10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Glamping campgrounds near Whittier, Alaska range from public-use yurts along wilderness hiking trails to waterfront campsites with electric hookups, all within an hour's drive through Chugach State Park. Eagle River Nature Center features public use yurts situated along scenic hiking trails, offering a wilderness experience with the comfort of wooden floors and basic amenities. Cooper Landing Fishing Guide provides cozy yurts that accommodate up to four guests with heating systems for year-round comfort. "This place is a straight 10! Roomy sites, fire pits and clean," noted one visitor about the Eklutna Lake area, where glamping accommodations provide access to glacier views and pristine waters. Historic Hope Cafe & Campground offers glamping sites with electric hookups and picnic tables in a waterfront setting. These locations typically include drinking water access, fire pits, and toilet facilities, though amenities vary by site.
Trail systems surrounding these glamping destinations provide exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, with moose sightings common near Eagle River. The Eklutna Lake area features a 12-mile trail perfect for biking or walking with blue glacier water views. According to a camper, "The lake is one of the most beautiful views in Alaska in my opinion." Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on many of the same trails. Some locations offer equipment rentals, including kayaks at Eklutna Lake for paddling the glacier-fed waters. Most glamping sites operate seasonally from May through September, though some yurts remain available year-round with advance reservations. The Historic Hope Cafe & Campground combines glamping with dining options, while nearby ice cream shops and markets provide additional refreshment options during summer months.
"Roomy camp sites, fire pits and clean. Bears do roam from time to time so food storage away from your sleeping area is a must! Rangers here will ticket if you leave food out around your site."
"You want water access on a glacial lake? How about numerous hiking, biking skiing and horse trails?"
from $5 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Great spot close to our home of Anchorage for when we don't want to go too far. Large pavillion great for get-togethers right along the river and includes it's own bathroom."
"Located around 5 minutes to Eagle River. Beautiful location on River. ADA accessibility. Dump station on site. Restrooms available. There is a fee and a limit on how long you can stay."
"The lake is one of the most beautiful views in alaska in my opinion. facilities are clean and spacious. Picnic tables and fire pits at each spot."
"The campground provides ample space for large group activities around the pavilion or your own little nook, tucked along the banks of the lakes. this campground was so fun to have our gatherings at!"
from $23 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Public bathroom less than a block away. Loved it!"
from $10 - $30 / night
"Well maintained trails but a walk to the cabin or yurts. Accessible by foot year around. No horses or bikes allowed on trails. Tent camping along the Crow Creek Pass Trail."
from $85 / night
Check Availability"This lakeside retreat is great for fishing always just right there definitely need to bring your own things but also just amazing"
"No running water but there is heat! Book a guided fishing trip and leave your review here!"
from $100 / night
Check Availability"It's stocked with propane for heat, so you don't have to haul in or scavenge for firewood."
from $75 / night
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ScoutEasy payment system right at the entrance which takes card. No issue finding a site and there was overflow camping on the way out. Toilets were clean. Definitely go check out the river!
ScoutEklutna lake is just beautiful. Its several miles up the mountain but the view there is just gorgeous. The camp sites r nicely placed apart to not be right on top of ur neighbor. Firewood is available & it costs involved think 20$ a night but worth it & just down the way u can take showers, do laundry & get some killer home made Alaskan flavored ice cream. It has rentals & many amenities. Truly a very nice place to go & if ur really in for an interesting adventure. Down at the bottom of the mountain there is a Russian Orthodox Cemetary that's just amazing. Its got plaques telling of earlier years & the people who came. Creepy, Cool & Powerful all in a beautifully peaceful off the beaten path & only a mile, mile & 1/2 down the road historic adventure
ScoutElectric , water and dump. Bathrooms barely adequate, dirty, wet floors, hard to use showers. Combination door lock which was changed mid stay to keep out the homeless. Overall i would stay here again given the location and low price $35 electric
GuideIn 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.
GuideBeautiful 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.
TravelerWe 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.
TravelerLimited 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.
ScoutCampground was undermanned, underfunded, dumping station, broken bathrooms, dirty the trail, though followed the Eagle River and was nice lots of mosquitoes 
ScoutGreat fishing guides
Glamping options near Whittier, Alaska span across several locations within Chugach State Park. At elevations between 200-500 feet, these sites experience summer temperatures averaging 50-65°F with frequent rain showers. Most luxury camping accommodations remain operational from mid-May through early September, with winter access limited to specific heated yurts and cabins.
Lakeside paddling: At Eklutna Lake Campground, visitors can rent kayaks to explore the glacier-fed waters. "My favorite place near Anchorage. Perfect for biking, hiking, kayaking, or camping. Amazing views everywhere," notes Bart R. The campground offers direct lake access with rentals available at the main office.
Wildlife photography: Early mornings at Eagle River Campground provide excellent opportunities for animal sightings. "Look up every so often because there are also bald eagles around," advises Melisa A. Bears and moose frequent the area year-round, particularly during salmon runs.
Winter recreation: For cold-weather glamping, several yurts remain open year-round with heating systems. "Some locations like the public use cabins at Eagle River Nature Center can be accessed by foot year-round," reports one regular visitor. Winter trails accommodate cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with equipment rentals available at some locations.
Private site layout: Trail River Campground receives high marks for its spacious sites. "Clean grounds, easy access, amazing views, and good privacy," writes Andrew R. The campground features 91 spots including pull-throughs and a separate RV loop.
Interconnected pathways: Trail systems between campsites create unique exploration opportunities. "There are beautiful little paths between the camp sites that makes this place feel like a fairytale," Kyle F. mentions about Trail River. These connectors allow glampers to explore without walking on main roads.
Reasonable pricing: Compared to other Alaska glamping destinations, Historic Hope Cafe & Campground offers affordable options. "Great little spot right on the Cook Inlet. $10 to stay the night - I hung up a hammock and my friends put up a tent," shares Michael D. Their electric hookup sites typically cost $20-35 per night depending on season.
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping facilities operate on limited schedules. "This campground is a must stop for any camper. Clean grounds, easy access, amazing views, and good privacy. Bring your kayak - an early morning paddle is what everyone needs," suggests Andrew R. about Trail River, which only operates May 24 to September 1.
Insect preparedness: Summer months bring significant mosquito activity. "Watch for Moose. Look up every so often because there are also bald eagles around. I bring a bug net for my head too, this way when they are extremely bad, I can still enjoy being outside," advises Melisa A. about Eagle River.
Advance reservations: The limited number of glamping yurts and cabins require early booking. Cooper Landing Fishing Guide offers "a cozy yurt for a party of 4. No running water but there is heat!" according to Ashley F. Most reservations open 6 months in advance with weekend dates filling quickly.
Accessible trails: Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly hiking options. "Twin peaks is a fun hike but pretty steep for kids. The view is worth the hike but be prepared," recommends Samantha M. about routes near Eklutna Lake.
Playground access: Some glamping locations include play areas. "Camp ground was spacious and very quite. It was a rainy and windy weekend and we still had fun. Rode our bikes down the lake side trial, people were nice and respectful. Also the dogs and kids love playing on the beach," notes Sara H. about Eklutna Lake.
Food storage precautions: Bear-safe practices remain essential with children. "Don't keep your food out of a secured box or by your tent, or rent one of their yurts," suggests Melisa A. Eagle River Nature Center provides food lockers at their walk-in tent sites specifically for this purpose.
Hookup availability: Electric connections exist at select glamping locations. Historic Hope Cafe & Campground provides electric hookups but spaces fill quickly. "This park fills up quickly and does have electric hook ups," mentions Tanya B.
Dump station access: Plan waste management carefully as not all sites offer dumping facilities. "We got a level spot with electric, a dump and water station," reports Kristi D. about Centennial Campground, noting the $35 nightly rate for hookups was more reasonable than the $80 charged at other nearby locations.
Site selection strategy: For larger RVs, consider specific sites with more room. "There are a number of pull throughs. I did like 2, 11, and 14 but there are lots of options," suggests Tanya B. about Trail River Campground, adding that sites 4 and 5 work well for groups with multiple vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for glamping in Whittier, Alaska?
The optimal glamping season in Whittier runs from late May through early September when temperatures are milder and daylight hours are longest. July and August offer the warmest conditions and best access to activities. Trail River campground showcases Alaska's stunning summer beauty with its picturesque lake views and accessible facilities. Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park is another excellent option during this peak season, though sites fill quickly without reservations. For those seeking fewer crowds but still comfortable conditions, early June and late August can provide a more peaceful glamping experience with the added bonus of potential aurora viewing as nights grow darker.
How much does glamping cost in Whittier compared to traditional camping?
Glamping in the Whittier area typically costs 2-4 times more than traditional camping. While standard campsites at Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park cost around $20 per night, glamping accommodations like yurts and cabins generally start at $75-100 per night. For budget-conscious travelers, Centennial Campground offers hookups for $35 per night, significantly less than other options with similar amenities. The premium price for glamping reflects the added comfort, convenience, and amenities like heat, proper beds, and sometimes electricity that aren't available with traditional tent camping.
What glamping options are available in Whittier, Alaska?
Whittier and the surrounding area offer several glamping options that provide more comfort than traditional camping. The Cooper Landing Fishing Guide, LLC offers a cozy yurt that accommodates up to four people, featuring heat but no running water. For those seeking more amenities, the Eagle River Nature Center provides public use cabins and yurts that can be accessed by hiking or walking in. These glamping options allow visitors to experience Alaska's wilderness with added comfort, making them ideal for those who want to enjoy nature without roughing it completely.
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