Best Campgrounds near Valdez, AK

Valdez, Alaska serves as a gateway to scenic camping experiences with mountains and ocean views. Several campgrounds are positioned along the harbor and near town, offering visitors a range of accommodation options from tent sites to full-service RV spots with hookups. Notable locations include Bear Paw RV Park directly across from the small boat harbor, Eagle's Rest RV Park near downtown, and dispersed camping areas like Mineral Creek. Most established campgrounds provide amenities such as showers, toilets, and picnic tables, while dispersed options offer more primitive experiences without facilities.

Most campgrounds in Valdez operate seasonally from May through September, with limited year-round options. The region experiences significant seasonal variations, with camping conditions peaking during summer months. "Make sure to enjoy the waterfalls on the way in," noted one visitor to Eagle's Rest RV Park, highlighting the natural features accessible from camping areas. Road access to campgrounds is generally good, though some dispersed sites may require higher clearance vehicles. Cell service is available in most established campgrounds near town, particularly those close to the harbor. Campers should prepare for potential wildlife encounters, including bears, which are occasionally spotted near camping areas.

Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, with many campsites offering views of the surrounding mountains. Campers frequently mention the proximity to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and wildlife viewing as highlights of staying in Valdez. One camper remarked that the "locations feels super private" when describing tent camping at Bear Paw RV Park II, while others appreciated being within walking distance to downtown amenities. The established campgrounds in town tend to have more compact spacing between sites, with many described as "parking lot" style setups. For those seeking more natural surroundings, the campgrounds farther from the harbor area provide more space and privacy, though with fewer amenities. Wildlife sightings, including eagles and bears, are commonly mentioned in visitor reviews as memorable experiences.

Best Camping Sites Near Valdez, Alaska (15)

    1. Valdez Glacier

    9 Reviews
    Valdez, AK
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 873-4058

    "This campground is by far the best in Valdez if you want woods and not waterfront. Previously military only, now everyone is welcome. Pavilion and day use area, showers and restrooms of course."

    "Visited on one of my last days in Valdez. Beautiful glacier. The campground is pretty standard and pleasant. Would highly recommend checking it out if you're in the area."

    2. Bear Paw RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Valdez, AK
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 835-2530

    "Not trees and privacy but better than the other two parking lit style RV parks in downtown Valdez. Close to fishing and the boardwalk too. Stellar Jay's and bunnies visit the main office daily."

    "The domestic rabbits that roam all over Valdez were an unexpected and fun addition to our stay. We usually don’t choose in-town campgrounds, but Bear Paw worked well for us."

    3. Valdez RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Valdez, AK
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 835-4455

    $30 - $55 / night

    "Great bike paths. Saw bear feeding from bike path, accessible from campground (along the Richardson highway, not IN the camp area)"

    "It’s tight between spots and depending on your camper door location you may be walking out staring at your neighbors septic drain."

    4. Eagle's Rest RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Valdez, AK
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 378-6165

    $25 - $165 / night

    "The views of Valdez are amazing no matter where you go.  There is a tent area in the center and this park is close to everything."

    "Valdez, Ak"

    5. Valdez KOA

    6 Reviews
    Valdez, AK
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 835-2723

    $51 - $247 / night

    "Valdez KOA has super friendly staff and they’ve gone above and beyond to make accommodations for our party which includes an rv family and a cabin family."

    "Great campground and will be going back the next time I am in Valdez. Buildings are kept very clean and supplies always filled. Stayed at a tent site and enjoyed being able to set up under the trees."

    6. Bear Paw RV Park II (Adults Only)

    5 Reviews
    Valdez, AK
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 835-2530

    "The other spots close by are parking lots or overgrown buggy areas. Close to hiking trails I would try this spot before any others."

    "The tent sites are centrally located, but the location feels super private. The tent sites have access to laundry, good drinking water, dish washing, bathrooms, HOT showers(!)"

    7. Mineral Creek, Valdez, AK

    5 Reviews
    Valdez, AK
    2 miles
    Website

    "Next to glacier creek. Salmon run Aug-early Sept. Google map Mineral Creek Rd, take it to end then keep going down gravel road. There's a car bridge to get to other side of creek."

    8. Creekside Parking

    3 Reviews
    Valdez, AK
    3 miles

    "I stayed here two nights while in Valdez in the pickup camper. Small lot that could handle a big rig or two smaller rigs. No trash or picnic tables. Good cell signal."

    9. Allison Point Campground

    4 Reviews
    Valdez, AK
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 835-2282

    "Close to some really cool hikes and just 30-40 feet from the ocean."

    10. Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site

    7 Reviews
    Valdez, AK
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 269-8400

    $25 / night

    "Situated beautifully up in Thompson Pass is Blueberry Lake and on that lake is Blueberry Lake State Rec Site. With 14 campsites it's small but surrounded in beauty. Site 15 is reserved for the host."

    "I did not get to camp at Blueberry Lakes because we were driving through at mid-day, however it is definitely somewhere I would like to camp one day."

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Recent Reviews near Valdez, AK

60 Reviews of 15 Valdez Campgrounds


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

    Bear Paw RV Park

    Convenient Basecamp for Exploring Valdez

    We followed our GPS straight into the middle of town and right to the campground. Check-in at the office was quick, and we pulled into Pull-through Site 43 with FHUs (30 AMP). The campground was essentially a large gravel parking lot with sparse patches of grass and weeds between a mix of pull-through and back-in sites. While the sites were very close together, the spectacular mountain views in every direction made this CG special. The utilities were well placed in the center of the long pad, allowing us to drop the patio on our 40’ toy hauler and still park our F450. Water pressure was steady at about 50 PSI, and each site had a small picnic table. Connectivity was mixed: 4 bars on Verizon extended network, 3 bars on T-Mobile (sometimes workable), and above-average campground WiFi. With no trees on-site, Starlink had a clear shot from the roof, though placing it on the ground wasn’t practical with other rigs and vehicles moving about. The domestic rabbits that roam all over Valdez were an unexpected and fun addition to our stay. We usually don’t choose in-town campgrounds, but Bear Paw worked well for us. Its location made it easy to explore everything Valdez had to offer, and the surrounding mountain views made the close sites and gravel lot worthwhile.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Valdez RV Park

    Simple but great

    We stayed 3 nights in misc sites because they were busy and we had no reservations. The tent spots had pretty good space and great views. Yes the RV spots are tight but so is everything in town. Super friendly hosts and the best showers of our two month trip.

  • j
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Bear Paw RV Park

    Amazingly wonderful!

    It's not your typical "cozy" campground. It's more of a place to just park your rig, but with all the amenities within walking distance in every direction, it's a great jump-off place. You look up and there are majestic mountains, still with patches of snow and beautiful waterfalls from way high up, 360° surrounding you. You breathe in the fresh salty air and hear the seagulls calling out Who cares where you're parked?

  • Vicky S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site

    Beautiful!

    This campground is in the Thompson Pass and the scenery is unbelievable. The campsite has vault toilets, but they were clean. There was drinking water. The only downside was the mosquitoes.

    I don’t remember seeing pull-thru sites.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site

    Stunning

    What a gem! This campground has amazing views but is very small. The mosquitos were relentless but what a view. There is no cellphone service at all, so make sure you download what you need. The pit toilets were very clean. Spots were $25 a night, I don't remember what day parking is. It was a shame to see some people pulling in, not paying fishing and then leaving. This park survives on "donations" so please don't be that person!

  • Paula S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Mineral Creek, Valdez, AK

    Waterfall Heaven

    What a gorgeous place to spend the night. The sound of the waterfall lulls you to sleep. Being fourth of July folks were riding side by sides but very friendly. We took the bridge over and went back the road for about 2 miles. We had a 17 foot camper and SUV. In laws had a van. Parked right beside the river and waterfall.

  • QThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Mineral Creek, Valdez, AK

    The coordinate is wrong

    I parked at this coordinate. I found two RVs there. (61.1415202, -146.3619950). The Mineral Creek trailhead is cross the bridge.

  • Tom D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Creekside Parking

    Great place for free camping

    Not alot of spots, but if you're lucky it is a great place!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2025

    Creekside Parking

    Creekside Stay

    Got here late one night before leaving on the ferry the next morning. Did not cross the bridge because there was someone already set up on the other side of the creek. It was rainy when we got there but had no trouble getting in and out.


Guide to Valdez

Camping near Valdez, Alaska ranges from 25-61 dollars per night at established campgrounds, with options for free dispersed camping at places like Mineral Creek. The region's camping season generally runs May through September, with most sites situated between sea level and the Thompson Pass at 2,678 feet elevation. Thompson Pass receives over 500 inches of snow annually, affecting early and late season camping accessibility.

What to do

Explore waterfalls and mountain trails: Valdez Glacier Campground features a waterfall right within the campground boundaries. "Quiet place to stay minus the planes taking off randomly. Loved not having service. And loved the waterfall in the campground," reports Wes F. The campground offers easy access to Valdez Glacier and Lake.

Fish for salmon: Allison Point Campground provides direct water access for salmon fishing. "The appealing part is that the campground sits right above the water so it was nothing to walk down and fish for salmon," notes Maria M. The campground sits just 30-40 feet from the ocean.

Mountain biking: Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site offers excellent trails. "This campground is in the Thompson Pass and the scenery is unbelievable," writes Vicky S. A loop trail under 3 miles provides a perfect starting point for visitors passing through or staying at the campground.

What campers like

Natural privacy: Bear Paw RV Park II offers secluded tent camping despite its in-town location. "The tent sites are centrally located, but the location feels super private. The tent sites have access to laundry, good drinking water, dish washing, bathrooms, HOT showers(!), fire rings, picnic tables, and some spots even have platforms for tents," writes anna C.

Mountain views: Camping at Thompson Pass provides exceptional scenery. "Situated beautifully up in Thompson Pass is Blueberry Lake and on that lake is Blueberry Lake State Rec Site. With 14 campsites it's small but surrounded in beauty," reports Shadara W. The entire campground is paved, making it accessible for various vehicle types.

Wildlife viewing: Eagle's Rest RV Park offers wildlife spotting opportunities. "All the RV campgrounds in town are within walking distance to the docks," notes Shadara W. Campers frequently report seeing eagles, and black bears occasionally visit the campground areas.

What you should know

Bear safety: Bear sightings are common throughout the Valdez area. "The campground owner did warn us of a black bear that had been wandering around the campground. There was scat and we did hear him one night but didn't have any problems sharing the space with him," reports Melissa W. about Bear Paw RV Park II.

Mosquitoes: Bug populations vary by location and season. "With sun all day and night it is very hard to keep the wilderness from taking back spaces. The spots were big but the mosquitoes were terrible. Camping here early on the season would have been better," notes Tanya B. about Valdez Glacier Campground.

Site availability: Valdez KOA provides various accommodation options but requires planning ahead. "With cabins, tent sites, Rv sites this KOA has it all. There is a playground for the human kiddos and even another for the fur babies in your life," writes Shadara W. The campground sits about 8 miles outside of town.

Tips for camping with families

Choose campgrounds with amenities: Eagle's Rest RV Park provides family-friendly features. "This campground was exactly what we were looking for. It is conveniently located in town within walking distance of the grocery stores, restaurants, and harbor," writes Hannah C. The campground also offers a fish cleaning station for families who enjoy fishing.

Consider elevation for temperature: Temperature varies significantly between sea-level campgrounds and those at higher elevations. "Bring an extra blanket since it gets chilly at the higher elevation," advises Tanya B. about camping at Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site.

Plan for no-service areas: Some campgrounds offer a digital detox opportunity. "Remember there are two seasons in Alaska. Winter and construction. Plan for extra travel time. Amazing views. Better than the parking lot RV parks in town. Well maintained and centrally located. If you are looking for hook ups this is the place to go. Camp in the wilderness but still get your emails," notes Tanya B. about the Valdez KOA.

Tips from RVers

Parking strategies: Creekside Parking offers free camping options for self-contained units. "Small lot that could handle a big rig or two smaller rigs. No trash or picnic tables. Good cell signal. Open enough for Starlink and solar. Creek next to lot provides white noise for sleeping," reports James B.

Utility placement: At Bear Paw Camper Park, RVers should note the site layout. "The utilities were well placed in the center of the long pad, allowing us to drop the patio on our 40' toy hauler and still park our F450. Water pressure was steady at about 50 PSI, and each site had a small picnic table," explains MickandKarla W.

Connectivity options: Staying connected varies by campground location. "Connectivity was mixed: 4 bars on Verizon extended network, 3 bars on T-Mobile (sometimes workable), and above-average campground WiFi. With no trees on-site, Starlink had a clear shot from the roof," writes MickandKarla W. about their stay at Bear Paw Camper Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Valdez, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, Valdez, AK offers a wide range of camping options, with 15 campgrounds and RV parks near Valdez, AK and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Valdez, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Valdez, AK is Valdez Glacier with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Valdez, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Valdez, AK.