Valdez Glacier provides glamping and camping options 120 miles from Cordova, Alaska. The campground sits at the base of glacial terrain with waterfall features and mountain views. Summertime sees extended daylight hours while spring camping offers fewer crowds but requires preparation for variable weather conditions.
What to do
Kayaking access: Valdez Glacier offers proximity to glacier viewing opportunities where visitors can explore the landscape. "Visited on one of my last days in Valdez. Beautiful glacier. The campground is pretty standard and pleasant. Would highly recommend checking it out if you're in the area," notes one Valdez Glacier visitor.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails originate near camping areas providing scenic viewpoints. "Close to hiking trails I would try this spot before any others," reports a camper at Bear Paw RV Park II, noting its convenient location for accessing outdoor activities.
Fishing opportunities: The Valdez region offers excellent fishing with convenient cleaning stations at some locations. "Great place to stay and fish! Waterfalls, bears, sea lions, kayaking, Visitors Center and Hatchery Tour," shares a visitor at Eagle's Rest RV Park.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Bear Paw RV Park provides secluded tent camping with platform options. "The tent sites are centrally located, but the location feels super private. The tent sites have access to laundry, good drinking water, dish washing, bathrooms, HOT showers, fire rings, picnic tables, and some spots even have platforms for tents."
Wildlife viewing: Valdez camping areas offer opportunities to spot local wildlife including bears. "The campground owner did warn us of a black bear that had been wandering around the campground. There was scat and we did hear him one night but didn't have any problems sharing the space with him," notes a camper describing their experience with local wildlife.
Clean facilities: Many glamping options near Cordova include modern bathroom facilities. "Large, Clean and quiet campground with plenty of outhouses spread throughout so you don't have to walk too far in the middle of the night. Trees separate each lot and provide privacy and beauty."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Spring conditions may include overgrowth and insects. "With sun all day and night it is very hard to keep the wilderness from taking back spaces. The spots were big but the mosquitoes were terrible. Camping here early on the season would have been better," shares a Valdez Glacier visitor.
Service availability: Cell reception varies by location with some glamping sites near Cordova providing connectivity. "Cell Service: Yes, Internet: Yes" notes a reviewer about connectivity at Eagle's Rest RV Park.
Weather impacts: Rain can affect camping conditions rapidly. "Sorry for the watery pictures I waited till we were headed out to take them and it had started raining by then," mentions a camper regarding the quickly changing conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations with amenities suited for group needs. "With over 100 basic sites to choose from, you should be able to find a site to suit your needs. Some sites are closer together and some are a bit farther apart," suggests a camper about Valdez Glacier.
Proximity to resources: Some locations offer convenient access to supplies. "It is conveniently located in town within walking distance of the grocery stores, restaurants, and harbor. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains you will wake up with beautiful views of the sunrise over the mountains."
Cleanliness considerations: Some glamping accommodations may require inspection upon arrival. "We stayed in one of the campers it was dirty when we first got there meaning someone forgot to sweep. But for the price and the location it was great!! It was a beautiful setting nice and quiet."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing awareness: RV sites vary significantly in proximity at different locations. "This is a parking lot and the spots are tight. However the city is set in such a beautiful place it's hard to complain," notes a visitor regarding arrangement at one location.
Reservation details: Provide accurate equipment information when booking glamping in Cordova. "The spot was reserved in advance and the reservation requests the side the RVs slides are on. You are greeted by a golf cart on arrival they show you to your spot and directed you in so that they would have no issues using their slides."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are available at select locations. "This would be ranked as #3 for us. Tight spots, awning to awning, make it lack privacy and being a large gravel area has it lacking in charm. There are full hookups and it backs up against the gas station and grocery store so convenient in that way."
