10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Eagle River, Alaska range from established walk-in sites to remote backcountry locations throughout Chugach State Park. The Eagle River Nature Center offers tent camping along the Crow Creek Pass Trail, while Rabbit Lake Primitive Campsites provide more secluded options approximately 4.4 miles from the nearest parking area. Several tent-friendly areas in the surrounding Chugach wilderness allow for primitive camping experiences with minimal development.
Most tent camping areas near Eagle River require hikers to pack in all supplies, including drinking water. Walk-in tent sites at Coeur D'Alene Campground feature bear-proof food storage containers and basic amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets, though campers should note the higher elevation makes for chilly nights even in summer. The Rabbit Lake area requires parking at the Rainbow trailhead and following connecting trails, as direct road access is limited. Primitive tent setups in the backcountry areas follow standard regulations with pack-in, pack-out policies and seasonal fire restrictions depending on conditions.
Tent-only camping experiences in the Eagle River vicinity offer exceptional solitude and natural settings not available to vehicle-based campers. The backcountry sites near Hope provide multiple options for tent campers without requiring extensive hiking, with numerous pull-offs suitable for primitive tent setups. Sites deeper in the woods typically have fewer insects than those adjacent to water sources. A visitor to Coeur D'Alene noted, "The vault toilets have been clean every time we've come up. There's a little stream that flows by the campground, which is nice to fall asleep to." Winter conditions can persist at higher elevations well into the traditional camping season, making early summer visits challenging in some areas.
"Well maintained trails but a walk to the cabin or yurts. Accessible by foot year around. No horses or bikes allowed on trails. Tent camping along the Crow Creek Pass Trail."
from $85 / night
Check Availability"Beauty lake, lovely trail, great spot for a weekend getaway."
from $100 - $150 / night
Check Availability"The bugs are pretty heavy right next to the river but deep in the woods are are very few. Great place for exploring. Walk in campsites are very close and have bear proof food storage."
"It's walk in, but not far from the car. The vault toilets have been clean every time we've come up. The campsite is at quite an elevation so is chilly at night and early morning even in the summer."
"There are so many options to backcountry camping and you don’t even have to walk very far. You can drive down and camp at the pull offs. RVs are not recommended on this road."
"You can pitch a tent on the deck, or sleep under the heated overhang. You can also get a private cabin if you’d like, or find a quiet place in other places on board."
"This is the state of Alaska's public ferry system and runs from Bellingham, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK."
"There are two group campsites that must be reserved through the Alaska Railroad 800.544.0552."
from $35 - $65 / night
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Legend2020 has modified service. July 3rd - September 7th.
There are two group campsites that must be reserved through the Alaska Railroad 800.544.0552.
Clean restroom facilities Bear proof food storage Picnic tables Fire ring
Just remember pack it in pack it out on the train.
Also available for a great day hike. At a $132 a person it is not a cheap hike.
LegendCampground: Portage – Williwaw So many nice things about this campground and the other portage campgrounds. I always like to give the warnings but hope this does not keep you from coming here. Be prepared for WIND. I mean big wind. Bring extra stakes if you are tent camping. Be prepared for rain, lots of rain. Be prepared for wildlife encounters. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen black bear along this road. It is centrally located between Anchorage and the Peninsula but has so many things to offer. Trip through the Whittier tunnel is a definite. If you are a hiker Byron glacier in good weather is decent hike. If you have kids and even if you don’t then the Wildlife Conservation Center of Alaska is great way to get close to the biggest animals Alaska has to offer. Cell Service: No Internet: No 2020 Cost: $18-$28 Max stay: 14 days Distance from Anchorage: 55 Best sites: Premium sites $28 – 20, 21, 30, 34, 41, 50, 57 Also good are spots 24, 25, 26, and 38 Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 5 if it gets sunny the bugs come out
LegendTrails 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. First come, first served. Fire rings, tables, restrooms, firewood for purchase ($15) and camp host. Two sets of walk in tent sites with food lockers also available. Well water available too. Come spend a weekend exploring Eklunta Lake!
LegendAlthough there is no no alcohol allowed this campground is just pure cool. Quiet times from 10pm to 8am, they have a dump, day use area, tons of trails, and fire rings. There are several loops to choose from with a paved RV section up top. Sherrod loop is only 30 feet but much more secluded than above but with no hookups. Pull throughs sites above with over 87 sites total including the paved and dirt road ones. 4 pavilions with a playground and dog station.
GuideThis campground really has everything when it comes to a state campground. You want water access on a glacial lake? How about numerous hiking, biking skiing and horse trails? Are you looking for updated amenities including a table and fire pit, onsite bathrooms, bear proof dumpster, bear proof food storage, and a well for fresh water (no showers though) and even kayak rentals on site? Do you need large campsites with a reasonable amount of privacy instead of setting up your tent on top of someone else's? Eklutna is the spot. It is technically located within the Municipality of Anchorage about 30 minutes from down town. There is no cell service out there, so you can say goodbye to the rest of the world on your way up the mountain road. In addition, there are forest service cabins for rent that are located down one of the major trails, for even more privacy, and a different kind of adventure. Just a mile from the campground is a cute little ice cream shop for a sweet treat on hot summer days.
GuideThis is one of my favorite campgrounds to visit. Living in Eagle River, this campground allows me to get out of town without going far. Be careful if you aren't used to camping, there are a ton of bears. 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. Also bring bug spray as the mosquitoes can be quite viscous. I bring a bug net for my head too, this way when they are extremely bad, I can still enjoy being outside
the hiking trails are absolutely beautiful!! Watch for Moose. Look up every so often because there are also bald eagles around.
if you want to venture out for a different hike with amazing views, check out Baldy. You can see Anchorage to the Valley.
RangerBird Creek camp/ RV/ Cabin site is a beautiful 25 minute journey south of Anchorage. Far enough away but close enough to town if you feel the need to get back to the city.
We rented a cabin 95$ a night and took aprox 12 young ladies in the chilly month of November! Daring, I know! But state restrooms made sharing a bathroom easy :)
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. No electricity so bring your choice of lighting. Also I recommend headlamps for winter months as bathrooms are a small treck from the secluded wooded cabins.
Bunks are built in and a loft makes for plenty of room.
There was a beautiful table with a map in the top- pretty awesome!
There is a walking trail and it's close to the inlet for beluga whale watching and if your lucky a bore tide!
Rv sites and tents sites available as well- plus table and fire pits at each site.
LegendThis may have the nicest wood panels ever stuck to a plastic port a potty. The bugs are pretty heavy right next to the river but deep in the woods are are very few. Great place for exploring. Walk in campsites are very close and have bear proof food storage.
TravelerCampsites are pretty spaced. You get a picnic table and a fire ring for 20 bucks a night. Yes, there is road noise but that does calm down at night. Pit toilets around, clean and stocked. No water, so bring some. Cellphone signal (t mobile) and Internet pretty good. Nice bike trail close. They do also have cabins to rent
Tent camping near Eagle River, Alaska offers backcountry experiences ranging from train-accessible glacier sites to walk-in forest locations. Many campgrounds sit at higher elevations where temperatures remain cool even during summer months. Winter conditions frequently persist into June at sites above 2,000 feet elevation, requiring campers to prepare for possible snow and near-freezing overnight temperatures regardless of season.
Glacier viewing hikes: At Spencer Whistle Stop, campers can access pristine glacier views via the Alaska Railroad. "Just remember pack it in pack it out on the train. Also available for a great day hike. At a $132 a person it is not a cheap hike," notes reviewer Tanya B.
Wilderness trail exploration: Multiple loop trails of varying lengths surround Eagle River Nature Center for day hiking. "Well maintained trails but a walk to the cabin or yurts. Accessible by foot year around. No horses or bikes allowed on trails," states Tanya B.
Backcountry camping without extensive hiking: The area around Hope Alaska Backcountry Sites provides accessible primitive camping options. "There are so many options to backcountry camping and you don't even have to walk very far. You can drive down and camp at the pull offs," shares one camper.
Natural sound features: The mountain streams running through camping areas enhance the wilderness experience. In Coeur D'Alene Campground, campers appreciate the environmental sounds, with Stacey C. noting "There's a little stream that flows by the campground, which is nice to fall asleep to. Gorgeous trails to hike back here too."
Minimal insect presence in wooded sites: Coeur D'Alene Campground offers varying bug conditions depending on campsite location. "The bugs are pretty heavy right next to the river but deep in the woods are are very few. Great place for exploring," explains reviewer Tanya B.
Bear safety features: Many sites include bear-proof containers for food storage. Lacey S. describes Coeur D'Alene as "The Back Country Campers Paradise" where "Walk in campsites are very close and have bear proof food storage."
Alternative trailhead access: For Rabbit Lake Primitive Campsites, standard directions can be problematic. "This is a strange one. 4.4 mile hike up the road. A road that obviously people don't want you to go down... I suggest parking at the rainbow trail head right down the way to the left that connects with multiple trails," advises Tanya B.
Pack-in requirements: Most backcountry sites require complete self-sufficiency. When visiting Chugach Backcountry Camping, Gillian H. cautions: "Be warned that you need to bring all of your supplies with you, water, food, toiletries."
High elevation climate considerations: Mountainous camping areas experience significantly colder temperatures than valley locations. One camper notes that Coeur D'Alene "is at quite an elevation so is chilly at night and early morning even in the summer."
Group campsite reservations: Families seeking dedicated space should book specific group sites. Spencer Whistle Stop offers "two group campsites that must be reserved through the Alaska Railroad 800.544.0552" according to reviewer Tanya B., who also notes they include "Clean restroom facilities, Bear proof food storage, Picnic tables, Fire ring."
Cabin alternatives for young children: Consider cabin options for families with small children during shoulder seasons. Chugach Backcountry Camping allows tent camping but offers limited protection from weather, with one camper reporting "This place is very cold."
Short backcountry access options: Families wanting wilderness experience without long hikes can find suitable locations. Hope Alaska Backcountry Sites provides numerous options where "you don't even have to walk very far" making these locations more accessible for children.
Road restrictions: Many tent camping areas explicitly prohibit RV access due to road conditions. At Hope Alaska Backcountry Sites, the reviewer specifically mentions "RVs are not recommended on this road."
Ferry camping alternatives: RVers seeking unique Alaska experiences might consider the Alaska Marine Highway system. Kate K. explains: "You can pitch a tent on the deck, or sleep under the heated overhang. You can also get a private cabin if you'd like... Plus amazing views!"
Walk-in site conversion: Some parking areas near walk-in tent sites can accommodate small trailers, but occupants must still carry gear to established sites. At Coeur D'Alene, campers note sites are "walk in, but not far from the car."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Eagle River, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Eagle River, AK is Eagle River Nature Center (public use cabins/yurts) with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Eagle River, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Eagle River, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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