Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Whittier, AK has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Whittier camping trip.
Williwaw Campground, an idyllic area, sits beside Williwaw Creek near the town of Girdwood, Alaska. The campground boasts prime fishing, hiking and wildlife watching all within the Portage Valley. Next to the campground is the Williwaw Salmon Viewing Area, a top-notch spot for salmon viewing. In August, visitors can see these fish spawning in impressive numbers through the translucent waters. The area is a great place to view numerous glaciated valleys and the Portage Glacier. Over the past 80 years, the glacier calved large icebergs into Portage Lake, located just east of the campground.
Wildlife viewing includes moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles and wolves. The Williwaw Nature Trail can be reached from the campground. It heads to the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, passes under the highway bridge and follows Williwaw Creek to a series of ponds. The trail then connects to the Trail of Blue Ice, which accesses the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. The Trail of Blue Ice is also popular among mountain bikers.
Wildlife viewing includes moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles and wolves. The Williwaw Nature Trail can be reached from the campground. It heads to the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, passes under the highway bridge and follows Williwaw Creek to a series of ponds. The trail then connects to the Trail of Blue Ice, which accesses the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. The Trail of Blue Ice is also popular among mountain bikers.
The campground sits in the Portage Valley of the eastern Kenai Peninsula in the Chugach National Forest. The Forest, spanning 5,361,803 acres is comprised of arid tundra wilderness, jagged mountains, deep fjords and glacier-fed rivers that surround the Prince William Sound.
Consider visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Portage Glacier, the town of Whittier and Byron Glacier.
For local information, please call (907) 522-8368 or call (907) 288-3178 for general information.
$33 / night
Girdwood Parks and Recreation offers tent camping opportunities during the summer months at the Girdwood Campground. To reach the campground, take Alyeska Highway and turn east on Egloff Drive. Follow Egloff Drive past the Glacier City Hall building, Girdwood Fire Department and Ball Field. The Girdwood Campground is located just past the Ball Field.
Eighteen rustic camping sites are set amongst the tall spruce and cottonwood trees. The campground is open during the summer only, from May thru September. weather permitting.
Overnight camping is available for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights. Camping spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance reservations are not available. Upon selecting a tent site, campers must proceed to the payment kiosk to make payment for their site.
The Girdwood Campground is equipped with a cooking area and fire ring, located at the Nissman Pavilion, port-a-potties, and bear-proof food lockers. Drinking water is available one block away, from a spigot located behind the Glacier City Hall building.
The Girdwood Campground is within easy walking distance to local restaurants, a laundromat with showers, store, health clinic, library, and post office.
RATES:
$10 per night, per tent For the benefit of all campers we ask that patrons obey the following rules:
The use of fireworks and firearms of any type are not allowed in city parks. Pets must be leashed or confined at all times and must not disturb other campers. Please clean up after your pet - doo your duty, scoop the poop. Use bear-proof food lockers! Do not keep food stored in your tent or outside in a cooler. Discard garbage in the bear-proof trash containers provided. Respect wildlife. Don't put yourself, others, or them in jeopardy because of your actions. Children must be supervised by parents at all times. All vehicles must remain on roads or in parking lots at all times. Maximum of two vehicles per campsite are allowed. Quiet time begins at 10 p.m. nightly. Minimize noise or other disturbances in order to maintain the serenity of the park. Check-out time is 12:00 Noon
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Wildlife viewing includes moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles, and salmon. The Trail of Blue Ice that stretches almost the entire length of Portage Valley can be reached from the campground. From this trail you can acces the Williwaw Nature Trail, Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, Moose Flats Area, Begich Boggs Visitor Center, Byron Glacier Trail, and Portage Glacier Cruises. Portage Lake, at the head of the valley, allows access for kayaking and packrafting.__
Wildlife viewing includes moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles, and salmon. The Trail of Blue Ice that stretches almost the entire length of Portage Valley can be reached from the campground. From this trail you can acces the Williwaw Nature Trail, Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, Moose Flats Area, Begich Boggs Visitor Center, Byron Glacier Trail, and Portage Glacier Cruises. Portage Lake, at the head of the valley, allows access for kayaking and packrafting.__
Black Bear campground sits in the stunning Portage Valley in the Chugach National Forest.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 782-3242.
Begich Boggs Visitor Center lies at the head of Portage Valley where you can learn about glaciers and Alaska. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is located on near the intersect of the Seward Higway and Portage Highway. Here you can see all different kinds of Alaskan wildlife. Portage Glacier Cruises offers the chance to ride a boat and get up close to Portage Glacier.__
Granite Creek Campground is set in the captivating Kenai Mountains on Turnagain Pass, surrounded by wildflowers and spruce forests. The campground, about 1 hour south of Achorage, AK on the Seward Highway, boasts prime fishing, hiking, packrafting, and wildlife watching.
Biking is a popular activity at Granite Creek Campground. There is a paved bike path along the Seward Highway that extends for five miles south to the Hope Higway and Johnson Pass North Trailhead just north of the campground offers a 23 mile mountain biking or hiking opportunity. For the packrafters, Granite and Six-Mile Creeks offer world class opportunities. Whatever recreation activity you choose, look for raspberries to pick and wildflowers to smell. Fishing is considered intermediate, and Dolly Varden trout are among the tasty fish you might catch.__ Look for wildlife like moose, snowshoe hare, black and brown bears, marmots, and mountain goats, or sit back and listen to water rushing through the glacier-fed Granite Creek.
Biking is a popular activity at Granite Creek Campground. There is a paved bike path along the Seward Highway that extends for five miles south to the Hope Higway and Johnson Pass North Trailhead just north of the campground offers a 23 mile mountain biking or hiking opportunity. For the packrafters, Granite and Six-Mile Creeks offer world class opportunities. Whatever recreation activity you choose, look for raspberries to pick and wildflowers to smell. Fishing is considered intermediate, and Dolly Varden trout are among the tasty fish you might catch.__ Look for wildlife like moose, snowshoe hare, black and brown bears, marmots, and mountain goats, or sit back and listen to water rushing through the glacier-fed Granite Creek.
Set in the Chugach National Forest, Granite Creek Campground nestled among the spruce near the confuluence of Granite Creek and Six-Mile Creek. These roaring glacier-fed creeks provide wonder recreational opportunities. From many place in the campground, one can see the towering Kenai mountains and other spectacular sights that await.
For local information, please call (907) 522-8368 or call (907) 228-3178 for general information.
A mile east of Granite Creek Campground is the Johnson Pass North Trailhead with a well-maintained 23-mile trail with breathtaking vistas. Parking for Turnagain Pass trail is located 6 miles north of the campground entrance. Also nearby is Six Mile Creek, with Class V whitewater for rafting and kayaking. Consider spending the day in Portage Valley visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Portage Glacier, the town of Whittier, or Byron Glacier.
$19 / night
Camp on the deck of a ferry. Covered solariums located on the upper decks of each vessel are popular sleeping areas and for those traveling with small tents, they are allowed on the upper decks.
$5 - $100 / night
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Bertha Creek campground makes a convenient base for berry picking, hiking, biking and exploring the area. The family can try out gold panning on unvegetated gravels along Bertha Creek.
Bertha Creek campground makes a convenient base for berry picking, hiking, biking and exploring the area. The family can try out gold panning on unvegetated gravels along Bertha Creek.
Bertha Creek Campground is located just south of Turnagain Pass on the Seward Highway in the Kenai Mountains. The campground is tucked into an open forest beside the confluence of Bertha and Granite creeks at the base of steep mountains.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 783-3242.
Explorers can travel 1.5 miles south on the Seward Highway to the Johnston Pass Trailhead. From this trailhead you can hike or bike either the trail or the paved bike path that stretches roughly seven miles south to the wayside near the intersect of the Hope and Seward Highways. One can also head north on the Seward Highway 3 miles and reach Turnagain Pass. The parking area on the south side of the Highway offers access to the Turnagain Pass Trail to hike or bike and has ample opportunites to see wildlife and wildflowers in bloom.__
Porcupine Campground is located in the Chugach National Forest in south-central Alaska near the town of Hope. Visitors have a prime location to watch windsurfers in the bay and spot Beluga whales from the scenic overlook.
Popular activities include fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting and gold panning. Gull Rock Trail offers excellent hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. It extends for 5.1 miles along the south shore of Turnagain Arm from the end of the Hope Highway to a rocky peninsula. Snow usually melts in the area by early May and the scenic trail leads visitors over gradual hills with occasional steep sections.
Popular activities include fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting and gold panning. Gull Rock Trail offers excellent hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. It extends for 5.1 miles along the south shore of Turnagain Arm from the end of the Hope Highway to a rocky peninsula. Snow usually melts in the area by early May and the scenic trail leads visitors over gradual hills with occasional steep sections.
The remote campground, surrounded by a mostly birch forest, sits beside Porcupine Creek on the south coast of Turnagain Arm. Turnagain Arm is a branch of the Cook Inlet, the waterway that divides the Kenai Peninsula from the mainland of Alaska.
The town of Hope is considered the best preserved gold rush town in the region. Campers can head to town to explore the quaint historic streets and try their hand at gold panning.
$23 / night
Whittier Parking and Camping offers supervised vehicle and vessel trailer parking and a separate campground facility in the heart of Whittier, Alaska. Our friendly staff monitors operations during extended business hours, 7-days per week, during spring, summer and fall--usually from mid-April to late October. We are found across the railroad tracks along Whittier Street, a short walk south of the local small boat harbor, private marina, cruise dock and day-cruise facilities.
Parking and camping operations are available at reasonable rates to support visitors who recreate in Western Prince William Sound during the six-month summer season. We accept cash, checks and most major credit cards (Visa, Discover and Master Card).
$10 - $20 / night
Girdwood Parks and Recreation offers tent camping opportunities during the summer months at the Girdwood Campground. To reach the campground, take Alyeska Highway and turn east on Egloff Drive. Follow Egloff Drive past the Glacier City Hall building, Girdwood Fire Department and Ball Field. The Girdwood Campground is located just past the Ball Field.
Eighteen rustic camping sites are set amongst the tall spruce and cottonwood trees. The campground is open during the summer only, from May thru September. weather permitting.
Overnight camping is available for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights. Camping spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance reservations are not available. Upon selecting a tent site, campers must proceed to the payment kiosk to make payment for their site.
The Girdwood Campground is equipped with a cooking area and fire ring, located at the Nissman Pavilion, port-a-potties, and bear-proof food lockers. Drinking water is available one block away, from a spigot located behind the Glacier City Hall building.
The Girdwood Campground is within easy walking distance to local restaurants, a laundromat with showers, store, health clinic, library, and post office.
RATES:
$10 per night, per tent For the benefit of all campers we ask that patrons obey the following rules:
The use of fireworks and firearms of any type are not allowed in city parks. Pets must be leashed or confined at all times and must not disturb other campers. Please clean up after your pet - doo your duty, scoop the poop. Use bear-proof food lockers! Do not keep food stored in your tent or outside in a cooler. Discard garbage in the bear-proof trash containers provided. Respect wildlife. Don't put yourself, others, or them in jeopardy because of your actions. Children must be supervised by parents at all times. All vehicles must remain on roads or in parking lots at all times. Maximum of two vehicles per campsite are allowed. Quiet time begins at 10 p.m. nightly. Minimize noise or other disturbances in order to maintain the serenity of the park. Check-out time is 12:00 Noon
$5 - $100 / night
Whittier Parking and Camping offers supervised vehicle and vessel trailer parking and a separate campground facility in the heart of Whittier, Alaska. Our friendly staff monitors operations during extended business hours, 7-days per week, during spring, summer and fall--usually from mid-April to late October. We are found across the railroad tracks along Whittier Street, a short walk south of the local small boat harbor, private marina, cruise dock and day-cruise facilities.
Parking and camping operations are available at reasonable rates to support visitors who recreate in Western Prince William Sound during the six-month summer season. We accept cash, checks and most major credit cards (Visa, Discover and Master Card).
$10 - $20 / night
Spencer Bench Cabin is located at 1,900 feet in elevation at the end of the Spencer Bench Trail. The trail climbs away from the lake revealing breathtaking views of the Placer River Valley, Spencer Lake and the Spencer Glacier below. The cabin sits just below several alpine meadows with vegetation of low shrubs, grasses and summer wildflowers.__ Please note: some years Spencer Bench Trail maintains snow coverage until July. For current trail conditions call the Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242. Spencer Bench Cabin is available for rent year round although winter recreation here requires an advanced skillset and knowledge of avalanche hazards to access this Cabin via skis or snowmachines in the winter. Some parties do opt to charter a ski plane or helicopter to provide quick and easy winter access.__ From May 25th through September 15th 2024, the Alaska Railroad provides access to the area via the Glacier Discovery Train. Please verify schedules and book train tickets at the Alaska Railroad website prior to relying on the train for transportation. ____ Outside of the core summer season, the Placer river valley (and Spencer Lake) is accessible via jet boat and float plane.____
Spencer Bench provides a picturesque view into the heart of the Chugach National Forest. Although the Spencer Bench Trail currently ends at the cabin, the open alpine areas just above the cabin offer excellent off-trail hiking and sightseeing opportunities during the summer months. Glaciers and peaks around the cabin offer experienced climbers a challenging adventure. For winter recreationists, this cabin provides an incredible base camp for backcountry skiing and snowmachine adventures. It takes an advanced skillset and knowledge of avalanche hazards to access this Cabin via skis or snowmachines in the winter. Some parties do opt to charter a ski plane or helicopter to provide quick and easy winter access. More information on avalanche hazards in this area can be found at the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center website .____
Spencer Bench provides a picturesque view into the heart of the Chugach National Forest. Although the Spencer Bench Trail currently ends at the cabin, the open alpine areas just above the cabin offer excellent off-trail hiking and sightseeing opportunities during the summer months. Glaciers and peaks around the cabin offer experienced climbers a challenging adventure. For winter recreationists, this cabin provides an incredible base camp for backcountry skiing and snowmachine adventures. It takes an advanced skillset and knowledge of avalanche hazards to access this Cabin via skis or snowmachines in the winter. Some parties do opt to charter a ski plane or helicopter to provide quick and easy winter access. More information on avalanche hazards in this area can be found at the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center website .____
Black and brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine and moose inhabit the area. Mountain goats, marmots, arctic ground squirrels and spruce grouse may be spotted on the terrain around the cabin. Crow berries and Salmon Berries are plentiful in the late summer, along with low-bush blueberries.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 783-3242.
The Placer River Valley and Spencer Lake developed Recreation area offers diverse recreational opportunities including easy hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing, rafting and fishing during the summer months. In the winter this area is popular with backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.
$85 / night
Eagle River campground is located along the beautiful Eagle River. The campground has 57 sites with picnic tables, fire pits, water, latrines, flush toilets and dump station. Overflow camping area of 10 sites, and a Campground Host. Downtown Eagle River is a short 5 minutes from the campground and has all the amenities of a small town.
★ ADA Facility - Yes ★ 57 Campsites (see fee page) ★ No RV size limit ★ Camping Limit - 4 nights ★ Daily Parking Fee - (see fee page) ★ Toilets - ♿ ★ Water - ♿ ★ Picnic Sites ★ Picnic Shelter (1) ★ Sanitary Dump Station
In mid August we had very few mosquitoes. We also had our pick of some of the best camping spots I’ve ever seen. We became spoiled boomers and kept passing up sites until we got a close walk to the lake, a close walk to the well pump, and a close walk to the pit toilet(very clean). Also a short drive to Seward for all the tourist amenities.
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.
Went there for the weekend. It was really nice. Right along the river and there are picnic tables and bear boxes around. You’re a really short walk to the lake and there is soft rocky beach you can enjoy the views on. The sites are pretty well established and it is a first come first serve basis. We got lucky and got the last spot in the lane. There isn’t too many sites. I think 8 total? It’s a smaller one. Two restrooms vaults at each end.
The roads were paved okay, the sites are more gravel. It was a (narrow) but 30 second walk to the private lake access we had. The campsite overall was the biggest one we’ve been in. The flys were so awful, the mosquitos seemed invisible. The lake is clean and amazing, there was road noise but didn’t bother us, we’re loud anyway. It was so beautiful. But the bathrooms were useable. If you try to get food at summit lake lodge, don’t, they suck and are overpriced. Maybe French fries and onion rings but nothing else.
It was 54 Degrees in July…… and Mosquitoes ate us alive Great Lake but forget to be outside your Camper. The Spots were not Level at all
Beautiful lakeside setting, inexpensive well maintained facilities. Lots of camp sites, both rv and tent. Sites are fairly private. Quiet. Lots of families. Good camp host.
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
We stayed here twice in our travels on Alaska. First appearance, the grasses are overgrown at the “entrance” and i was concerned. The fee both looks abandoned. But we actually saw there were some beautiful camp sites. Nice size for rvs if all lengths. Our table needed some help and it is obvious the camp is not being maintained. The bathroom was clean. Some sites you can hear the river and some road noise. The river is beautiful. There is a dumpster but it is on an upper level next to the dump station which is closed. The first time we did not realize this and took our garbage with us. All in all, it is not a bad campground. The trees are beautiful. We also had a moose and calf hanging around. We came back for a second visit. We used it as a jumping off point for Anchorage. Also the Eagle Nature Center and its trails are amazing! Saw a bull moose there. Would use again if not super picky. We are camping folks! For $20 I would not complain.
Limited water (20gal a day). No hookups, no trash service and no rv dumping, bathrooms are pit toilets and very dirty. I have been here 3 separate times across three weeks and noticed everything like that bathrooms were extremely stinky and dirty. Have to walk to the entrance of the campground to dispose of any trash.
Very comfortable here tent camping the owners are very kind and informative and check in on you to make sure your experience is going well. I can’t recommend them enough even with me being a life long Alabama fan and they being life long Tennessee Volunteer fans - :) Roll-Tide lol.
This place is very cold we climb and have some while watching movies
Campground was undermanned, underfunded, dumping station, broken bathrooms, dirty the trail, though followed the Eagle River and was nice lots of mosquitoes 
Great fishing guides
"Situated along the waterfront, this property boasts unparalleled views of the sparkling ocean, creating a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere that enhances the overall living experience.
""Nestled in the heart of nature, this secluded property features expansive windows and balconies showcasing stunning mountain vistas, ensuring residents enjoy a picturesque and immersive connection with the scenic beauty that surrounds them."
There is a south campground along the river and a north loop along the creek. We stayed in the south camp at the end of September so it was “no services no fees” at that time. There’s a bbq restaurant across the street. There are food storage lockers at each site because of bears. Most other campers were there to fish.
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.
Spencer Bench Cabin offers a stunning location at 1,900 feet elevation, providing breathtaking views of the Placer River Valley, Spencer Lake, and Spencer Glacier. The mcdvoice surrounding alpine meadows boast beautiful vegetation, including low shrubs, grasses, and summer wildflowers. This cabin is available for rent throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the area in any season.
It's salmon fishing season and you can tell people are staying here to fish the Kenai River, which is great. It was a very convenient campsite off the highway on the way to Homer, in the national forest. only $23 a night to camp or $11.50 if your a senior or have an access pass. Great prize for Alaska, but of course no amenities at site such as water, electric etc. It's a dry spot.
Good size sites and level spots with picnic table and fire pit. Enjoyed our night here ...
Small but lovely campground on a one way road right on the Kenai river. Sites are spread out, a couple tent spots and a couple of camper spots. There appears to be seven spots and if this is full, you can go just up the road to the next campground.
No electric, water etc but there is a dumpster, picnic tables and fire pits. Across the road is a BBQ spot and a store. You can easily walk to it, just be careful going across road as hwy. Is pretty busy!
Location and price is right and that is what you pay for. $35 for hookups for the night whereas the other campground in town was $80. Huge difference. We just needed a quick stop near Anchorage on our way to Seward.
We got a level spot with electric, a dump and water station. One picnic table near us in good condition the other in poor. Grass is not mowed well. Bathrooms live up to the reputation, absolutely terrible. You can only stay here 14 days a year which is just fine. Lots of reviews about the homeless which left me concerned but I didn't see that has a huge issue. Maybe they cleaned it up? Not sure. I didn't not feel totally safe walking trails just because the place was a little sketch but it was fine for a nice. Right near highway for convenience but also a lot of highway noise but with windows closed it wasn't bad. Slept just fine!
Wide gravel and grass site with wooden picnic table, no firepit. Several RV tour companies use this park. There are more than 200 sites in this park. Showers were clean and free. Nice laundry room. About 1/4 of park is occupied by long-term residents - clean and well maintained. Park is located within a couple miles of downtown, across street from Costco, and adjacent to a large run down mobile home neighborhood. Wi-fi is offered, but we were too far away from the office so couldn't connect.
It was quiet and from all aspects was exactly what we were looking for. As locals we just needed a quick and easy getaway for the weekend. Couldn't have picked a better place!
If all you want is a place to sleep, you don't mind close together sites and no vegetation in between, then you are in luck. But we found a better place.
Very basic campground with no amenities. Lots of space between sites with fast moving water on the north side.
This place is a secret wonder, just off the Glenn highway north of Anchorage. The autumn color was spectacular here! It was raining and cold in early September, but simply gorgeous.
The first-come, first served sites are on the smaller side and very wooded; with lots of space in between sites, but not a lot of open canopy. This was a bit of challenge for our rooftop solar, but we used portable solar suitcase on an extension cord to capture some sunlight.
The bathrooms are simple, but clean, vault toilets. Water is available at spigots located throughout the campground loop. The lake offers lots of stunning recreation opportunities for flat water paddling and fishing -- careful, the lake can kick up some pretty mean chop during windy afternoons.
Hiking on the Twin Peak trailhead is just around the corner, and cycling along the main road could be a great way to get some hill climbing exercise, as it’s a steep road up to the lake from the Glenn. If you are visiting the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, this is a great close by campground (about 30 miles away).
We loved that this campground had the feeling of a remote, wilderness campground but all within an hour’s drive of Anchorage. There is one local tourist ice cream shop just a few miles back down the road, which offers food, showers, and laundry. It is only open during the summer months. Further afield the suburban area around the interchange between the Glenn and Parks Highways has all of the services campers need about 30 minutes to the north of the campground.
This is a glorified parking lot, for sure, but it is set in the middle of an Alaskan wilderness wonderland. In every direction you look lies stunning views: mountains, glaciers, fjords, waterfalls, and rivers. What the campground lacks in charm, the scenery simply overwhelms. 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. Pay for your site at one of the village parking machines near the marina.
The two vault toilets were clean enough to get the job done. There is water and a dumpster or two for trash– but remember, you’re not there for the campground. The surrounding area is gorgeous, but as the locals say, "The weather is always shittier in Whittier!" We got 1.5 nice days and it rained the rest of the time. Regardless, we fit a lot in!
A note about generator etiquette, while there is no rule stating that you can’t run your generator all night long, that does not invite you to do so. If you must power whatever it is you have to run while you sleep there is a better way to do so without impacting your neighbors. Check us out at https://freedominacan.com/solar-powered-by-renogy for all the solar power information you could possibly want.
If you are lucky enough to visit when the sun shines, consider yourself extra blessed and don’t waste a minute of that time inside! There’s a short biking/ walking path into the town from the campground, take a boat excursion, go for a guided sea kayaking paddle(complete with viewing 1,000 foot waterfall) or explore the area on foot. There’s a great hiking trail which starts right across the main road. It’s stunning.
The town has a few services, including gas, bars and restaurants and a convenience store. There’s not a lot of options in town though so come prepared.
This is a great little campground between Anchorage and Girdwood, right along the Turnagain Arm inlet and Seward Hwy. While the road noise from the nearby (and busy highway), could be loud at times, things mostly quieted down during the nighttime hours. This first come-first served campground is popular on weekends because of the proximity to Anchorage, where folks usually rent RV’s to explore the Kenai Peninsula – so plan ahead.
The campsites are spacious, but only about half of the sites can accommodate larger RV’s; the rest can only manage a small van or travel trailer. There is plenty of space in each site to set up a tent, if that’s how you’re going to roll. The sites were clean, as were the vault toilets. Water is available in a few spigots distributed throughout the park, but they recommended boiling the water to be safe. Bring your solar panels, as these sites don't have electrical hookups!
There is a beautiful nature trail leading to the Bird to Gird (biking/walking path) for the young and old alike. Biking the path along the old railroad line is a great way to spend the afternoon. Bike all the way to Girdwood and reward yourself with some of their famous Blueberry fritters at Alpine Cafe and Bakery, which is right off the path at the intersection of the Seward and Alyeska Hwy.
Two other awesome natural features of the area are Byron Glacier (easy hike) and the bore tide. During certain times of the month, the incoming tide creates an incoming wave of water that is large enough to surf. Be sure to look for the tidal information online or in park's posted materials. Warning! Do not wade out into the water, the tidal mud is like quicksand and many a casual visitor has become entrapped. Heed the warnings of the locals, don’t wade out into the mud flats!
Girdwood has many services, including gas, the aforementioned fritters, laundry and showers, groceries, bakeries, restaurants, golf course, and a ski mountain. Might we also recommend the Girdwood Brewery with its food trucks!
Camping near Whittier, Alaska, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from that cater to different needs.
Camping around Whittier, Alaska, can be a memorable experience if you’re prepared and know what to expect!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Whittier, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, Whittier, AK offers a wide range of camping options, with 93 campgrounds and RV parks near Whittier, AK and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Whittier, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Whittier, AK is Williwaw Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Whittier, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Whittier, AK.
What parks are near Whittier, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Whittier, AK that allow camping, notably Chugach National Forest and Kenai Fjords National Park.
