Best Tent Camping near Whittier, AK

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.

Best Tent Sites Near Whittier, Alaska (13)

    1. Alaska Marine Highway

    5 Reviews
    Whittier, AK
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (800) 642-0066

    "We took the Alaska Marine Highway from Whittier to Petersburg with stops in Yakutat and Juneau."

    "You can pitch a tent on the deck, or sleep under the heated overhang. You can also get a private cabin if you’d like, or find a quiet place in other places on board."

    2. Entry Cove State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Whittier, AK
    11 miles

    "This spot is located in beautiful Prince William Sound, approximately an hour boat ride from Whittier, Alaska."

    3. Spencer Whistle Stop

    1 Review
    Whittier, AK
    14 miles

    "There are two group campsites that must be reserved through the Alaska Railroad 800.544.0552."

    4. Goose Bay Cabin

    1 Review
    Whittier, AK
    16 miles
    Website

    $75 / night

    "This location was definitely a great stay and loved the way everything looked for so long such a long time such a very long time"

    7. Coeur D'Alene Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hope, AK
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 783-3242

    "The bugs are pretty heavy right next to the river but deep in the woods are are very few. Great place for exploring. Walk in campsites are very close and have bear proof food storage."

    "It's walk in, but not far from the car. The vault toilets have been clean every time we've come up. The campsite is at quite an elevation so is chilly at night and early morning even in the summer."

    8. Tern Lake

    2 Reviews
    Moose Pass, AK
    35 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful lake/mountain scenery though. Sometimes you will see Bald Eagles, Trumpeter Swans, Loons, and other kinds of wildlife."

    "Couple little trails that hike around the lake. Bathrooms. Also has a couple mile service trail/off road trail that is a fun little drive. 4WD ONLY."

    9. Hope Alaska Backcountry Sites

    1 Review
    Hope, AK
    33 miles

    "There are so many options to backcountry camping and you don’t even have to walk very far. You can drive down and camp at the pull offs. RVs are not recommended on this road."

    10. Eagle River Nature Center (public use cabins/yurts)

    1 Review
    Anchorage, AK
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 694-2108

    $85 / 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."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Whittier, AK

3 Photos of 13 Whittier Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Whittier, AK

299 Reviews of 13 Whittier Campgrounds


  • Tanya B.
    Jun. 28, 2020

    Spencer Whistle Stop

    All Alaska has to offer on train ride away

    2020 has modified service. July 3rd - September 7th.

    There are two group campsites that must be reserved through the Alaska Railroad 800.544.0552.

    Clean restroom facilities Bear proof food storage Picnic tables Fire ring

    Just remember pack it in pack it out on the train.

    Also available for a great day hike. At a $132 a person it is not a cheap hike.

  • Tanya B.
    Aug. 23, 2020

    Williwaw Campground

    Always bring a rain jacket

    Campground: Portage – Williwaw   So many nice things about this campground and the other portage campgrounds.  I always like to give the warnings but hope this does not keep you from coming here.  Be prepared for WIND.  I mean big wind.  Bring extra stakes if you are tent camping.  Be prepared for rain, lots of rain.  Be prepared for wildlife encounters.  I cannot tell you how many times I have seen black bear along this road.   It is centrally located between Anchorage and the Peninsula but has so many things to offer.  Trip through the Whittier tunnel is a definite.  If you are a hiker Byron glacier in good weather is decent hike.  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.   Cell Service: No Internet: No 2020 Cost: $18-$28 Max stay: 14 days Distance from Anchorage: 55 Best sites: Premium sites $28 – 20, 21, 30, 34, 41, 50, 57 Also good are spots 24, 25, 26, and 38 Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 5 if it gets sunny the bugs come out

  • Shadara W.
    Sep. 9, 2019

    Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park

    Gorgeous any time of year

    Trails to hike or play on the lake! This campground is situated with access to Eklunta Lake and boy is that perfect. Tons of campsites to choose from both double, single and handicapped. First come, first served. Fire rings, tables, restrooms, firewood for purchase ($15) and camp host. Two sets of walk in tent sites with food lockers also available. Well water available too. Come spend a weekend exploring Eklunta Lake!

  • Audry P.
    Jun. 14, 2019

    Entry Cove State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Midland USA Camping Bundle at Entry Cove State Park, AK

    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. This spot is located in beautiful Prince William Sound, approximately an hour boat ride from Whittier, Alaska. We set up camp where the beach meets the wooded area  As always, it is up to campers to keep the areas free of garbage and pack in/pack out everything. Don't forget to bring along a little shovel to, ahem, bury your personal business and TP. Remember that the tide differential can be huge, so don't let your boat get stranded while exploring the area. 

    **************************************************************************

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I am occasionally provided with products to test. We recently tested the Midland EX210VP E+Ready Bundle and ML500 LED Lantern with two of the harshest critics around– our 3 and 7 year olds.

    EX210VP E+Ready Bundle – The items in this bundle are a pair of X-Talker T31 walkie talkies and the ER210 emergency weather alert crank radio. The walkie talkies were slightly smaller than others we’ve owned in the past, but they ended up being perfect for our kiddos and felt comfortable in the adults’ hands. The compact size means they fit perfectly in backpacks and jacket pockets, and can also attach via plastic clips. Often my husband will take one of the kids for a canoe ride and exploration in a nearby bay or cove and I’ll stay to beachcomb or hike with the other child, so it’s nice to have an option for keeping in touch while we’re separated, especially since we’ve encountered black bears and other wildlife in the past. Cell service is practically nonexistent in many parts of Alaska so we can’t always rely on our phones. 

    I was most excited about the crank radio and it didn’t disappoint! First of all, it’s not heavy and pretty compact - about the size of a little camcorder. My kids loved the flashlight aspect and fought over whose turn it was to hold it. My husband loved the fact that it’s a NOAA weather band radio and he was able to easily access the sea forecast(does that weird computer voice creep anyone else out?) It took a bit of cranking before we could begin charging up a cell phone through the USB cord, but I’m happy as long as we have that capability. And if the battery or crank fail, you still have the option of running the device via solar power. 

    ML500 LED Lantern – The light output on this is great, although we really didn’t need it since southcentral Alaska is currently seeing 21 hours of functional daylight. My daughter dropped the device on the some jagged beach rocks at low tide and the lantern still worked perfectly, even if the exterior plastic saw a few scuffs. The metal loop is perfect for hanging from the top of the tent. A wide base means it’s stable in a boat, camper, or on the picnic table. And yay for warranties, this is for one year. We didn’t need to run the lantern for long periods of time, but Midland says it’s good for 65/19 hours of illumination at low/high settings, respectively. Cons: This is very minor, but I do wish the lantern had come stocked with the three D batteries required to power the device. I realize Midland most likely went this route to lower the total cost of the light- a set of just two D batteries at our local store runs about $11. 

    Overall I’d highly recommend all of these products from Midland. Our items were all color coordinated (red and black) which is kind of nice. We frequently camp with our young children on remote islands and areas only reachable by boat, so it appeals to my mom sensibilities to have gear that is reliable and can be used in a safety/communication capacity as well as for fun.

  • David F.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park

    Epic Campground

    This campground really has everything when it comes to a state campground. You want water access on a glacial lake? How about numerous hiking, biking skiing and horse trails? Are you looking for updated amenities including a table and fire pit, onsite bathrooms, bear proof dumpster, bear proof food storage, and a well for fresh water (no showers though) and even kayak rentals on site? Do you need large campsites with a reasonable amount of privacy instead of setting up your tent on top of someone else's? Eklutna is the spot. It is technically located within the Municipality of Anchorage about 30 minutes from down town. There is no cell service out there, so you can say goodbye to the rest of the world on your way up the mountain road. In addition, there are forest service cabins for rent that are located down one of the major trails, for even more privacy, and a different kind of adventure. Just a mile from the campground is a cute little ice cream shop for a sweet treat on hot summer days.

  • Aimee H.
    Jul. 27, 2017

    Bird Creek Campground — Chugach State Park

    Bird Creek Cabin AK

    Bird Creek camp/ RV/ Cabin site is a beautiful 25 minute journey south of Anchorage. Far enough away but close enough to town if you feel the need to get back to the city.

    We rented a cabin 95$ a night and took aprox 12 young ladies in the chilly month of November! Daring, I know! But state restrooms made sharing a bathroom easy :)

    there is a small wood stove and wood supplied for each cabin which was amazing! A lil kitchen area is built in for your food prep pleasure- must bring stoves and water. No electricity so bring your choice of lighting. Also I recommend headlamps for winter months as bathrooms are a small treck from the secluded wooded cabins.

    Bunks are built in and a loft makes for plenty of room.

    There was a beautiful table with a map in the top- pretty awesome!

    There is a walking trail and it's close to the inlet for beluga whale watching and if your lucky a bore tide!

    Rv sites and tents sites available as well- plus table and fire pits at each site.

  • Tanya B.
    Sep. 7, 2020

    Coeur D'Alene Campground

    The deep you go the less bugs

    This may have the nicest wood panels ever stuck to a plastic port a potty. The bugs are pretty heavy right next to the river but deep in the woods are are very few. Great place for exploring. Walk in campsites are very close and have bear proof food storage.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Bird Creek Campground — Chugach State Park

    Great spot

    Campsites are pretty spaced. You get a picnic table and a fire ring for 20 bucks a night. Yes, there is road noise but that does calm down at night. Pit toilets around, clean and stocked. No water, so bring some. Cellphone signal (t mobile) and Internet pretty good. Nice bike trail close. They do also have cabins to rent

  • Elizabeth G.
    Mar. 30, 2022

    Bird Creek Campground — Chugach State Park

    First come, first serve

    This campground has 22 sites and 2 public use cabins. There’s bathrooms but no showers. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table and there are trails within walking distance of your campsite.

    We stayed during the off season so we ended up in the camp host site accidentally since it was one of the few that wasn’t still covered in snow. You definitely get some noise from Highway traffic but it’s not terrible. There’s a gas station right across the street for fuel and maybe some other last minute supplies you may need?


Guide to Whittier

Tent camping near Whittier, Alaska offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed options available, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and explore the great outdoors.

Tent campers should check out the Alaska Marine Highway

  • Experience the beauty of the Alaskan coastline while camping on the deck of the ferry at Alaska Marine Highway, where you can pitch a tent or rent a private cabin.
  • Enjoy amenities like showers, a movie theater, and dining options while taking in breathtaking views of glaciers and wildlife.
  • This unique camping experience allows for leisurely exploration of various Alaskan towns, making it a memorable adventure.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $132

  • For a budget-friendly option, Chugach Backcountry Camping offers free tent camping with no permit required, perfect for those looking to hike in and enjoy the wilderness.
  • If you're seeking a more structured experience, consider the Spencer Whistle Stop, where group campsites are available for reservation through the Alaska Railroad, priced at $132 per person.
  • For a rustic experience, Rabbit Lake Primitive Campsites allows for free tent camping, but be prepared to pack in all your supplies as there are no amenities.

Local attractions and activities to enjoy

  • Explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife at Entry Cove State Park Campground, where you can camp right by the water and enjoy fishing and kayaking.
  • Take a scenic hike to the Eagle River Nature Center, where you can find public use cabins and yurts along with beautiful trails for day hikes.
  • Experience the tranquility of Goose Bay Cabin, accessible by boat, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Whittier, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Whittier, AK is Alaska Marine Highway with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Whittier, AK?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Whittier, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.