Best Campgrounds near Eagle River, AK

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Eagle River, Alaska (113)

    1. Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park

    33 Reviews
    Eagle River, AK
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (907) 694-7982

    "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."

    2. Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park

    40 Reviews
    Chugiak, AK
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 345-5014

    $5 - $100 / night

    "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."

    3. Centennial Camper Park

    17 Reviews
    Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 343-6986

    $25 / night

    "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."

    4. Black Spruce Campground

    6 Reviews
    Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 384-1476

    $12 - $33 / night

    "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"

    5. Golden Nugget RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 333-2012

    "Park is located within a couple miles of downtown, across street from Costco, and adjacent to a large run down mobile home neighborhood."

    6. Bird Creek Campground — Chugach State Park

    27 Reviews
    Indian, AK
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 269-8400

    "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."

    "Stayed at Bird Creek for 2 nights while car camping/traveling through Alaska. Very clean faculties, lots of space between sites and countless activities."

    7. Military Park Fort Richardson Upper Otter Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 384-1476

    "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."

    8. Centennial Campground

    4 Reviews
    Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 343-6986

    9. Bobbys RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Chugiak, AK
    7 miles
    +1 (907) 688-2487

    10. Black Spruce RV Park

    1 Review
    Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
    7 miles
    +1 (907) 384-1476
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Recent Reviews near Eagle River, AK

403 Reviews of 113 Eagle River Campgrounds


  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Anchorage N KOA Journey

    Mixed Review

    We followed the website instructions and took Fireweed Road off AK-3. Arriving early cost us a $20 fee, and check-in was unpleasant as the front desk person was snippy, didn’t recognize our confirmation for a deluxe site, and gave no amenities or rules briefing. We had asked if there was somewhere we could go park until check-in time, but didn't get a response. She just kept checking us in and charged us the $20 fee. We were assigned pull-through site 8 with FHUs and 50 AMP. Since we had reserved a deluxe site back in January, we expected enough length for our 40’ toy hauler and patio, but the pad was too short and forced us to park our F-450 diagonally and still no room to put the patio down. Utilities were placed in the middle of the pad with good water pressure, but the KOA Wi-Fi never connected despite repeated attempts. Starlink had a clear shot to the sky. The next day we spoke with the manager about our experience. She offered firewood as an apology, but then discovered they were out, so we asked for our $20 early-arrival fee back instead. She agreed, but the refund never came. The campground does have two small fenced dog areas. On departure day we had a slide issue that prevented us from leaving, and the manager was very accommodating, providing the number of a local RV tech who came out that day and moving us to back-in site K4 so we could stay another night for repairs. Mobile RV and Toyostove, 907-745-0468, gave us fast, reliable service. Site K4 was definitely a much better site with plenty of space for our size rig. In the end, our stay had both frustrations and positives, with poor check-in and site issues offset by a helpful manager when we ran into problems.

  • Andrea W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Golden Nugget RV Park

    A place for RVs in Anchorage but don't expect much

    We had the impression that many people stay long-term - hence a lot is laying around on the sites. Everything feels a little grubby, however the site provides W/E as well as a dumping station. Fine for one night when you have to hand your RV back the next day. If you are looking for a nice stay close to Anchorage, go to Palmer.

  • Andrea W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Matanuska River Park Campground

    Nice place well looked after

    Lots of green, a big part if the camping grounds are in a forest, RV with E Nicely arranged with well looked after grass, so you don't soil your RV.

  • Vicky S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Mountain View RV Park

    Convenient and pleasant

    I agree with the other reviewers. We stayed there on our way north to Denali. Like all RV Parks we’ve stayed in in AK, the sites don’t have any privacy, but the scenery is lovely. Liked it so will stay again on our way south.

  • Barbara W.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park

    Eklutna Lake Ice Cream Camping

    Eklutna lake is just beautiful. Its several miles up the mountain but the view there is just gorgeous. 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. It has rentals & many amenities. Truly a very nice place to go & if ur really in for an interesting adventure. Down at the bottom of the mountain there is a Russian Orthodox Cemetary that's just amazing. Its got plaques telling of earlier years & the people who came. Creepy, Cool & Powerful all in a beautifully peaceful off the beaten path & only a mile, mile & 1/2 down the road historic adventure

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Lake Lucile Campground

    great spot away from town - but not too far away

    this is a great spot to unwind, enjoy a pretty lake, and give your pup the opportunity to run around in the dog park. it is a bit noisy, so definitely not the place if you’re looking for peace and quiet. road coming in has a short dirt patch that is in good condition. picnic table, fire pit, and free firewood available for campers. tent site - $20.

  • Scott T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Matanuska River Park Campground

    Nice Campground but lots of air traffic

    This is a nice little spot but there's two drawbacks; The campground lies just at the end of a small plane airport so there's almost constant noise. Secondly the restrooms close at 10pm.

  • Karl W.
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Golden Nugget RV Park

    Best in Anchorage and Year Round

    Two sides. Side B caters to Caravan groups and high end rigs. Side A is more truck campers, smaller campers and long term stays. Good on site laundry. Web sites shows scheduled entertainment that does not exist. Very few necessities available in office but just across the street from Costco.


Guide to Eagle River

Camping near Eagle River, Alaska, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the Twin Peak trailhead, which is just a short distance from Eklutna - Chugach State Park. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiking on the Twin Peak trailhead is just around the corner," making it a great option for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing: The lakes in the area are perfect for fishing. A visitor at Porcupine Campground noted, "The lake was beautiful! Lots of sites to choose from and a lot of moose!" This makes it a great spot for anglers.
  • Paddling: Enjoy flat water paddling on the lakes. A reviewer at Eklutna - Chugach State Park mentioned, "The lake offers lots of stunning recreation opportunities for flat water paddling and fishing."

What campers like

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One camper at Bird Creek Campground said, "This is a great little campground between Anchorage and Girdwood, right along the Turnagain Arm inlet."
  • Wildlife sightings: Many campers appreciate the chance to see wildlife. A visitor at Eagle River Campground - Chugach State Park shared, "We also had a moose and calf hanging around."
  • Clean facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a plus. A reviewer at Matanuska River Park Campground mentioned, "The camp host was super friendly and even gave us some wood."

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain amenities. A camper at Eagle River Campground - Chugach State Park noted, "No dump station, bathrooms are pit toilets and very dirty."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Bird Creek Campground warned, "It was 54 Degrees in July… and mosquitoes ate us alive."
  • First-come, first-served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at Finger Lake State Rec Area advised, "I would try to show up closer to noon after people are leaving those sites."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family comfort. A reviewer at South Rolly Lake Campground said, "The sites are large and campground staff clean them daily after campers leave."
  • Bring bikes: Kids will enjoy biking around the campgrounds. A visitor at South Rolly Lake Campground suggested, "If you have kids, bring their bikes!"
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A camper at Matanuska River Park Campground mentioned, "Nice grassy spots but very very small," so having games or crafts can keep kids entertained.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A reviewer at Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground noted, "The only bad we could think of was spots are close together."
  • Bring extra cords: If you're backing into a site, you might need extra extension cords for hookups. A camper at Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground mentioned, "It is not an issue if you bring an extra extension cord."
  • Stay connected: Some areas may have spotty cell service. A visitor at Matanuska River Park Campground said, "Trees made Starlink coverage a bit spotty."

Camping around Eagle River, Alaska, offers a unique experience with plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

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.