Primitive campsites near Girdwood, Alaska sit within a temperate rainforest ecosystem that receives significant precipitation throughout the year. Located between mountains and Turnagain Arm, camping options range from walk-in tent sites to established campgrounds with basic amenities. The area experiences cool summer temperatures averaging 55-65°F and frequent rain, even during peak camping season from May through September.
What to do
Bike the trail system: The paved Trail of Blue Ice provides excellent biking opportunities near Williwaw Campground. "We have stayed at Williwaw many times and we really enjoy biking the trail to the visitor center and along the salmon stream. My kids learned to bike without training wheels on the paved loops in the campground," reports Dylan H.
Whale watching: Turnagain Arm offers opportunities to spot beluga whales and witness bore tides. According to Shannon C. at Bird Creek Campground, "We spent most of our time hiking in and around the area. Many cool and unique hikes including one where you have to use a manual pulley thing to get across a huge river. We also went looking for Beluga whales in Turnagain Arm which is just across the way from the campground. If you didn't bring binoculars, don't worry. The state has many of them posted up along the side of the road."
Fishing opportunities: Several creeks in the area offer fishing for smaller species. At Bertha Creek Campground, one camper notes: "Small waterfall and creek with many ways to get there. My favorite path is the one behind the water pump that goes to a wide, rocky bank that is easily fish-able. I'm sure there's fish in the creek but I couldn't catch any."
What campers like
Natural soundscapes: The sound of flowing water enhances many camping experiences. "We were facing the river and waterfall, which allowed for amazing ambiance," writes Brian J. about Bertha Creek Campground.
Solitude and seclusion: The smaller, less-known campgrounds offer more peaceful experiences. "It seems as though people don't know about this one and it's so nice. We felt alone in a beautiful place. And in such a pretty area!" reports Kimberley B. about Black Bear Campground.
Convenient access to Anchorage: Many campers appreciate the relatively short drive from Alaska's largest city. According to Tanya B., Bertha Creek is "a small campground of only 12 spots that fill up during the peak season... This is a centrally located campground and a great choice for first time camping. Close to Anchorage but still out in the middle of nowhere with no cell phones."
What you should know
Weather preparation is essential: The Portage Valley area experiences particularly heavy rainfall and wind. Tanya B. warns about Black Bear Campground: "This campground has all three warnings, sometimes. Wind, water, and wildlife... It is centrally located between Anchorage and the Peninsula but has so many things to offer."
No reservations at some sites: Several campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Elizabeth G. notes about Bird Creek: "This campground has 22 sites and 2 public use cabins. There's bathrooms but no showers. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table and there are trails within walking distance of your campsite. We stayed during the off season so we ended up in the camp host site accidentally since it was one of the few that wasn't still covered in snow."
Limited amenities: Most campgrounds provide only basic facilities. According to Lisa F., at Bird Creek Campground: "Campsites 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."
Tips for camping with families
Bring bikes for kids: Paved campground loops provide safe places for children to ride. "We use this campsite every August as a 'Going back to school Celebration' for parents or a 'Last hang out of summer' for the kids. The paved loop offers good space for biking, throwing a ball or side walk chalk," writes Aimee H. about Granite Creek.
Consider cabins for cooler weather: Public use cabins offer more protection from the elements. Aimee H. shares about Bird Creek Cabin: "We rented a cabin $95 a night and took approximately 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!"
Expect traffic noise: Many campgrounds are situated near highways. "Individual camp sites do not have fire rings and the camp sites are close together. Right next to the road so road noise was an issue," notes Brendon B. about Girdwood Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection is important: Some campgrounds have limited spaces for larger vehicles. According to Dylan H. at Porcupine Campground, "This is a standard campground with large spots that should fit the biggest RV. There are some pull through spots as well."
Paved campgrounds are available: Williwaw Campground offers better access for RVs. Delaine N. reports: "This is a hidden gem!! It has completely paved roads. Each site is paved and very large. There are some pull throughs. It is super quiet and very well maintained. Unbelievable for $18 a night."
Limited hookups throughout the area: No electrical connections are available at most sites. "No hookups but beautiful," notes Shadara W. about Williwaw Campground, adding that while there are "pull through, back in and standard sights close to the river with easy access to the Trail of Blue Ice," campers should be prepared for self-contained camping.
