundra can grow back a reminder that FIRES ARE PROHIBITED in alpine areas.

    Cell Service: at sign Internet: no 2020 Cost: free Distance from Anchorage: 110 miles Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 4-8 depends on weather

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Decision Point Dispersed Camping
    Dec. 21, 2018

    Decision Point Dispersed Camping

    About a 5 mile ocean kayaking trip from Whittier, Alaska, tent platforms

    A 5 mile paddle from Whittier, AK. Watch the weather waves can build up quickly. A number of tent platforms, 2 toilets and a few bear proof boxes. From this camp ground it is time to "decide" which way you want to go as the sound really opens up to you. There is fresh water but boil or filter it first. I think I must have camped here at least 30 or 40 times, most of it before tent platforms, toilets or bear containers. I've camped here May June July August



Guide to Cooper Landing

Camping near Cooper Landing, Alaska, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and unique campgrounds. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or just relax by the water, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do

  • Fishing: The area is known for its great fishing spots. Campers have reported seeing bears while fishing, which adds to the excitement. One reviewer mentioned, "Perfect fishing spot and also a nice paved home to the Russian River Falls," at the Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
  • Hiking: There are plenty of trails nearby. A camper shared, "We enjoyed the camping here but the day use area was the real show stopper here! The lake is one of the most beautiful views in Alaska," referring to the Trail River.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor noted, "We saw black bears, mama and cubs," while camping at the Lower Skilak Lake Campground.

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A review for Quartz Creek Campground states, "Surrounded by mountains lays a long yet narrow lake, Kenai lake. It’s a glacial lake that has a beautiful green/blue hue."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper at Granite Creek said, "This is one of my favorite campgrounds on the Kenai Peninsula. Close to Anchorage and well maintained."
  • Family-Friendly: Campgrounds like Miller's Landing are noted for being great for families. A reviewer mentioned, "Perfect spot for a small wedding reception! The bonfire pit and grill gave a fun and cozy vibe."

What you should know

  • Limited Services: Some campgrounds have limited amenities. A camper at Bird Creek Campground - Chugach State Park pointed out, "Water is available in a few spigots distributed throughout the park, but they recommended boiling the water to be safe."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. One visitor at Porcupine Campground warned, "Bring bug dope or a screen shelter because the mosquitoes are big and hungry."
  • First-Come, First-Served: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at Exit Glacier Campground mentioned, "Camping is free and no registration required, just set up in an open spot."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots that offer amenities for kids. One reviewer at Miller's Landing said, "There were several nice spots in amongst the trees for tent camping."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Trail River noted, "The lake is one of the most beautiful in the world, and virtually all yours."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A visitor at Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED advised, "Expect to see bear on the River, which runs adjacent to the campground."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Granite Creek mentioned, "The sites are smaller and it was a challenge to fit our 30-foot camper in one of the biggest sites."
  • Look for Hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups, while others do not. A camper at Miller's Landing noted, "Camping is nice with some charming locations under trees or next to the bay."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Many campgrounds have basic facilities. A visitor at Exit Glacier Campground said, "Sites are nothing but a gravel pad. A communal cooking, fire, and food storage area is provided."

Camping near Cooper Landing, Alaska, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it's good to be prepared and know what to expect!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cooper Landing, AK?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cooper Landing, AK is Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cooper Landing, AK?

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Cooper Landing, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.