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.
$10 - $20 / night
"We were in a rented rv making a last minute stay over in Seward. They had last minute room to boondock in an adjacent parking lot, which was also full in August."
"Coming from California and moving to Alaska was a big change, but we found the ocean again in Seward Alaska."
"Short drive from Seward (which has grocery, general store, etc) and you're at this glacier with hiking and a small primitive campground."
"Stayed here on my big Alaska trip. Really not much to it, but it was a super nice place to stay. I think there was only around 15 sites or so, and they are first come first served."
$19 - $250 / night
"If you’re looking for a place to camp in Seward, but don’t want to camp in a parking lot this is it. On the water, or back in the trees...it’s really a cool place."
"There were several nice spots in amongst the trees for tent camping, but for the RV spots, you would want a spot along the beach or next to the bath house."
"Beautiful spots right by the river and five minutes from Seward and shopping one way and five minutes from Kenai Fjords NP the other."
"Very close to Seward activities and Exit Glacier - Harding ice field hikes. Area can handle most size rigs."
$45 - $92 / night
"Our GPS took us straight to this campground just before Seward on Glacier Road. Check-in was quick and easy, and we headed to Deluxe Patio FHU Site 14 with 50 AMP."
"Only a few minutes away from both town and the exit glacier trailhead. Next to no cell service (Verizon) but it had plenty of space. Would stay there again"
$13 - $17 / night
"WI think a mile walking distance to downtown Seward. A City shuttle comes for free a couple tines a day. There fishING resources to rent. Cavins, yurts and camp sites."
"Seward Military Resort was out last campground of our 8 night trip."
"Has a creek that runs along the edge of the grounds and a awesome view of the mountains."
"Lovely campground tucked into the woods outside of main Seward township. Lots of open space. Clean restrooms and a playground for the kiddos!"
"I did however read online later that the dump station is located across from the playground. You chose your spot upon arrival then go check in at the entrance via credit card and small machine."
$5 / night
"Parking at the trail head does cost $5/night or is free with a season pass. The trail passes through beautiful forest and gains some elevation, about 250ft, before dropping down to the coast line."
"A short walk up a trail, there’s a picnic shelter with food storage lockers, and a fire rig. "
"See the full hiking route here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/caines-head-trail You have two options for getting here:
- 1. Hiking in, which we did on the way in."
GuideA 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. Some spots right on the water. Right off the road but far enough back that the noise isn’t too bad.
LegendOur GPS took us straight to this campground just before Seward on Glacier Road. Check-in was quick and easy, and we headed to Deluxe Patio FHU Site 14 with 50 AMP. From the Journey signage, it appeared this KOA had recently been upgraded to a Holiday. The campground was laid out nicely, with sites not squished together. The gravel pad was long enough for our 40’ toy hauler, allowing us to drop the rear deck and still park our F450. Utilities were well-centered on the pad, and having two sewer hookups was especially convenient since we have two black tanks. Along with the usual deluxe patio amenities, we appreciated the astroturf lawn for our pups. Trees lined the side and back perimeters, but with none along the road side we had a clear Starlink shot. The campground also provided Starlink WiFi with download speeds around 22.8 Mbps. Water pressure was steady at 35–40 PSI. Verizon gave us 2 bars, while T-Mobile had none. Amenities included a tidy laundry with three front-load washers and three regular-sized dryers. A fun bonus was hearing sled dogs barking at Turning Heads Kennel next door, an Iditarod competitor offering kennel tours and sled dog rides both there and on the glacier. We also enjoyed watching eaglets in the nest right across from our site. The staff were very accommodating, even moving a grill for us and delivering a propane fill back to our site. Overall, this was a well-run campground with thoughtful upgrades and memorable surroundings.
LegendWe followed our RV GPS and turned off AK-1 at Bean Creek Rd, which brought us to the Kenai Princess RV Park. A steep left turn led to the office, where we had a super friendly check-in. There was an RV in our site when we arrived, but the office quickly moved them to the overflow. The sites were split on two sides of a wide road with a large turnaround area, so backing into Site 35 with FHUs (30 AMP) was easy. The site was long enough for our 40’ toy hauler, including dropping the patio, and we could still park our F450 crosswise. Sewer connections were at the back center of the pad, with water and electric at the center—no issues. Water pressure was about 40 PSI. Because of perimeter trees and fishermen’s vehicles, we set Starlink on the roof for a clear sky shot. Verizon gave us 2 bars, while T-Mobile had no service. There were paths around the campground to the lodge and down to the lake, which we enjoyed walking with our pups. There weren’t many grocery options in Cooper Landing. The nearest major amenities were about an hour away in Soldotna. Overall, this was a decent campground that met our needs.
TravelerWe stayed here over the fourth of July weekend in 2024! The mount marathon race brought a ton of people into town, so the site was full of vehicles. The mountains are incredible, and it's a perfect nook between Seward and Kenai Fjords NP.
Guide4 stars because of how people treat the camp (discussed below). Overall good dispersed camping. When you pull into the camp, its mostly gravel and rock. Just find a place to plop down and camp. It was a huge area, maybe 5+ acres. Some shrubs around the lot which was nice for privacy. They did have a few porta-potties throughout the lot. Only downside is that since it is not an established campsite, there aren’t any rules. People were driving and riding ATVs at late hours. Cars/trucks would zoom through the lot- almost thought they were going to hit us at some point.
GuideGoogle 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.
ScoutSuper cute campground, had space to park a car and set up a tent. The fire pit was awesome to have but remember to bring your own firewood! Each spot is close to the creek so it was great to go see it with such a short walk.
Scout07-25-2025 This campground is open. Came in and got on a waiting list for ff and got a site. On the list again but are sure we’ll get another since there was 3 sites not used in our section last night. If not you can park in overflow for $10
ScoutNice level spots. Most with fire pit made with stones. Beautiful scenery around. Highway does have some noise. Floatplanes do take off multiple times a day but a neat to watch. The entrance can be a little tricky to get in/out of due to curve in road but manageable. We stayed for 3 days and thought it was the best so far especially for free.
Seward camping sites range from sea level beaches to forested areas surrounded by mountains reaching elevations of 3,000-5,000 feet. Precipitation averages 66 inches annually with summer temperatures typically between 45-75°F. Many campgrounds experience strong winds off Resurrection Bay that can affect tent camping, requiring sturdy stakes and wind-resistant setups.
Wildlife viewing at Exit Glacier: Observe diverse wildlife at Exit Glacier Campground, located near Kenai Fjords National Park. "We were just passing through but it was a great place to stay for the night. Make sure to check out the exit glacier trail not too far from there. We also took a little day cruise in Seward which was a ton of fun," notes Sam M.
Hiking to Fort McGilvray: The 4.5-mile trail from North Beach at Caines Head leads to a WWII fort with panoramic views. "From the campground, we hiked up to explore the abandoned WWII fort, Fort McGilvray. Super interesting and much bigger than I expected," reports camper Les R.
Fishing in streams: Multiple creeks near Miller's Landing offer salmon fishing opportunities. "My two young children could play all day on the beach area eating an ice cream cone from the little shop while watching the seals/sea otters," shares Samantha M., highlighting activities for non-anglers.
Mountain views from gravel bars: The river views at dispersed camping areas create unique perspectives. "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," explains Kristi D. about Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area.
Beach camping with marine wildlife: Waterfront camping allows for wildlife observation directly from camp. "This is one of the most beautiful places on earth! Nothing beats camping near a glacier!" exclaims Chloe D. about the North Beach area, where campers regularly spot seals, porpoises, and sea birds.
Forest canopy protection: Wooded campsites provide natural shelter from Seward's frequent rain. "A great spot to set up a tent back from the water where trees provide some shelter from the wind. Some sites have lots of trees and some have pretty sparse tree coverage," notes a Forest Acre camper.
Bear precautions: All camping areas require proper food storage. "The campground was having a problem with bears in the area. The bear storage bin had recently been attacked sporting huge dents and claw scratches," warns Stacey C. from Tonsina Point at Caines Head.
Tide-dependent access: Some beach campsites require timing with tides. "It is very important to check the tides, and it is recommended to avoid hiking along the beach once the tide reaches +3," advises Les R. about North Beach access.
Limited tent spaces at RV parks: Many commercial campgrounds prioritize RV sites. "We chose this campground because others we normally choose were completely booked. Even though this campground had trees it still didn't feel very private," reports Samantha M. about Forest Acre Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature nearby recreation areas. "There is a small playground on site but if you walk about 7 minutes to Seward elementary the playground is fantastic!" recommends Samantha M. about Forest Acre Campground.
Kid-friendly beaches: Protected coves provide safer water access. "This would be a terrific walk in tent site option to try out. Exit glacier is beautiful with nice trails. My 5 and 7 year old did the walk just fine from parking lot to the glacier (maybe 20 min)," shares Samantha M.
Bike park options: Families with cycling enthusiasts have specialized facilities. "The best part of this campground is the bike park next door. They have stuff for all riding levels," notes Jay D. about Forest Acre Campground.
Entrance clearance challenges: Many dispersed and some established campgrounds have difficult access points. "The entrance comes up quick and has huge rocks blocking part of the road... You just need to take your time!" advises Kristi D. about the dispersed camping area near Exit Glacier.
Weather preparation: RVers should secure equipment for wind and rain. "The noise echoes off the mountains so it's a bit noisy for tent campers," notes a review of Seward KOA, suggesting RV walls provide better sound insulation.
Site selection strategy: Arrive early for preferred spots. "This 81 site RV Park has full hook ups including cable for RVs. The park provides shuttle service to and from Seward and the tour boats will send shuttles for pick-up/drop off for cruises," explains Kathy M. about Stoney Creek RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Seward, Alaska?
Seward offers exceptional camping options with diverse settings. Seward City Campgrounds is highly rated for its prime waterfront location in downtown, where you can enjoy morning coffee with views of otters and eagles while staying close to attractions like the Sealife Center. For those seeking a more natural experience, Exit Glacier Campground provides a primitive, forested setting with access to glacier hiking trails and is just a short drive from Seward's amenities. Other excellent options include Tenderfoot Creek (lakeside camping), Exit Glacier Road (free dispersed camping near the river), and Seward Military Resort (offering cabins, yurts and campsites with shuttle service to downtown).
What amenities are available at Seward campgrounds for families?
Seward campgrounds offer a range of family-friendly amenities. Seward Military Resort provides fishing equipment rentals, cabins, yurts, and traditional campsites, plus free city shuttle service to downtown attractions. Tenderfoot Creek features clean facilities, excellent sites on a lake perfect for kayaking, though highway noise might be a consideration. Many campgrounds are strategically located near family attractions – the Seward Sealife Center is just a mile from waterfront camping areas. For full-service options, several RV parks offer laundry facilities, WiFi, showers, and full hookups. Bear Creek RV Park and Stoney Creek RV Park provide cable TV connections and shuttle services to tour boats and downtown attractions, making family excursions convenient.
Do I need reservations for camping in Seward, Alaska?
Reservations are highly recommended for Seward camping, especially during the peak summer season from June through August. Stoney Creek RV Park offers 81 reservable sites with full hookups and is a popular choice that fills quickly. Cooper Creek South is a good alternative when more popular spots are full, but still requires planning ahead. For those without reservations, Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area offers dispersed camping options on a first-come basis. Military personnel can book the Seward Military Resort, which offers various accommodation types. Consider making reservations 3-6 months in advance for summer visits to secure your preferred campground.
Is tent camping available in Seward, and where are the best spots?
Tent camping is widely available throughout Seward with several standout locations. Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area offers beautiful free dispersed camping spots along the river, just five minutes from both Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park. These sites are perfect for tents and provide a more secluded experience. Tonsina Point at Caines Head offers walk-in tent sites with toilet facilities in a more remote setting. While Seward City Campgrounds caters primarily to RVs along the waterfront, tent sites are available. Tenderfoot Creek provides nice tent sites by a lake, though highway noise may be a consideration. For a more primitive experience surrounded by forest, Exit Glacier Campground offers shady tent sites near hiking trails.
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