Moose Pass sits at an elevation of 430 feet on the eastern shore of Upper Trail Lake in the Chugach Mountains. The area sees significant snowfall from October through April, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-65°F. Dispersed camping options near Moose Pass provide access to both mountain trails and waterways, creating opportunities for varied outdoor activities throughout the camping season.
What to do
Seaplane watching at Upper Trail Lake: At Moose Pass dispersed camping area, visitors can watch floatplanes take off directly from the lake. "Floatplanes do take off multiple times a day but neat to watch. The entrance can be a little tricky to get in/out of due to curve in road but manageable," notes Michael B.
Hiking the Lost Lake Trail: Primrose Trailhead serves as the gateway to the popular Lost Lake hiking route. "This campsite is just a short drive outside of Seward and on a gorgeous ice cold blue lake. The sites are conviently locates at the trailhead that can bring you all the way up to Lost Lake by hiking or mountain biking," shares Sierra S.
Berry picking in season: Higher elevation areas near campsites offer seasonal berry picking opportunities. One camper at Primrose notes, "If you go during the right time of year there are endless berries up higher, watch out for the BEARy competitors though!"
What campers like
Level camping surfaces: The dispersed area at Moose Pass offers practical camping spaces. "Nice level spots. Most with fire pit made with stones. Beautiful scenery around," reports Michael B., while Erik I. adds, "A great open spot for many vehicles, including big rigs. Some spots are tucked into trees for more privacy while others are open for better Starlink and solar."
Lake access for water activities: Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area provides convenient access to water. "We stayed here over the fourth of July weekend in 2024! The mountains are incredible, and it's a perfect nook between Seward and Kenai Fjords NP," shares Reid S.
Connectivity for remote workers: Cell service varies significantly between camping areas. At Moose Pass dispersed camping, "Starlink, Visible/Verizon and Cricket/Att all good," according to Kevin H., while at Exit Glacier Road Special Use Area, "the cell service was almost non existent. We had one tiny bar for AT&T and nothing for Verizon."
What you should know
Bear safety precautions: Food storage is essential when camping in this area. At Crescent Creek, campsites come with "Large sites great for tents however with food lockers. Watch for bear activity as we saw fresh Scat," warns Shadara W.
Limited site sizes at some campgrounds: Not all campgrounds accommodate large RVs. Crescent Creek has "Small campground only 9 sites, no host so pack in your wood. This poor campground needs some road work, lots of pot holes and short sites so large rigs won't fit here."
Seasonal accessibility: Road conditions can limit access depending on the season. At Exit Glacier Road Special Use Area, "Expect lots of gravel and bumpiness but it's doable without 4x4," according to one camper, while another notes, "We blew by it the first time and said no way, but then we pulled over and I ran to see who was camping and surprisingly a bunch of bigger campers etc got back there."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Seward City Campgrounds offers facilities for children. "The tent camping is located right next to a great playground, so if you have younger kids this might be a good choice for you," suggests Vicki S.
Educational wildlife viewing: Several camping areas offer wildlife watching opportunities. "It is so relaxing having your coffee at the oceans edge in the morning. You can see otters and eagles. So much to do and enjoy in Seward," reports Tanya B.
Dog-friendly hiking trails: For pet-friendly camping near Moose Pass, Alaska, several trails accommodate pets. At Gwins Lodge, "Many excellent trails all around the mountain and Kenai and Russian River area where Gwins Lodge and Roadhouse is located," according to Keith M.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection strategy: For optimal pet-friendly camping with RVs near Moose Pass, consider site placement. At Moose Pass dispersed area, "Some spots are tucked into trees for more privacy while others are open for better Starlink and solar. Some spots right on the water. Right off the road but far enough back that the noise isn't too bad," advises Erik I.
Hookup availability: RV hookups vary significantly between campgrounds. Stoney Creek RV Park has "full hook ups including cable for RVs. Showers and laundry facilities on site. WiFi available," according to Kathy M.
Road access considerations: The entrance to several camping areas can be challenging. At Exit Glacier Road Special Use Area, "The entrance comes up quick and has huge rocks blocking part of the road. We blew by it the first time and said no way, but then we pulled over and I ran to see who was camping and surprisingly a bunch of bigger campers etc got back there."
