118 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Eagle River camping spots in Alaska sit within Chugach State Park, giving you good access to the mountains and lakes. Eklutna campground has sites near the lake where you can go fishing or hiking on nearby trails. The Taylor B area of Chugach has basic sites with tables and fire rings, and many people like it because it's not far from Anchorage when you need supplies. You can reach most camping areas with a regular car, though some of the back roads might need higher clearance vehicles. The roads are usually fine, but check for closures if you're camping early or late in the season. During summer, these places fill up fast, so try to reserve ahead when possible. Some spots are first-come, first-served, while others can be booked months ahead. The campgrounds have drinking water and vault toilets, but no showers. Camp between late spring and early fall for the best weather. Keep an eye out for moose and bears - they're common around here, so store your food properly. The trails around Eagle River work for all skill levels, from easy walks to tough hikes. The camping areas make a good starting point whether you want quiet time or are bringing the family.
"Reservation site is: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/lifetimeadventure This is a great spot close to everything you might need and has amazing hiking trails. Bring your bear bells."
"Eagle River was just steps away from our site and there was lots of wildlife as well."
"A short drive from Anchorage, Eagle River and even Wasilla brings you to a pristine piece of nature."
"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"Park is located within a couple miles of downtown, across street from Costco, and adjacent to a large run down mobile home neighborhood."
"This campground is only a short drive from Anchorage, but far enough so you feel like you are away from the hustle and bustle of town. There are great trails for hiking."
"The surrounding area of the campground is beautiful and located right on the Turnagain Arm."
"Situated on a beautiful lake that just so happens to be a loon sanctuary there is a boat house for you to rent paddle boats, kayaks, and more. Tons of water fowl and the occasions moose or bear."
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!
ScoutThere's probably around 30 sites here they are not numbered they are somewhat private separated by trees and brush and some of them are right next to the river there is no tables fire rings are made of rocks not very well maintained some not to level
GuideClose to road so easy access. Water pump. Vault toilets. On lake summit
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.
Camping spots near Eagle River, Alaska provide access to diverse terrain within minutes of Anchorage. The area sits at elevations ranging from 250 to 3,000 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 55-75°F and winter dropping to 5-25°F. Campsites typically open from mid-May through early September when snow conditions permit vehicle access to most locations.
Hiking multi-day routes: The Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park connects to several trail systems for extended backcountry excursions. "This is one of my favorite campgrounds to visit. Living in Eagle River, this campground allows me to get out of town without going far. The hiking trails are absolutely beautiful!! Watch for Moose. Look up every so often because there are also bald eagles around," notes Melisa A.
Kayaking on glacier-fed waters: At Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park, visitors can rent boats during summer months. "My favorite place near Anchorage. Perfect for biking, hiking, kayaking, or camping. Amazing views everywhere," says Bart R. The lake temperature remains cold even in summer, typically 40-45°F due to glacier runoff.
Winter wildlife viewing: Some areas remain accessible year-round for animal spotting. "This is a great place to see bears! Moose.... Foxes. The waters are clear and the landscape is so lush," mentions Carly S. about Eklutna Lake. Most wildlife sightings occur during early morning (5-8am) or evening hours (7-10pm).
Tent pads with drainage: Bird Creek Campground — Chugach State Park offers raised platforms that keep gear dry. "Well appointed campsites great fire rings and tent pads. A bit close to the road but there's no other options with the mountains in the water so close," shares Chris C. These platforms typically measure 10x12 feet with gravel borders.
River access for fishing: Multiple sites offer direct water access for anglers. "Great 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," notes Andrew R. about Eagle River Campground. Fishing licenses cost $25/day for non-residents with seasonal king salmon restrictions.
Winter cabin options: For cold-weather camping, heated structures provide comfort. "There is a small wood stove and wood supplied for each cabin which was amazing! A lil kitchen area is built in for your food prep pleasure- must bring stoves and water," explains Aimee H. about Bird Creek's cabins, which typically require booking 6-8 months in advance.
Bear safety requirements: All camping areas require proper food storage. "Don't keep your food out of a secured box or by your tent, or rent one of their yurts. Make sure you take bear spray and/or a gun with you," warns Melisa A. at Eagle River Campground. Most sites have metal food lockers, but hanging systems work in designated areas.
Mosquito preparation: Summer brings intense insect activity. "The mosquitoes are aggressive at night," notes Carly S. about Eklutna Lake Campground. Campers recommend head nets and permethrin-treated clothing rather than just repellent.
Road noise varies: Some sites experience highway sounds. "Yes, there is road noise but that does calm down at night," explains Lisa F. about Bird Creek Campground. Sites farthest from highways (typically numbers 15-22 at Bird Creek) have notably less traffic noise.
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Stocked lakes provide consistent catches for younger anglers. "The camp sites r nicely placed apart to not be right on top of ur neighbor. Firewood is available & it costs involved think 20$ a night but worth it & just down the way u can take showers, do laundry & get some killer home made Alaskan flavored ice cream," shares Barbara W. about Eklutna Lake.
Playground proximity: Some campgrounds include play equipment. "Open to military, veterans and DOD only, must have access to JBER to use. Sites are far enough apart but dont have privacy of trees with the undergrowth all cleaned out. There's a playground for the kids, a bike path that can be taken to the shopette or one of the neighborhood playgrounds," explains Shadara W. about Black Spruce Campground.
Safe swimming areas: Despite cold temperatures, designated wading spots exist. "Camp ground was spacious and very quite. It was a rainy and windy weekend and we still had fun. Rode our bikes down the lake side trial, people were nice and respectful. Also the dogs and kids love playing on the beach," notes Sara H. about Eklutna Lake. Water shoes are recommended for rocky shorelines.
Dump station locations: Centennial Camper Park provides dumping facilities for non-staying RVs. "Located around 5 minutes to Eagle River. Beautiful location on River. ADA accessibility. Dump station on site. Restrooms available," notes Lisa S. about Eagle River Campground. The dump station costs $5-20 depending on campground, with free access for registered campers.
Level site selection: Some areas have significant grade variations. "Huge campground north of Anchorage, Lake Eklutna is the Anchorage water supply. The sites are large and well-spaced, but not all quite as secluded as I'd like," explains Vicki S. Sites numbered 1-10 at Eklutna tend to be most level for larger vehicles.
Seasonal water availability: Water systems shut down during freezing temperatures. "Electric, water and dump. Bathrooms barely adequate, dirty, wet floors, hard to use showers. Overall i would stay here again given the location and low price $35 electric," notes Jerry G. Most water systems operate June-August, with shoulder seasons being variable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds located in Eagle River, Alaska?
Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park is conveniently located about 5 minutes from Eagle River and approximately 10 minutes from Anchorage. It sits right on Eagle River, offering beautiful riverside views and trail access. For those seeking a more scenic option outside town, Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park is a short drive from Eagle River and features pristine lakeside camping. The area also offers backcountry options like Crow Pass, which can be accessed via trailheads in the region. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide good access to both wilderness experiences and town amenities.
What RV camping options are available in Eagle River?
Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground is located right off the highway and offers various options including full RV hookups and dry RV camping. This is a convenient choice for visitors starting their journey from the Anchorage area. The Springer RV Park & Campground provides another dedicated RV option in the Eagle River vicinity. For those who prefer a more natural setting while still accommodating RVs, Eagle River Campground has sites that can handle recreational vehicles and includes amenities like a dump station on-site. Most RV parks in the area offer easy access to local attractions while providing essential services for travelers.
Do I need to make reservations for Eagle River campgrounds?
At Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park, 8 of the campsites can be reserved but these fill up months in advance, especially during peak summer season. If planning to visit during summer, make reservations early or target August/September when availability improves. Reservations end September 20th and can be made through the Lifetime Adventure website. For more rustic options, Gold Creek Gold Mine offers dispersed camping where reservations aren't needed - just find an appropriate spot with an existing fire ring. Most private RV parks in the area strongly recommend reservations during the busy summer months when Alaska tourism peaks.
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