Searching for a place to camp with your dog near Girdwood? Find the best information on pet-friendly campgrounds near Girdwood, including sites, reviews, and tips. Search nearby pet-friendly campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
$5 - $100 / night
Eagle River campground is located along the beautiful Eagle River. The campground has 57 sites with picnic tables, fire pits, water, latrines, flush toilets and dump station. Overflow camping area of 10 sites, and a Campground Host. Downtown Eagle River is a short 5 minutes from the campground and has all the amenities of a small town. ★ ADA Facility - Yes ★ 57 Campsites (see fee page) ★ No RV size limit ★ Camping Limit - 4 nights ★ Daily Parking Fee - (see fee page) ★ Toilets - ♿ ★ Water - ♿ ★ Picnic Sites ★ Picnic Shelter (1) ★ Sanitary Dump Station
Girdwood Parks and Recreation offers tent camping opportunities during the summer months at the Girdwood Campground. To reach the campground, take Alyeska Highway and turn east on Egloff Drive. Follow Egloff Drive past the Glacier City Hall building, Girdwood Fire Department and Ball Field. The Girdwood Campground is located just past the Ball Field. Eighteen rustic camping sites are set amongst the tall spruce and cottonwood trees. The campground is open during the summer only, from May thru September. weather permitting. Overnight camping is available for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights. Camping spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance reservations are not available. Upon selecting a tent site, campers must proceed to the payment kiosk to make payment for their site. The Girdwood Campground is equipped with a cooking area and fire ring, located at the Nissman Pavilion, port-a-potties, and bear-proof food lockers. Drinking water is available one block away, from a spigot located behind the Glacier City Hall building. The Girdwood Campground is within easy walking distance to local restaurants, a laundromat with showers, store, health clinic, library, and post office. RATES: $10 per night, per tent For the benefit of all campers we ask that patrons obey the following rules: The use of fireworks and firearms of any type are not allowed in city parks. Pets must be leashed or confined at all times and must not disturb other campers. Please clean up after your pet - doo your duty, scoop the poop. Use bear-proof food lockers! Do not keep food stored in your tent or outside in a cooler. Discard garbage in the bear-proof trash containers provided. Respect wildlife. Don't put yourself, others, or them in jeopardy because of your actions. Children must be supervised by parents at all times. All vehicles must remain on roads or in parking lots at all times. Maximum of two vehicles per campsite are allowed. Quiet time begins at 10 p.m. nightly. Minimize noise or other disturbances in order to maintain the serenity of the park. Check-out time is 12:00 Noon
$25 / night
Coeur D'Alene Campground is open. A small campground with six walk-in tent sites. This site is not recommended for large RV's or trailers. Water is not available at this campground. There are toilets, fire pits, and tables at the site.
Crow Pass Cabin is located about 500 yards off the Crow Pass Trail, which follows part of the former supply route for the Iditarod Trail. The trail is popular destination for its historic sites, stunning scenery and wildlife watching opportunities. The cabin is an ideal stop for visitors hiking the entire length of the trail, which takes an estimated two to three days, or for visitors interested in a good base camp for mountain climbing or backcountry skiing in the area. The site is only available for rent from June through October due to elevated avalanche danger during the winter and spring months. Please note, hazardous avalanche conditions may exist in this area as early as October and well into June some years. Getting there requires a 3-mile hike from the Crow Pass Trailhead off Crow Creek Road with an elevation gain of 2,080 feet. The trail may have snow October through mid-June. There is a small stream crossings to navigate just before the Cabin. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities including sleeping pads, sleeping bags, cook stove, toilet paper, pots and utensils as well as some form of water purification. More information on avalanche hazards in this area can be found at the Chugach NF Avalanche Center website (www.CNFAIC.org ). If accessing this cabin in late fall or early summer, please be prepared for winter conditions and/ or potential avalanche hazards affecting the route in along the Crow Pass Trail.
The Crow Pass Trail is a picturesque 24-mile section (Girdwood to Eagle River) of the Iditarod National Historic Trail offering alpine hiking, trail running and sightseeing opportunities. The Cabin is ~3 miles from the Girdwood Crowpass Traihead. The section to the Cabin is a popular trail for families, but does have steep switchbacks in places. Interesting points between the trailhead and the cabin include the Monarch Mine ruins and several waterfalls. The trail continues past the cabin, revealing views of Raven Glacier and eventually the Eagle River. To continue the thru hike all the way to the Eagle River Nature Center (North Trailhead), it requires a substantial river crossing. The Eagle River Nature Center is a good resource for updated info on the river crossing. (907) 694-2108. Glaciers and peaks around the cabin offer experienced climbers a challenging adventure. Hunting is possible, but the activity is tightly regulated in this area with limited permits available from the State of Alaska.
The cabin is situated in the Chugach Mountains near Crystal Lake at an elevation of about 3,500 feet. It sits in open tundra above the tree line with vegetation of low shrubs, grasses and summer wildflowers. Black and brown bears, wolves and moose inhabit the area (learn about bear safety). Dall sheep, mountain goats, marmots, arctic ground squirrels and white-tailed ptarmigan may be spotted on the rocky terrain surrounding the cabin.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 783-3242.
$75 / night
Spencer Bench Cabin is located at 1,900 feet in elevation at the end of the Spencer Bench Trail. The trail climbs away from the lake revealing breathtaking views of the Placer River Valley, Spencer Lake and the Spencer Glacier below. The cabin sits just below several alpine meadows with vegetation of low shrubs, grasses and summer wildflowers. Please note: some years Spencer Bench Trail maintains snow coverage until July. For current trail conditions call the Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242. Spencer Bench Cabin is available for rent year round although winter recreation here requires an advanced skillset and knowledge of avalanche hazards to access this Cabin via skis or snowmachines in the winter. Some parties do opt to charter a ski plane or helicopter to provide quick and easy winter access. From May 25th through September 15th 2024, the Alaska Railroad provides access to the area via the Glacier Discovery Train. Please verify schedules and book train tickets at the Alaska Railroad website prior to relying on the train for transportation. Outside of the core summer season, the Placer river valley (and Spencer Lake) is accessible via jet boat and float plane.
Spencer Bench provides a picturesque view into the heart of the Chugach National Forest. Although the Spencer Bench Trail currently ends at the cabin, the open alpine areas just above the cabin offer excellent off-trail hiking and sightseeing opportunities during the summer months. Glaciers and peaks around the cabin offer experienced climbers a challenging adventure. For winter recreationists, this cabin provides an incredible base camp for backcountry skiing and snowmachine adventures. It takes an advanced skillset and knowledge of avalanche hazards to access this Cabin via skis or snowmachines in the winter. Some parties do opt to charter a ski plane or helicopter to provide quick and easy winter access. More information on avalanche hazards in this area can be found at the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center website .
Black and brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine and moose inhabit the area. Mountain goats, marmots, arctic ground squirrels and spruce grouse may be spotted on the terrain around the cabin. Crow berries and Salmon Berries are plentiful in the late summer, along with low-bush blueberries.
The Placer River Valley and Spencer Lake developed Recreation area offers diverse recreational opportunities including easy hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing, rafting and fishing during the summer months. In the winter this area is popular with backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 783-3242.
$85 / night
Whittier Parking and Camping offers supervised vehicle and vessel trailer parking and a separate campground facility in the heart of Whittier, Alaska. Our friendly staff monitors operations during extended business hours, 7-days per week, during spring, summer and fall--usually from mid-April to late October. We are found across the railroad tracks along Whittier Street, a short walk south of the local small boat harbor, private marina, cruise dock and day-cruise facilities.
Parking and camping operations are available at reasonable rates to support visitors who recreate in Western Prince William Sound during the six-month summer season. We accept cash, checks and most major credit cards (Visa, Discover and Master Card).
$10 - $20 / night
Scout
Saw two seaplanes take off from the lake (take the Southern spot for this).
Hwy is loud but manageable, train as well.
Recommendable overnight position on the way to SEWARD.
Traveler
Went there for the weekend. It was really nice. Right along the river and there are picnic tables and bear boxes around. You’re a really short walk to the lake and there is soft rocky beach you can enjoy the views on. The sites are pretty well established and it is a first come first serve basis. We got lucky and got the last spot in the lane. There isn’t too many sites. I think 8 total? It’s a smaller one. Two restrooms vaults at each end.
Guide
It was 54 Degrees in July…… and Mosquitoes ate us alive Great Lake but forget to be outside your Camper. The Spots were not Level at all
Traveler
This is a lovely campground. They have great amenities. The only 2 reasons I gave jt 4 ⭐️ is because half the washers are out of order leaving only 3 working and the sites are close together.
LegendMoose Pass Trailhead
As with most BLM trailheads, zut services. Big area, some shaded mostly unshaded but big enough to have your own space
Seaplanes take off from lake during the day - pretty awesome
No onsite services. Seward offers free dump and potable water - near their RV parks
Starlink, Visible/Verizon and Cricket/Att all good
Scout
Funk v ung do
Traveler
We stayed here twice in our travels on Alaska. First appearance, the grasses are overgrown at the “entrance” and i was concerned. The fee both looks abandoned. But we actually saw there were some beautiful camp sites. Nice size for rvs if all lengths. Our table needed some help and it is obvious the camp is not being maintained. The bathroom was clean. Some sites you can hear the river and some road noise. The river is beautiful. There is a dumpster but it is on an upper level next to the dump station which is closed. The first time we did not realize this and took our garbage with us. All in all, it is not a bad campground. The trees are beautiful. We also had a moose and calf hanging around. We came back for a second visit. We used it as a jumping off point for Anchorage. Also the Eagle Nature Center and its trails are amazing! Saw a bull moose there. Would use again if not super picky. We are camping folks! For $20 I would not complain.
Legend
Matanuska River Park campground
$20 to dry-camp. Water station and sani-dump usage included. There are also some sites with electricity - a few more dollars but extremely close together. Saw a few with overlapping awnings
72 is a great site, our 30 ft 5er and f250 fitted in fine, but some caution needs to be exercised when driving. Trees made Starlink coverage a bit spotty. Short walk to River
Small planes continually passing overhead during the day, but not too noisy ( apparently glide path is over us to land, and engines are apparently idling at this time )
Great friendly host
Guide
The stunning lake view and access made the campsite worth dealing with the bugs and bears.
We arrived at Upper Skilak Lake Campground on a sunny Friday afternoon and managed to get the last site available. The campground was packed, including all the RV sites. We ended up in one of the walk-in tent sites. There are a total of 10 walk-in tent sites, with six right on the lake and the rest just a short walk away.
Each campsite is equipped with bear-proof storage for food, which is essential considering the active bear presence in the area. There is enough space for two tents, and the fire pits are new with adjustable grill racks, which made cooking easy. Buckets were provided to safely extinguish fires.
The campsites are a short walk from the parking lot, involving a small hill, except for one (maybe two) handicap-accessible site that offers easier access.
During our stay, we saw black bears and grizzly bears every day. Bear scat was common on the trails and beach, adding to the sense of adventure but also requiring constant vigilance regarding food storage and safety.
The park rangers were friendly and stopped by our site each night to check in and talk about bear sightings. However, one morning, a ranger accompanied by a few volunteers walked into our site while we were eating, which felt somewhat invasive.
The main downside was the state of the bathrooms. They were extremely dirty, with one stall that didn’t lock and another that had no toilet paper. The smell was terrible, and overall, the facilities were not well-maintained.
By the time we left on Monday, we were the only campers remaining, which offered a peaceful end to our stay.
Overall, Upper Skilak Lake Campground offers a beautiful location and a genuine wilderness experience, the poor condition of the bathrooms and significant amount of bugs were the only drawback.
Be prepared for bears and lots of bugs. The lake, the trails, and experience were definitely worth the trip.
TravelerLimited water (20gal a day). No hookups, no trash service and no rv dumping, bathrooms are pit toilets and very dirty. I have been here 3 separate times across three weeks and noticed everything like that bathrooms were extremely stinky and dirty. Have to walk to the entrance of the campground to dispose of any trash.
GuideThis campsite has showers and really nice, quiet spots in the woods. The only downside was the mosquitos which were terrible.
Traveler
We visited here for two nights with our children in our tow-behind trailer. There wasn't a lot to do for the kids, but we were able to enjoy the grassy area, make s'mores in the community fire pit, take a nice walk next to the golf course nearby, and make laps around the campsite's driveway. They otherwise played card games, read books, and made "nature recipes". It was quiet except for birds rising with the sun and airplanes landing at the nearby airport. The kids loved watching the planes land. It was nice having access to the toilets for when we had more than one person needing it at the same time. Another great part was the very good quality water, electric, and sewer hookups! The entire grounds was very well maintained, impeccably clean, and provided a very nice place to enjoy the breathtaking mountain views that rural Palmer, Alaska has to offer! Unfortunately I did not get enough photos!
ScoutCampground was undermanned, underfunded, dumping station, broken bathrooms, dirty the trail, though followed the Eagle River and was nice lots of mosquitoes 
Scout
"Situated along the waterfront, this property boasts unparalleled views of the sparkling ocean, creating a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere that enhances the overall living experience.
""Nestled in the heart of nature, this secluded property features expansive windows and balconies showcasing stunning mountain vistas, ensuring residents enjoy a picturesque and immersive connection with the scenic beauty that surrounds them."
Guide
Basically one big parking lot, but it has nice views of the surrounding mountains and harbor. They provide toilets and dumpster which is nice, also the spots have fire pits.
ScoutSpencer Bench Cabin offers a stunning location at 1,900 feet elevation, providing breathtaking views of the Placer River Valley, Spencer Lake, and Spencer Glacier. The mcdvoice surrounding alpine meadows boast beautiful vegetation, including low shrubs, grasses, and summer wildflowers. This cabin is available for rent throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the area in any season.
Scout
The only bad we could think of was sports are close together. The hookups are on the opposite side if you back in. It is not an issue if you bring an extra extension cord.
Legend
Location and price is right and that is what you pay for. $35 for hookups for the night whereas the other campground in town was $80. Huge difference. We just needed a quick stop near Anchorage on our way to Seward.
We got a level spot with electric, a dump and water station. One picnic table near us in good condition the other in poor. Grass is not mowed well. Bathrooms live up to the reputation, absolutely terrible. You can only stay here 14 days a year which is just fine. Lots of reviews about the homeless which left me concerned but I didn't see that has a huge issue. Maybe they cleaned it up? Not sure. I didn't not feel totally safe walking trails just because the place was a little sketch but it was fine for a nice. Right near highway for convenience but also a lot of highway noise but with windows closed it wasn't bad. Slept just fine!
Scout
Wide gravel and grass site with wooden picnic table, no firepit. Several RV tour companies use this park. There are more than 200 sites in this park. Showers were clean and free. Nice laundry room. About 1/4 of park is occupied by long-term residents - clean and well maintained. Park is located within a couple miles of downtown, across street from Costco, and adjacent to a large run down mobile home neighborhood. Wi-fi is offered, but we were too far away from the office so couldn't connect.
Scout
If all you want is a place to sleep, you don't mind close together sites and no vegetation in between, then you are in luck. But we found a better place.
Scout
The camp hosts were exceptional, I am handicap and they found us a great handicap space for car camping at the time. This as Fourth of July weekend 2021
Legend
This place is a secret wonder, just off the Glenn highway north of Anchorage. The autumn color was spectacular here! It was raining and cold in early September, but simply gorgeous.
The first-come, first served sites are on the smaller side and very wooded; with lots of space in between sites, but not a lot of open canopy. This was a bit of challenge for our rooftop solar, but we used portable solar suitcase on an extension cord to capture some sunlight.
The bathrooms are simple, but clean, vault toilets. Water is available at spigots located throughout the campground loop. The lake offers lots of stunning recreation opportunities for flat water paddling and fishing -- careful, the lake can kick up some pretty mean chop during windy afternoons.
Hiking on the Twin Peak trailhead is just around the corner, and cycling along the main road could be a great way to get some hill climbing exercise, as it’s a steep road up to the lake from the Glenn. If you are visiting the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, this is a great close by campground (about 30 miles away).
We loved that this campground had the feeling of a remote, wilderness campground but all within an hour’s drive of Anchorage. There is one local tourist ice cream shop just a few miles back down the road, which offers food, showers, and laundry. It is only open during the summer months. Further afield the suburban area around the interchange between the Glenn and Parks Highways has all of the services campers need about 30 minutes to the north of the campground.
LegendThis is a glorified parking lot, for sure, but it is set in the middle of an Alaskan wilderness wonderland. In every direction you look lies stunning views: mountains, glaciers, fjords, waterfalls, and rivers. What the campground lacks in charm, the scenery simply overwhelms. The sites lie around the perimeter of the square, where there are some grass areas for tents and ample places for RVs of any length. If you can make it through the tunnel, there's room for your rig. Pay for your site at one of the village parking machines near the marina.
The two vault toilets were clean enough to get the job done. There is water and a dumpster or two for trash– but remember, you’re not there for the campground. The surrounding area is gorgeous, but as the locals say, "The weather is always shittier in Whittier!" We got 1.5 nice days and it rained the rest of the time. Regardless, we fit a lot in!
A note about generator etiquette, while there is no rule stating that you can’t run your generator all night long, that does not invite you to do so. If you must power whatever it is you have to run while you sleep there is a better way to do so without impacting your neighbors. Check us out at https://freedominacan.com/solar-powered-by-renogy for all the solar power information you could possibly want.
If you are lucky enough to visit when the sun shines, consider yourself extra blessed and don’t waste a minute of that time inside! There’s a short biking/ walking path into the town from the campground, take a boat excursion, go for a guided sea kayaking paddle(complete with viewing 1,000 foot waterfall) or explore the area on foot. There’s a great hiking trail which starts right across the main road. It’s stunning.
The town has a few services, including gas, bars and restaurants and a convenience store. There’s not a lot of options in town though so come prepared.
LegendThis is a great little campground between Anchorage and Girdwood, right along the Turnagain Arm inlet and Seward Hwy. While the road noise from the nearby (and busy highway), could be loud at times, things mostly quieted down during the nighttime hours. This first come-first served campground is popular on weekends because of the proximity to Anchorage, where folks usually rent RV’s to explore the Kenai Peninsula – so plan ahead.
The campsites are spacious, but only about half of the sites can accommodate larger RV’s; the rest can only manage a small van or travel trailer. There is plenty of space in each site to set up a tent, if that’s how you’re going to roll. The sites were clean, as were the vault toilets. Water is available in a few spigots distributed throughout the park, but they recommended boiling the water to be safe. Bring your solar panels, as these sites don't have electrical hookups!
There is a beautiful nature trail leading to the Bird to Gird (biking/walking path) for the young and old alike. Biking the path along the old railroad line is a great way to spend the afternoon. Bike all the way to Girdwood and reward yourself with some of their famous Blueberry fritters at Alpine Cafe and Bakery, which is right off the path at the intersection of the Seward and Alyeska Hwy.
Two other awesome natural features of the area are Byron Glacier (easy hike) and the bore tide. During certain times of the month, the incoming tide creates an incoming wave of water that is large enough to surf. Be sure to look for the tidal information online or in park's posted materials. Warning! Do not wade out into the water, the tidal mud is like quicksand and many a casual visitor has become entrapped. Heed the warnings of the locals, don’t wade out into the mud flats!
Girdwood has many services, including gas, the aforementioned fritters, laundry and showers, groceries, bakeries, restaurants, golf course, and a ski mountain. Might we also recommend the Girdwood Brewery with its food trucks!
Legend
This wooded campground is pretty basic, and cheerless, but did the job for a night or two. It has a great location, just off the Parks Highway in Wasilla, and can be very quiet. In sunnier weather this village supported campground could be lovely. It was raining and chilly in August when we came through, which made it pretty dreary and muddy. What it lacks in charm, it makes up for in convenience and the quiet, location is the big win here.
The bathrooms were extremely spacious, clean vault toilets, with no showers or running water. Water is available in the campground near the entrance to the campground loop. There are some walking trails leading to the soccer fields, and throughout the woodland park, down to the lake for boating, fishing or paddling. Cycling the nearby area would also be a great way to get around, see the area, and get some exercise.
The nearby town of Wasilla offers more than the usual suspects for services in an Alaskan small city. Groceries, laundry, gas, mechanics, coffee shops and an array of restaurants are all within a short drive from the campground. The Iditarod Trail Museum and center is about½ mile away so be sure to check that out while there.
LegendAshley here with The Dyrt. We're so happy to have this property on our platform. This is a private location, located close to a forest. This cabin is super cute and the perfect place for your next getaway. Book your stay and leave a review here.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt! We want to give a warm welcome to this new partner. With 5 sites in total, you won't be crammed in here. The property you are camping on was once owned by the renowned Joe Redington himself. The creator of the world famous Iditarod! Come take in the beauty of Alaska and leave your experience here!
Experience the beauty of Girdwood, Alaska, while enjoying the company of your furry friends at various pet-friendly camping spots. These campgrounds offer a range of amenities and activities that cater to both you and your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Girdwood, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Girdwood, AK is Bird Creek Campground - Chugach State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Girdwood, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 62 dog-friendly camping locations near Girdwood, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
