Best Dispersed Camping near Valdez, AK

Dispersed camping is permitted around Valdez, Alaska, primarily at primitive sites along Mineral Creek Road. This area features two documented free camping locations: Mineral Creek and Creekside Parking. Both sites are located near a glacier-fed creek about 2 miles outside Valdez. Mineral Creek offers informal camping along a gravel road that continues past the end of the paved Mineral Creek Road. Creekside Parking provides a small pull-off area suitable for a few vehicles. These sites are on public land with no designated campground facilities or services.

Access requires following Mineral Creek Road to its end, then continuing onto the gravel extension. A car bridge crosses the creek, allowing camping on either side. While most passenger vehicles can navigate the main road, some areas may require higher clearance, especially after crossing the bridge. The primitive sites offer no amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available. Fires are permitted at Mineral Creek and Creekside Parking, but campers must practice proper fire safety and bring their own firewood. Pets are allowed at Mineral Creek but prohibited at Creekside Parking.

The camping areas feature dramatic mountain views and proximity to a glacier creek. According to one visitor, "Pristine, please keep it that way! Beautiful view of mountains." Another camper noted the "sound of the waterfall lulls you to sleep." Salmon run from August through early September, providing fishing opportunities. The small parking area at Creekside can accommodate "a big rig or two smaller rigs" as one reviewer mentioned, while others found spots directly beside the river and waterfall. Both locations receive positive reviews for scenery, though they have limited capacity. Visitors should be prepared for possible ATV traffic, especially during holidays, and practice leave-no-trace principles to maintain the natural setting.