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Best Campgrounds near Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK

400 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska (115)

    1. Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park

    33 Reviews
    Eagle River, AK
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 694-7982

    "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!"

    2. Centennial Camper Park

    17 Reviews
    Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 343-6986

    $25 / night

    "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."

    3. Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park

    40 Reviews
    Chugiak, AK
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 345-5014

    $5 - $100 / night

    "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."

    4. Black Spruce Campground

    6 Reviews
    Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 384-1476

    $12 - $33 / night

    "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"

    5. Bird Creek Campground — Chugach State Park

    27 Reviews
    Indian, AK
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 269-8400

    "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."

    6. Golden Nugget RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 333-2012

    "Park is located within a couple miles of downtown, across street from Costco, and adjacent to a large run down mobile home neighborhood."

    7. Centennial Campground

    4 Reviews
    Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 343-6986

    8. Military Park Fort Richardson Upper Otter Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 384-1476

    "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."

    9. Porcupine Campground

    17 Reviews
    Hope, AK
    23 miles
    Website

    $23 / night

    "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."

    10. Black Spruce RV Park

    1 Review
    Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
    3 miles
    +1 (907) 384-1476
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Recent Camping Photos near Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK

63 Photos of 115 Elmendorf Air Force Base Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK

400 Reviews of 115 Elmendorf Air Force Base Campgrounds

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    The Springer RV Park & Campground

    Decent Campground

    We followed our GPS without issue to the campground near the Palmer golf course and municipal airport. The turn into the CG was a little tight but manageable with our 40’ toy hauler and F450. Check-in was quick and friendly, and we proceeded to pull-through site 24 with FHUs (50/30 AMP). When we made our reservations online, they asked for the exact length of both our RV and tow vehicle. We were definitely assigned one of their longer pull-throughs, as we could center our rig on the pad for the utilities—well-placed near the middle—while still dropping our patio and parking our truck on either side. The sites were very close together, with only a slender strip of grass and a picnic table between them. Water pressure was steady around 45 PSI. We got 2 bars on Verizon and 1 workable bar on T-Mobile. Because of the close spacing and perimeter trees, we placed Starlink on the roof and had a good connection, though many RVers set theirs on the ground. The campground WiFi worked well for browsing, with speeds of 8.69 Mbps. The laundry room was a standout: two washers and two dryers,$5 per load (pay at the office), and they provided soap and dryer sheets—easily the best laundry deal we’ve seen to date. The large overflow/tent camping area doubled as a dog run, with additional space to walk pups around the property. In our opinion, the back-in sites offered better spacing and mountain views. We also enjoyed watching small planes and helicopters come and go from the nearby airport. Overall, this campground met our needs for our five day stay.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Anchorage N KOA Journey

    Mixed Review

    We followed the website instructions and took Fireweed Road off AK-3. Arriving early cost us a $20 fee, and check-in was unpleasant as the front desk person was snippy, didn’t recognize our confirmation for a deluxe site, and gave no amenities or rules briefing. We had asked if there was somewhere we could go park until check-in time, but didn't get a response. She just kept checking us in and charged us the $20 fee. We were assigned pull-through site 8 with FHUs and 50 AMP. Since we had reserved a deluxe site back in January, we expected enough length for our 40’ toy hauler and patio, but the pad was too short and forced us to park our F-450 diagonally and still no room to put the patio down. Utilities were placed in the middle of the pad with good water pressure, but the KOA Wi-Fi never connected despite repeated attempts. Starlink had a clear shot to the sky. The next day we spoke with the manager about our experience. She offered firewood as an apology, but then discovered they were out, so we asked for our $20 early-arrival fee back instead. She agreed, but the refund never came. The campground does have two small fenced dog areas. On departure day we had a slide issue that prevented us from leaving, and the manager was very accommodating, providing the number of a local RV tech who came out that day and moving us to back-in site K4 so we could stay another night for repairs. Mobile RV and Toyostove, 907-745-0468, gave us fast, reliable service. Site K4 was definitely a much better site with plenty of space for our size rig. In the end, our stay had both frustrations and positives, with poor check-in and site issues offset by a helpful manager when we ran into problems.

  • Andrea W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Golden Nugget RV Park

    A place for RVs in Anchorage but don't expect much

    We had the impression that many people stay long-term - hence a lot is laying around on the sites. Everything feels a little grubby, however the site provides W/E as well as a dumping station. Fine for one night when you have to hand your RV back the next day. If you are looking for a nice stay close to Anchorage, go to Palmer.

  • Andrea W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Matanuska River Park Campground

    Nice place well looked after

    Lots of green, a big part if the camping grounds are in a forest, RV with E Nicely arranged with well looked after grass, so you don't soil your RV.

  • Vicky S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Mountain View RV Park

    Convenient and pleasant

    I agree with the other reviewers. We stayed there on our way north to Denali. Like all RV Parks we’ve stayed in in AK, the sites don’t have any privacy, but the scenery is lovely. Liked it so will stay again on our way south.

  • Barbara W.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park

    Eklutna Lake Ice Cream Camping

    Eklutna lake is just beautiful. Its several miles up the mountain but the view there is just gorgeous. The camp sites r nicely placed apart to not be right on top of ur neighbor. Firewood is available & it costs involved think 20$ a night but worth it & just down the way u can take showers, do laundry & get some killer home made Alaskan flavored ice cream. It has rentals & many amenities. Truly a very nice place to go & if ur really in for an interesting adventure. Down at the bottom of the mountain there is a Russian Orthodox Cemetary that's just amazing. Its got plaques telling of earlier years & the people who came. Creepy, Cool & Powerful all in a beautifully peaceful off the beaten path & only a mile, mile & 1/2 down the road historic adventure

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Lake Lucile Campground

    great spot away from town - but not too far away

    this is a great spot to unwind, enjoy a pretty lake, and give your pup the opportunity to run around in the dog park. it is a bit noisy, so definitely not the place if you’re looking for peace and quiet. road coming in has a short dirt patch that is in good condition. picnic table, fire pit, and free firewood available for campers. tent site - $20.

  • Scott T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Matanuska River Park Campground

    Nice Campground but lots of air traffic

    This is a nice little spot but there's two drawbacks; The campground lies just at the end of a small plane airport so there's almost constant noise. Secondly the restrooms close at 10pm.

Guide to Elmendorf Air Force Base

Camping near Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Eklutna - Chugach State Park. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiking on the Twin Peak trailhead is just around the corner," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing: The lake at Eklutna - Chugach State Park is perfect for fishing. A camper noted, "The lake allows electric motors only and it's pretty shallow from shore," which is ideal for kayak fishing.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Eagle River Campground - Chugach State Park have spotted moose and other wildlife. One visitor shared, "We also had a moose and calf hanging around," adding to the natural experience.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Many campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Bird Creek Campground - Chugach State Park said, "This is a great little campground between Anchorage and Girdwood," highlighting its picturesque location.
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A visitor at South Rolly Lake Campground mentioned, "The outhouses are clean and also maintained daily," which is a big plus for many.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground are noted for their welcoming vibe. One camper said, "Friendly people, cute and quaint place, beautiful views of the lake," making it a great spot for families.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Eagle River Campground - Chugach State Park, have basic facilities. A reviewer pointed out, "No hookups, no trash service and no RV dumping," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Mosquitoes: Be ready for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Bird Creek Campground - Chugach State Park warned, "Mosquitoes ate us alive," so bring repellent.
  • First-Come, First-Served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at Finger Lake State Rec Area advised, "I would try to show up closer to noon after people are leaving those sites," to secure a good spot.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like South Rolly Lake Campground that offer plenty of space and activities. One family shared, "If you have kids bring their bikes!" which can keep them entertained.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Matanuska River Park Campground mentioned, "Nice grassy spots but very very small," so plan accordingly to avoid crowding.
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids engaged with snacks and games. A visitor at Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground noted, "The on-site restaurant is a gem," but having your own food can save time.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Matanuska River Park Campground said, "Some caution needs to be exercised when driving," due to tight spaces.
  • Bring Extra Cords: If you're using hookups, bring extension cords. A camper at Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground mentioned, "The hookups are on the opposite side if you back in," which can be tricky.
  • Stay Connected: Some areas may have spotty service. A visitor at Eklutna - Chugach State Park noted, "We used portable solar suitcase on an extension cord to capture some sunlight," which can help with power needs.

Camping near Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and enjoy the breathtaking scenery!

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 115 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?

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