Best Campgrounds near Seward, AK
Seward, Alaska features a diverse range of camping options where the mountains meet the sea, with sites ranging from oceanfront city campgrounds to remote backcountry locations. The Seward City Campgrounds offer waterfront camping with views of Resurrection Bay, while Exit Glacier Campground provides primitive sites near Kenai Fjords National Park. Dispersed camping is available at Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area, a free boondocking spot approximately five minutes from town. RV travelers can find full hookups at several established campgrounds including Miller's Landing, Stoney Creek RV Park, and Seward KOA, which operate primarily during the summer season from May through September.
Most campgrounds in the Seward area operate seasonally, with limited or no services available during winter months from October through April. As one camper noted, "The entrance comes up quick and has huge rocks blocking part of the road... You just need to take your time!" High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing some dispersed camping areas, though many established campgrounds accommodate standard vehicles. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with Seward having a reputation for rainfall even during summer months. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage at all camping locations. First-come, first-served sites fill quickly during peak season, especially on holiday weekends and during Seward's Fourth of July celebrations.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, with many campers highlighting wildlife viewing opportunities directly from their campsites. According to one review, "We saw whales, otters, sea lions, and a multitude of birds right from the campsites." Sites closer to town offer convenience but less privacy, with many reviewers noting the proximity to amenities as a trade-off for the closely spaced sites. Campgrounds near Exit Glacier provide easier access to hiking trails but fill quickly during summer months. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those along the Seward Highway where "noise echoes off the mountains so it's a bit noisy for tent campers." Military personnel have access to the Seward Military Resort, which offers lower prices but more compact camping spaces compared to other options in the area.
