10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Chugach State Park and surrounding wilderness areas near Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska offer numerous primitive tent camping opportunities within a short drive. Rabbit Lake Primitive Campsites provide free walk-in tent sites approximately 15 miles southeast of the base, while Eagle River Nature Center features tent camping along the Crow Creek Pass Trail. Backcountry tent camping is also available throughout Chugach State Park, with designated sites marked by yellow reflectors at some locations. Hope Alaska Backcountry Sites, though farther from the base, offer additional tent-only options accessible via short hikes.
Most tent campsites in the region require self-sufficiency, as amenities are minimal. Bear-proof food storage containers are essential at all locations, with campers reporting their availability at Coeur D'Alene Campground. Vault toilets exist at some established sites, but many primitive tent camping areas have no facilities whatsoever. Sites typically feature natural, ungraded surfaces with limited site preparation. Seasonal access varies significantly, with higher elevation areas often snow-covered until early summer. Fire regulations change throughout the season, with some areas permitting fires in established rings while others prohibit them entirely. The pack-it-in, pack-it-out principle applies universally across these tent-only camping areas.
Tent campers frequently note the solitude available even at established sites. According to reviews, Coeur D'Alene Campground is "nice and quiet" with walk-in sites "not far from the car" and features "a little stream that flows by the campground." The campground's elevation results in chilly nights even during summer months. At Hope Alaska Backcountry Sites, one visitor reported "many options for backcountry camping without having to walk very far," noting that the road access is "not recommended for RVs." Campers at Rabbit Lake Primitive Campsites suggest parking at the Rainbow trailhead rather than following maps directly, as access issues exist with private landowners. Throughout the region, backcountry tent camping provides direct access to extensive trail networks for day hiking or multi-day backpacking trips.
"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
Check Availability
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 ($15) and camp host. Two sets of walk in tent sites with food lockers also available. Well water available too. Come spend a weekend exploring Eklunta Lake!
LegendAlthough there is no no alcohol allowed this campground is just pure cool. Quiet times from 10pm to 8am, they have a dump, day use area, tons of trails, and fire rings. There are several loops to choose from with a paved RV section up top. Sherrod loop is only 30 feet but much more secluded than above but with no hookups. Pull throughs sites above with over 87 sites total including the paved and dirt road ones. 4 pavilions with a playground and dog station.
GuideThis campground really has everything when it comes to a state campground. You want water access on a glacial lake? How about numerous hiking, biking skiing and horse trails? Are you looking for updated amenities including a table and fire pit, onsite bathrooms, bear proof dumpster, bear proof food storage, and a well for fresh water (no showers though) and even kayak rentals on site? Do you need large campsites with a reasonable amount of privacy instead of setting up your tent on top of someone else's? Eklutna is the spot. It is technically located within the Municipality of Anchorage about 30 minutes from down town. There is no cell service out there, so you can say goodbye to the rest of the world on your way up the mountain road. In addition, there are forest service cabins for rent that are located down one of the major trails, for even more privacy, and a different kind of adventure. Just a mile from the campground is a cute little ice cream shop for a sweet treat on hot summer days.
RangerBird Creek camp/ RV/ Cabin site is a beautiful 25 minute journey south of Anchorage. Far enough away but close enough to town if you feel the need to get back to the city.
We rented a cabin 95$ 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
TravelerOpen year round with 50/30/20amp sites (seasonal water hook up as well) and tent sites, this small campground is a great place while waiting for a house or on your way out. 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. There's a playground for the kids, a bike path that can be taken to the shopette or one of the neighborhood playgrounds. Close to the hospital, PX/commissary, and the Muldoon gate.
Tent campers near Elmendorf Air Force Base have access to secluded backcountry sites across Chugach State Park's 495,000 acres of wilderness terrain. At elevations ranging from sea level to over 5,000 feet, camping options vary dramatically with the seasons. Winter conditions often persist at higher elevations until late May, with mosquitoes becoming prevalent throughout the region from June through August.
Glacier viewing and hiking: Spencer Whistle Stop features access to Spencer Glacier and is reachable only by train. As one visitor notes, "There are two group campsites that must be reserved through the Alaska Railroad 800.544.0552" with amenities including "clean restroom facilities, bear proof food storage, picnic tables, and fire ring." The whistle stop costs $132 per person for transportation.
Wildlife watching: Eagle River Nature Center (public use cabins/yurts) provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities along maintained hiking trails. According to a camper, the area has "well maintained trails but a walk to the cabin or yurts. Accessible by foot year around. No horses or bikes allowed on trails."
Backcountry exploration: Chugach Backcountry Camping offers remote tent camping experiences for self-sufficient adventurers. A visitor explains, "There are multiple sites you can reserve but there are also some backcountry spots you can just walk to. Be warned that you need to bring all of your supplies with you, water, food, toiletries."
Solitude and quiet settings: Coeur D'Alene Campground offers walk-in tent sites that maintain privacy while remaining accessible. A camper reports, "The deep you go the less bugs. This 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 very few."
Easy access to backcountry: Hope Alaska Backcountry Sites provides relatively accessible tent camping options. According to one review, "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."
Natural soundscapes: Several campgrounds feature streams or natural features that enhance the camping experience. At Coeur D'Alene Campground, campers report that "Great place for exploring. Walk in campsites are very close and have bear proof food storage."
Bear safety requirements: Bear-resistant food containers are mandatory throughout the region. All food must be stored properly, and campers should maintain clean campsites to avoid attracting wildlife.
Transportation considerations: Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground requires coordination with the Alaska Railroad for access. Train service is seasonal, operating "July 3rd - September 7th" according to recent visitor information.
Temperature variations: Alpine camping locations experience significant temperature drops at night. At Coeur D'Alene Campground, one camper notes the "campsite is at quite an elevation so is chilly at night and early morning even in the summer."
Self-sufficiency requirements: Most backcountry sites require bringing all necessary supplies. A camper at Chugach Backcountry Camping emphasizes, "you need to bring all of your supplies with you, water, food, toiletries."
Choose accessible sites: For families with children, locations with shorter access trails work best. Rabbit Lake Primitive Campsites offers an alternative approach for families as one visitor suggests, "I suggest parking at the rainbow trail head right down the way to the left that connects with multiple trails."
Consider cabin options: Eklutna Lake Public Use Cabins provide more comfortable shelter for families with young children. Reservations are required and should be made well in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays.
Plan for variable weather: Even in summer months, temperatures can drop significantly at night in higher elevation campgrounds. Pack warm clothing and rain gear regardless of the forecast.
Road restrictions: Most primitive camping areas near Elmendorf AFB are not suitable for RVs. At Hope Alaska Backcountry Sites, a reviewer specifically warns that "RVs are not recommended on this road."
Consider ferry alternatives: For RV owners seeking unique experiences, the Alaska Marine Highway offers unusual camping opportunities. A visitor describes, "It carries about 500 passengers who can either rent a cabin for an extra fee, pitch a tent on one of the decks, or sleep in a lounge chair in one of the solariums or observation decks."
Designated RV campgrounds: Standard RV hookups are extremely limited among primitive camping options near the base. Most RV camping requires traveling to established campgrounds with dedicated facilities farther from wilderness areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elmendorf Air Force Base, 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 Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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