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Camping options around Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska include both military-only facilities and public campgrounds accessible to all visitors. Black Spruce Campground on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) serves military personnel, veterans, and Department of Defense employees with full hookup sites, showers, and dump stations. Nearby Centennial Campground offers an alternative for civilian campers with electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, though it operates seasonally from May through September.
Access to military campgrounds like Black Spruce RV Park requires proper credentials and base access permissions. Most public campgrounds in the Anchorage area have seasonal operations, typically from May to September, due to Alaska's harsh winter conditions. Centennial Campground provides basic amenities at lower rates than other options in the Anchorage area, with sites available for $35 per night with electric hookups compared to $80 at some alternative locations. As one visitor noted, "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."
Several developed campgrounds near Elmendorf offer varying experiences and amenity levels. Black Spruce receives positive reviews for its cleanliness and facilities, with one camper describing it as "super clean" with "spaces are decently sized with a picnic table and charcoal grill set up, and trees offer some privacy." Centennial Campground presents a more urban camping experience with highway noise and proximity to city conveniences. While convenient for exploring Anchorage, some visitors mention concerns about security and maintenance at certain facilities. The surrounding Chugach State Park offers additional camping options with more natural settings at Eagle River Campground and Eklutna Lake Campground, where visitors can experience greater separation from urban environments.
"Multiple trails travel along the campground and the river. Beautiful Alaskan experience right next to Alaska's largest city."
"Bring your fishing pole as you're close to the river. Enjoy what Alaska has to offer!"
"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
"If you get there at the right time, there are a few sites with a view of the lake thru the trees. Requires a very short hike to get lakeside but the view is worth it."
from $5 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $12 - $33 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The surrounding area of the campground is beautiful and located right on the Turnagain Arm."
"Park is located within a couple miles of downtown, across street from Costco, and adjacent to a large run down mobile home neighborhood."
"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."
"We wish we had gotten a better site, but there is plenty of hiking around to see the water and mountains."
"There are two great hikes nearby within driving or walking distance. A perfect weekend getaway from Anchorage! You'll adore this beautiful spot."
from $23 / night
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GuideTent sites up to a few larger RV sites. 3 miles up a dirt road. Historic mine next door where you can pan for gold. 28-30' is probably the largest rig you want to take there. No walk ins, online reservation only.
GuideThe campground is clean and has nice grass, flowers and shrubs separating the rows of campers. Grass pads so get on an open to the sky site for sun and wind to keep it dry. Good potable water, dump for $6. Bathhouse leaves a lot to be desired. I couldn’t take a shower in there it was so flooded and muddy.
GuideOnly accepts cash. Must be bear aware. Bears every time we’ve been there. Would not recommend soft side campers or tents. Use available bear proof food safes.
LegendIt's apparent that at one time this was a very nice campground. Unfortunately it has fallen into disrepair and is showing its neglect.
Perhaps the biggest problem with this campsite is how close it is to the main Highway and the amount of road noise.
As for the rest I will let the pictures and video speak for themselves.
GuideEnjoyed our stay here. Sites are all pull through turnouts and 40 have full hookups including sewer. Another 5 in the back have water and electric and also several tent sites. Sites are fairly level and you face the woods which is an enjoyable view. Each site has a picnic table and grill. Some sites bigger, some smaller and all fairly close together, sharing the sides of the gravel road.
Mosquitoes were out and about but also saw a lot of small wildlife and birds. And even small black bear ran across the road the day we pulled in.
Highly recommend if you’re able to get on base and need a stopover with full hookups. n
LegendA quiet exceptionally well maintained small private campground. Conveniently located just outside Palmer Alaska, it is a perfect stopover location.
Both the bath and laundry rooms are clean and well maintained. As of the writing of this review showers are $5 and laundry is $5 per load. The charge for both laundry and showers is done on the honor System and users are requested to go to the check encounter to pay for use after the fact. It should also be noted that due to the size of his campground the bathrooms are co-ed. This is not a political statement but rather a simple logistical fact. Parents with children are very strongly encouraged to go with them to the bathroom to avoid any unfortunate embarrassing situations.
As for the rest of this review, I believe pictures are worth a thousand words. Please see attached.
ScoutWe have now been misled by Dirt 3 times.
GuideNice USFS campground with mountain and glacier views with a creek and trail system. Sites size varies but many sites will hold larger rigs. Good spacing. Roads and pads are paved.
TravelerStayed here to see the town. . The tunnel Was pretty fascinating. The campground was fine. We stayed in May so hardly any people here cold and drizzly.
Camping near Elmendorf Air Force Base offers access to diverse wilderness within the Chugach Mountain range, which rises to elevations over 5,000 feet and creates a dramatic backdrop for campers. The camping season typically runs May through September when temperatures range from 45-75°F, though some facilities maintain limited winter operations. Summer nights remain light until nearly midnight during peak season, extending viable camping hours.
Hiking accessible trails: Eagle River Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby hiking paths. "This is one of my favorite campgrounds to visit. Living in Eagle River, this campground allows me to get out of town without going far," notes Melisa A., who recommends being prepared for wildlife encounters. "The hiking trails are absolutely beautiful!! Watch for Moose. Look up every so often because there are also bald eagles around."
Watercraft adventures: Eklutna Lake Campground offers water-based recreation with equipment rentals available. "Trails to hike or play on the lake! This campground is situated with access to Eklunta Lake and boy is that perfect," writes Shadara W. The campground includes "food lockers" for tent campers and "well water available too."
Wildlife viewing: Bird Creek Campground positions visitors for potential whale sightings. "We also went looking for Beluga whales in Turnagian Arm which is just across the way from the campground," shares Shannon C. "If you didn't bring binoculars, don't worry. The state has many of them posted up along the side of the road."
Convenience to Anchorage: The accessibility of camping options near the military base provides quick escapes without long travel times. "This campground has it all! Situated on a beautiful lake that just so happens to be a loon sanctuary," writes Shadara W. about Military Park Fort Richardson Upper Otter Lake Campground, noting "RV spots all face the lake too."
Varied terrain: The region offers diverse camping landscapes from lakeside to mountain settings. "Eklutna lake is just beautiful. Its several miles up the mountain but the view there is just gorgeous," explains Barbara W. about Eklutna Lake Campground. "The camp sites r nicely placed apart to not be right on top of ur neighbor."
Moderate pricing: Several campgrounds maintain reasonable fees compared to alternatives. At Porcupine Campground, Hannah C. reports "Sites cost $9" and notes that "The picnic tables are large and have spots for someone in a wheelchair."
Military-only facilities: Some campgrounds near Elmendorf require proper military credentials. "Must be able to access JBER via veteran status, DOD or military," explains Shadara W. about Black Spruce Campground. "A great spot to chill for the weekend but still be close to base life. Great for veterans who want a base to explore Anchorage or visit family."
Mosquito preparation: Alaska's summer brings insects, requiring proper preparation. Tanya B. advises visitors to Porcupine Campground to "Bring bug dope or a screen shelter because the mosquitoes are big and hungry even late into the season."
Bear awareness: Wilderness camping requires proper food storage and wildlife precautions. "Don't keep your food out of a secured box or by your tent, or rent one of their yurts," warns Melisa A. about Eagle River Campground. "Make sure you take bear spray and/or a gun with you."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Black Spruce Campground includes "Playground for the kids, showers, dump and full hookups," according to Shadara W.
Kid-friendly campground selection: Amy B. recommends Eagle River for family outings, stating "Love taking the kids to this one and soon I will do the trail to crows pass from the nature center."
Safe wildlife viewing opportunities: Families can enjoy wildlife watching with proper precautions. "The view from some of the sites out over Turnagain Arm is amazing!" shares Vicki S. about Porcupine Campground, noting it's "at the very end of the Hope road."
Full hookup availability: RVers seeking full services have options on and off base. Taylor B. describes Black Spruce Campground as having "All campsites were pull through. Facilities were nice and well maintained. Full hook ups."
Size accommodation: Many campgrounds accommodate larger rigs with suitable spaces. Tanya B. notes that Porcupine Campground has "large spots that should fit the biggest RV. There are some pull through spots as well."
Year-round options: Some RV facilities remain open beyond the typical summer season. Megan W. highlights that Black Spruce Campground operates "Open year round with 50/30/20amp sites (seasonal water hook up as well)," providing "spaces are decently sized with a picnic table and charcoal grill set up, and trees offer some privacy."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK is Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK.
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