Campgrounds near Cordova, Alaska operate on a seasonal basis from mid-June through early September due to the region's harsh winter conditions. Average summer temperatures range from 50-65°F, with rainfall common throughout the camping season. Most sites require advance reservations during peak salmon runs in July and August when campground occupancy reaches 90% capacity.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 30 minutes from campsites. Several accessible waterfalls surround Valdez, making for quick excursions. "Make sure to stop at the visitor center on the way in right before the campground. There is a quick hike to a waterfall just behind it," notes a camper from Bayside RV Park. Another camper mentions, "Waterfall on the campground across from the trash dump" at Valdez Glacier Campground.
Fishing: Prime salmon runs July-August. The Valdez-Cordova region attracts anglers for seasonal salmon runs. "This spot is AWESOME! The tent sites are centrally located, but the location feels super private," writes one visitor to Bear Paw RV Park II. Allison Point Campground offers direct water access as "the campground sits right above the water so it was nothing to walk down and fish for salmon."
Alpine hiking: Trail access from Thompson Pass. At higher elevations, trails provide panoramic views of glaciers and mountain terrain. A reviewer at Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site shares, "Perfect spot to stretch stiff legs up in Thomson's pass. There is a great loop trail less than 3 miles if you are just passing through." During summer months, wild blueberry picking becomes popular in this area.
What campers like
Mountain viewpoints: 360-degree alpine scenery. The surrounding mountains create dramatic backdrops at most campgrounds. "You look up and there are majestic mountains, still with patches of snow and beautiful waterfalls from way high up, 360° surrounding you," writes one camper about Bear Paw RV Park. Another notes at Blueberry Lake that "the scenery is unbelievable."
Wildlife watching: Eagles and bears common. Multiple campsites offer opportunities to observe Alaskan wildlife. "Facing duck flats, watching bald eagles. Walkable grocery, restaurants, liquor, cannabis. Great bike paths. Saw bear feeding from bike path, accessible from campground," explains a visitor at Eagle's Rest RV Park. The campground owner at Bear Paw RV Park II "did warn us of a black bear that had been wandering around the campground."
Hot showers: Limited availability outside town. Clean shower facilities remain highly valued among campers in this remote region. "The best showers of our two month trip," notes one Bayside RV Park visitor. Another camper at Bear Paw RV Park II appreciates that "Adult only area has its own bathrooms with free showers."
What you should know
Cell service variability: Download maps in advance. Connectivity differs significantly between in-town and remote sites. "There is no cellphone service at all, so make sure you download what you need," advises a Blueberry Lake camper. In contrast, Valdez KOA offers reliable connectivity: "The campground WiFi was top notch."
Bug pressure: Worse in wooded areas. Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly in vegetated campgrounds. "The spots were big but the mosquitoes were terrible. Camping here early in the season would have been better," reports a Valdez Glacier visitor. A Blueberry Lake camper similarly notes "The only downside was the mosquitoes."
Weather variability: Rapid changes common. Mountain weather conditions can shift quickly throughout summer. "This area tends to get 'socked' in so be prepared to be one with the clouds. If driving drive slow lots of twists, don't use your brights it will be harder to see," warns a Blueberry Lake visitor. Pack extra layers as "it gets chilly at the higher elevation."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Available at select campgrounds. Families appreciate dedicated recreation areas. "There is a playground for the human kiddos and even another for the fur babies in your life," notes a visitor at Valdez KOA. The campground also features "a fantastic bike/walking trail (also very helpful with walking dogs)."
Tent platforms: Elevated sleeping surfaces. Some campgrounds offer raised platforms that improve comfort in wet conditions. At Bear Paw RV Park, "All the walk-in spots have picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads." These platforms keep sleeping areas drier during frequent rain showers.
Wildlife precautions: Required at all sites. Proper food storage remains essential with bear activity common. "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," explains a Bear Paw RV Park II visitor.
Tips from RVers
Parking configurations: Plan for tight spaces. Most RV parks feature close quarters, particularly in-town locations. "We pulled into Pull-through Site 43 with FHUs (30 AMP). The campground was essentially a large gravel parking lot with sparse patches of grass and weeds between a mix of pull-through and back-in sites," explains an RVer at Bear Paw RV Park.
Site selection strategy: Request specific configurations. Communicating RV details helps secure appropriate sites. "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," notes a visitor at Eagle's Rest RV Park.
Mountain driving considerations: Prepare for steep grades. The routes to Valdez include challenging mountain passes. "We followed our GPS straight into the middle of town and right to the campground," notes a Bear Paw RV Park visitor, but adds that surrounding mountain terrain requires careful navigation, especially with larger rigs.
