Karl W.
Guide
GuideWilliwaw Campground
Nice campground with paved and level sites
Only accepts cash. Must be bear aware. Bears every time we’ve been there. Would not recommend soft side campers or tents. Use available bear proof food safes.
Camping near Whittier, AK
103 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Whittier, Alaska means experiencing some of the state's most striking landscapes without going too far from town. Chugach State Park has several good spots including Bird Creek Campground, which has trails that work well for families. If you head toward Girdwood, their campground puts you close to hiking paths and gives you good mountain views. Summer brings milder weather around Whittier, though rain gear should always be in your pack. Winter camping is definitely possible but requires serious cold-weather gear and snow preparation. Most campgrounds can be reached on paved roads, but you might want a vehicle with higher clearance for some areas, particularly after it rains. The wildlife around Whittier is active, so storing food properly is absolutely necessary to avoid bear encounters. Don't expect fancy facilities at most sites - pit toilets and drinking water are common, but you won't find showers at many places. Plan your trip for summer when daylight stretches long into the evening and weather tends to be more consistent. Mosquitoes can be annoying at times, but the quiet natural setting makes camping in the Whittier area worth dealing with the bugs. The trails and peaceful surroundings make this a great place to disconnect and enjoy Alaska's outdoors.
Best Campgrounds near Whittier (103)
1. Williwaw Campground
"The air was crisp and cool, close to a flowing creek and a trail, a hand pump for water was next to the site, and the triangular fire pit was cool!"
"It is centrally located between Anchorage and the Peninsula but has so many things to offer. Trip through the Whittier tunnel is a definite. "
from $23 - $33 / night
Check Availability2. Black Bear Campground — Chugach National Forest
"There is a really nice boardwalk and the drive to this campground is great. This is a smaller campground with only 12 sites that are not suitable for RVs. "
"Watch for mosquitos (like everywhere in Alaska!) and be prepared for plenty of road noise echoing off the valley walls."
from $19 / night
3. Alaska Marine Highway
"We took the Alaska Marine Highway from Whittier to Petersburg with stops in Yakutat and Juneau."
"This is the state of Alaska's public ferry system and runs from Bellingham, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK."
4. City of Whittier Camp Ground
"The sites lie around the perimeter of the square, where there are some grass areas for tents and ample places for RVs of any length. If you can make it through the tunnel, there's room for your rig. "
"You can walk about 100 yards down the to a rocky beach with awesome views of the town and surrounding mountains."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability5. Whitter Parking and Camping
"There is plenty to do in Whitter, the drive, the tunnel, and the price make this a great option to stay. Always plan for rain."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability6. Decision Point Dispersed Camping
"A 5 mile paddle from Whittier, AK. Watch the weather waves can build up quickly. A number of tent platforms, 2 toilets and a few bear proof boxes."
7. Girdwood Campground
"Self Service, No power hookup, water at the hand pump station, campfire wood for sale, $18 a night for single sight, back up and pull in sites, hiking to falls trail, campground host available, restrooms"
"This place has trails that can take 30 minutes to complete up to 2 days (Crow’s Pass) with a views that can’t be seen anywhere else. There’s Alaska pretty and then there’s this place."
8. City of Whittier Campground - Whittier Bay
"Campground is situated right off the water and is very, very damp. I would not suggest tent camping if you have the option."
from $10 - $30 / night
Check Availability9. Entry Cove State Park Campground
"Campground Review: Technically, this area is not a managed or maintained camping area, and like most remote beaches in Alaska it's first come, first served but you're not likely to have much competition"
10. Bertha Creek Campground — Chugach National Forest
"Weren’t too many people here so it was secluded and peacefully situated in the mountains with good views. Small waterfall and creek with many ways to get there."
"This section along Turnagain Pass is one of my favorites to drive, and Betha Creek Campground is right alongside it- I would imagine many don't even realize it's there!"
from $8 - $19 / night
Drive Time
- 13 hrs 40 min from Fairbanks, AK
Recent Camping Photos near Whittier, AK
60 Photos of 103 Whittier Campgrounds
Fain H.
Alaska Marine Highway
Connor M.
City of Whittier Camp Ground
Samantha F.
Williwaw Campground
April E.
Black Bear Campground — Chugach National Forest
Kristin Y.
Bertha Creek Campground — Chugach National Forest
Michael D.
Girdwood Campground
Staci J.
Gold Creek Gold Mine
Aimee H.
Granite Creek
Lacey S.
Coeur D'Alene Campground
Shari G.
Bird Creek Campground — Chugach State Park
Ben S.
Moose Pass
Tanya B.
Resurrection Pass Trail North
Recent Reviews near Whittier, AK
367 Reviews of 103 Whittier Campgrounds
- LLynde T.Guide
Black Spruce Campground
JBER Black Spruce Campground
Enjoyed our stay here. Sites are all pull through turnouts and 40 have full hookups including sewer. Another 5 in the back have water and electric and also several tent sites. Sites are fairly level and you face the woods which is an enjoyable view. Each site has a picnic table and grill. Some sites bigger, some smaller and all fairly close together, sharing the sides of the gravel road.
Mosquitoes were out and about but also saw a lot of small wildlife and birds. And even small black bear ran across the road the day we pulled in.
Highly recommend if you’re able to get on base and need a stopover with full hookups. n
- wwilliam C.
ScoutRuth Arcand Park
No over night parking allowed
We have now been misled by Dirt 3 times.
Ricky R.GuideWilliwaw Campground
Beautiful surroundings
Nice USFS campground with mountain and glacier views with a creek and trail system. Sites size varies but many sites will hold larger rigs. Good spacing. Roads and pads are paved.
- ttiffany T.
TravelerWhitter Parking and Camping
Stayed for a night
Stayed here to see the town. . The tunnel Was pretty fascinating. The campground was fine. We stayed in May so hardly any people here cold and drizzly.
Jim S.ScoutEklutna Lake Public Use Cabins & Serenity Falls Hut — Chugach State Park
Weekend cabin bike adventure
Beauty lake, lovely trail, great spot for a weekend getaway.
Erik I.GuideMoose Pass
Incredible views
A 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.
MickandKarla W.
LegendKenai Princess Wilderness Lodge & RV Park
Met Our Needs
We 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.
Andrea W.GuideGolden Nugget RV Park
A place for RVs in Anchorage but don't expect much
We had the impression that many people stay long-term - hence a lot is laying around on the sites. Everything feels a little grubby, however the site provides W/E as well as a dumping station. Fine for one night when you have to hand your RV back the next day. If you are looking for a nice stay close to Anchorage, go to Palmer.
Guide to Whittier
Camping spots near Whittier, Alaska range from established campgrounds to remote coastal sites accessible only by boat. The area receives approximately 197 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush vegetation and numerous waterfalls cascading down the surrounding Chugach Mountains. Most campgrounds remain open from May through September, with limited winter access requiring specialized equipment and experience.
What to do
Hike to Byron Glacier: The trailhead is near Williwaw Campground, making it convenient for campers. "We also did a family ride to the Byron Glacier trailhead and hiked 1 mile to see the glacier up close and personal," shares Dylan H., highlighting the family-friendly accessibility.
Kayak in Prince William Sound: Launch from Whittier for day trips or overnight camping at Decision Point Dispersed Camping. "A 5 mile paddle from Whittier, AK. Watch the weather waves can build up quickly. A number of tent platforms, 2 toilets and a few bear proof boxes," advises Skip C., who has camped there numerous times.
Fish for salmon: During summer months, visit the Williwaw Salmon Viewing Area where various salmon species spawn. "The campground back up against the Trail of Blue Ice and has east access to all the Portage Valley has to offer," notes Shadara W., who camped at Black Bear Campground.
What campers like
Paved biking paths: The Trail of Blue Ice connects several camping areas. "We have stayed at Williwaw many times and we really enjoy biking the trail to the visitor center and along the salmon stream. My kids learned to bike without training wheels on the paved loops in the campground," writes Dylan H.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is nearby and provides close encounters with native animals. "If you have kids and even if you don't then the Wildlife Conservation Center of Alaska is great way to get close to the biggest animals Alaska has to offer," recommends Tanya B.
Coastal camping with mountain views: The City of Whittier Camp Ground offers waterfront sites. "Basically one big parking lot, but it has nice views of the surrounding mountains and harbor. They provide toilets and dumpster which is nice, also the spots have fire pits," explains Karin P.
What you should know
Tunnel access schedule: The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to Whittier operates on a schedule with one-way traffic alternating hourly. "Make sure you plan ahead since the tunnel runs one way once an hour. Check your departures times. The tunnel is always a fun trip," advises Tanya B.
Weather preparedness: Whittier receives substantial rainfall. "Always bring a rain jacket... Be prepared for WIND. I mean big wind. Bring extra stakes if you are tent camping. Be prepared for rain, lots of rain," warns Tanya B. about the Portage area campgrounds.
Bear safety protocols: Whitter Parking and Camping and surrounding areas have active bear populations. "It in turn makes spotting a bear hard and there is a lot of bear activity here," notes Shadara W. about the dense vegetation at Williwaw Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly biking: Choose campgrounds with paved loops for children learning to ride bikes. "My kids learned to bike without training wheels on the paved loops in the campground," shares Dylan H. about Williwaw Campground.
Educational opportunities: Visit the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center to learn about glaciers. "Check out the Begich-Boggs Visitors Center to learn all about glaciers, local wildlife and history of the Portage area," suggests Audry P.
Extra weather protection: Girdwood Campground offers more sheltered options. "There is a large common area for a camp fire and covered picnic tables. I enjoyed the common areas as that facilitates meeting new people," notes Kamicia M.
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: Choose appropriate sites for your vehicle size. "It seems as though people don't know about this one and it's so nice. We felt alone in a beautiful place," mentions Kimberley B. about the more secluded Black Bear Campground.
Utility limitations: Most campgrounds near Whittier lack hookups. "No hookups but beautiful," notes Shadara W. about Williwaw Campground, emphasizing that the natural setting compensates for the lack of amenities.
Paved access: The Williwaw Campground offers some of the best RV accommodations in the area. "Each site is paved and very large. There are some pull throughs. It is super quiet and very well maintained. Unbelievable for $18 a night," reports Delaine N.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to camp in Whittier, Alaska?
How much does it cost to camp in Whittier, Alaska?
Camping costs in Whittier vary by location. Whitter Parking and Camping offers basic camping at budget-friendly rates, though exact prices fluctuate seasonally. For those seeking free options, Decision Point Dispersed Camping is accessible via a 5-mile paddle from Whittier and offers tent platforms at no cost, though you'll need to arrange your own transportation. If you're traveling via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system, budget travelers can bring camping gear to use in the solarium area, while private rooms are available for a more comfortable overnight experience at higher rates. Always check current pricing before your trip as fees may change.
What RV camping options are available in Whittier, Alaska?
What RV camping options are available in Whittier, Alaska?
RV camping options near Whittier are limited but available. Williwaw Campground in Portage Valley accommodates RVs and offers amenities like fire pits, though be prepared for potentially strong winds that can affect larger vehicles. For those seeking alternatives, Gold Creek Gold Mine offers informal pull-off spots suitable for various rig sizes - just look for established areas with fire rings and ensure you're not blocking driveways or posted private property. Note that Black Bear Campground nearby is not suitable for RVs due to its smaller sites. When RV camping near Whittier, consider wind exposure, road conditions through the tunnel, and seasonal accessibility.
Where are the campgrounds located in Whittier, Alaska?
Where are the campgrounds located in Whittier, Alaska?
In Whittier proper, the City of Whittier Camp Ground is centrally located within walking distance of town amenities, making it convenient for accessing local hikes and fishing spots. For those seeking a more remote experience, Entry Cove State Park Campground is located in Prince William Sound about an hour's boat ride from Whittier, offering pristine beaches and solitude. The surrounding Chugach National Forest also provides several camping options within driving distance of Whittier, including campgrounds along Portage Valley. For water access camping, several sites in Prince William Sound can be reached by kayak or boat from the Whittier harbor.
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