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Best Dispersed Camping near Seward, AK

15 Reviews

Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area offers free dispersed camping just minutes from both Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park. The large gravel area accommodates various vehicle sizes, though the entrance can be difficult to spot, marked by large boulders and requiring careful navigation. According to one visitor, "It's a huge area, maybe 5+ acres. Some shrubs around the lot were nice for privacy." The site features no amenities, requiring campers to pack out all trash, though portable toilets are occasionally available.

Lost Lake Trailhead provides another dispersed camping option with basic toilet facilities. The rough access road requires high clearance vehicles or 4WD. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "After a 2-mile incline hike the trail opens up and levels off halfway in. The Forest service recommends camping at designated sites around Lost Lake, some with bear boxes." Fires are prohibited in alpine areas. Moose Pass, approximately 25 miles from Seward, offers a level, open area with informal fire pits and views of seaplanes taking off from the adjacent lake.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Seward, Alaska (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Seward, AK

16 Photos of 5 Seward Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Seward, AK

15 Reviews of 5 Seward Campgrounds

  • Kristi D.
    Aug. 26, 2023

    Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area

    Super convenient to Kenai Fjords

    Boondocking galore!!! It gets five stars for what it is. Beautiful spots right by the river and five minutes from Seward and shopping one way and five minutes from Kenai Fjords NP the other.

    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 so we gave it a go and we got thru better than we thought. You just need to take your time!

    Big gravel like space but isn't level so you need to drive slow, but you can find a level spot to camp for the night. No amenities as you are boondocking, but well worth it for the night!!! Highly recommend!!!

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area

    Quiet campground with nice views for our mobile sauna rental

    I stayed here with a group of my friends in our sprinter vans for two nights. Campground was quiet both nights. There was plenty of space between each party, so it felt relatively private.

    The little road can be hard to spot, we drove right passed it the first time. Driving from the road is BUMPY, you'll need a vehicle with high clearance.

    We rented mobile saunas, and I highly recommend doing it, it was awesome!! Here is the info: https://sewardsaunas.com/

    Because this is not a formal campground, but rather a special use area, keep the following in mind:

    • you are supposed to stay here a maximum of 8 nights (though I'm not sure how much this enforced)
    • There are no trash or toilets on-site, so plan to pack everything out
    • If you're not sure which areas you can camp, see this map: https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/lands/designated-use-areas/exit-glacier-sua/pdf/exit-glacier-map.pdf
  • Tanya B.
    Aug. 14, 2020

    Lost Lake Trailhead

    Need 4x4 for this road. Pack it in, pack it out.

    The road after the sign is rough and a good 4 X 4 or ATV is recommended. This 7-mile hiking trail will take you to Lost Lake. After a 2-mile incline hike the trail opens up and levels off half way in.

    The Forest service recommends that you camp on Lost Lake at designated campsites. This is bear country and some of the camp sites have bear boxes. There are also pit toilets but always pack your own TP. The Forest service ask that backpackers are strongly encouraged not to camp on the Lost Lake peninsulas so that tundra can grow back a reminder that FIRES ARE PROHIBITED in alpine areas.

    Cell Service: at sign Internet: no 2020 Cost: free Distance from Anchorage: 110 miles Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 4-8 depends on weather

  • Kevin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2024

    Moose Pass

    Large open area, approx 25 miles from Seward

    Moose 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

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 24, 2024

    Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area

    Great dispersed camping in Seward

    Stayed 4 nights 6/4/23. Very close to Seward activities and Exit Glacier - Harding ice field hikes. Area can handle most size rigs. We have small pull behind trailer but had an Airstream and variety of other campers in the area. Entrance is next to a couple of large boulders but is wide enough to get through. Scenery was outstanding with snow covered peaks in all directions. We did see bear tracks and evidence of moose but didn’t see any when we were there. We highly recommend this camping location.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area

    Quite and Beautiful

    Google maps will take you straight to the entrance. It's a bit hard to see, but you can't miss the massive boulder right next to the road.

    Nice flat area with a lot of areas tucked away if you want privacy.

    There were quite a few people there but everyone kept their distance and were respectful with regard to noise.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2025

    Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area

    Beautiful Spot

    We stayed here one night after visiting Seward and Exit Glacier. Definitely a popular spot in mid May but there is a lot of space to spread out and have your own little area. Would suggest having a higher clearance vehicle but there are some spots right at the front that you could get a smaller vehicle to.

  • K
    Aug. 18, 2022

    Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area

    Great boondocking on river bed

    This is an awesome spot to hang out when in the Seward area! There is tons area for lots of rigs. The entrance is pretty narrow so it might not be best for anything larger than a truck camper or van.

    In the spot we were at the cell service was almost non existent. We had one tiny bar for AT&T and nothing for Verizon. On a Saturday in July it wasn't busy and everyone could spread out to have their own area.

    It is very close to the National Park and town so it's great before or after a long day exploring

  • J
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Moose Pass

    Calm, large and free campsite at a lake.

    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.

Guide to Seward

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Seward, Alaska, where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await. This area offers a variety of free camping options, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Seward

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Seward, Alaska

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • Find a peaceful retreat at Moose Pass, where you can enjoy a large, open area by the lake, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
  • Experience the beauty of the river at Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area, which offers stunning scenery and ample space for various rig sizes.
  • Campers at Lost Lake Trailhead can enjoy a short hike to the lake, making it an ideal spot for those looking to combine camping with outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping in Seward, Alaska?

Seward offers excellent free camping options, with Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area being the most popular. Located just minutes from downtown Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park, this area features multiple spots along the river with space for various vehicle sizes. The entrance is marked by large boulders and can be easy to miss on your first pass. Another option is Lost Lake Trailhead, which offers free parking lot camping near the trailhead with bathroom facilities. While more crowded, it serves as a convenient base for hiking the 7-mile trail to Lost Lake. Both locations are first-come, first-served with no reservations required, so arriving early during peak season is recommended.

What is boondocking in Seward, AK and where are the best spots?

Boondocking refers to camping without hookups or services in undeveloped areas. In Seward, Moose Pass is an excellent boondocking spot with a large area that allows campers to spread out and enjoy privacy. Located at a trailhead near a lake where seaplanes take off (a spectacular sight), it makes a convenient overnight position on the way to Seward. While highway and train noise is noticeable, most find it manageable. Another option is Portage Valley, which offers drive-in access for self-sufficient campers. When boondocking near Seward, remember that Seward offers free dump stations and potable water near their RV parks, allowing you to refresh supplies while enjoying the freedom of dispersed camping.

What amenities and facilities can I expect at dispersed camping sites around Seward?

Dispersed camping sites around Seward are typically primitive with minimal to no amenities. At Lost Lake Trailhead, you'll find basic bathroom facilities but little else. The parking lot serves as the camping area, and while convenient, it doesn't offer privacy. At Portage Glacier Road dispersed sites, expect no facilities whatsoever—you'll need to be completely self-sufficient with your own water, waste disposal, and power. Cell service varies greatly by location; Exit Glacier area campers report very limited connectivity with perhaps one bar of service at best. Always pack out all trash, bring your own water supply, and be prepared with portable toilets or waste bags since most dispersed sites have no restroom facilities or trash service.

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