Best Campgrounds near Seward, AK

Seward camping sites range from sea level beaches to forested areas surrounded by mountains reaching elevations of 3,000-5,000 feet. Precipitation averages 66 inches annually with summer temperatures typically between 45-75°F. Many campgrounds experience strong winds off Resurrection Bay that can affect tent camping, requiring sturdy stakes and wind-resistant setups.

What to do

Wildlife viewing at Exit Glacier: Observe diverse wildlife at Exit Glacier Campground, located near Kenai Fjords National Park. "We were just passing through but it was a great place to stay for the night. Make sure to check out the exit glacier trail not too far from there. We also took a little day cruise in Seward which was a ton of fun," notes Sam M.

Hiking to Fort McGilvray: The 4.5-mile trail from North Beach at Caines Head leads to a WWII fort with panoramic views. "From the campground, we hiked up to explore the abandoned WWII fort, Fort McGilvray. Super interesting and much bigger than I expected," reports camper Les R.

Fishing in streams: Multiple creeks near Miller's Landing offer salmon fishing opportunities. "My two young children could play all day on the beach area eating an ice cream cone from the little shop while watching the seals/sea otters," shares Samantha M., highlighting activities for non-anglers.

What campers like

Mountain views from gravel bars: The river views at dispersed camping areas create unique perspectives. "Big gravel like space but isn't level so you need to drive slow, but you can find a level spot to camp for the night. No amenities as you are boondocking, but well worth it," explains Kristi D. about Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area.

Beach camping with marine wildlife: Waterfront camping allows for wildlife observation directly from camp. "This is one of the most beautiful places on earth! Nothing beats camping near a glacier!" exclaims Chloe D. about the North Beach area, where campers regularly spot seals, porpoises, and sea birds.

Forest canopy protection: Wooded campsites provide natural shelter from Seward's frequent rain. "A great spot to set up a tent back from the water where trees provide some shelter from the wind. Some sites have lots of trees and some have pretty sparse tree coverage," notes a Forest Acre camper.

What you should know

Bear precautions: All camping areas require proper food storage. "The campground was having a problem with bears in the area. The bear storage bin had recently been attacked sporting huge dents and claw scratches," warns Stacey C. from Tonsina Point at Caines Head.

Tide-dependent access: Some beach campsites require timing with tides. "It is very important to check the tides, and it is recommended to avoid hiking along the beach once the tide reaches +3," advises Les R. about North Beach access.

Limited tent spaces at RV parks: Many commercial campgrounds prioritize RV sites. "We chose this campground because others we normally choose were completely booked. Even though this campground had trees it still didn't feel very private," reports Samantha M. about Forest Acre Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature nearby recreation areas. "There is a small playground on site but if you walk about 7 minutes to Seward elementary the playground is fantastic!" recommends Samantha M. about Forest Acre Campground.

Kid-friendly beaches: Protected coves provide safer water access. "This would be a terrific walk in tent site option to try out. Exit glacier is beautiful with nice trails. My 5 and 7 year old did the walk just fine from parking lot to the glacier (maybe 20 min)," shares Samantha M.

Bike park options: Families with cycling enthusiasts have specialized facilities. "The best part of this campground is the bike park next door. They have stuff for all riding levels," notes Jay D. about Forest Acre Campground.

Tips from RVers

Entrance clearance challenges: Many dispersed and some established campgrounds have difficult access points. "The entrance comes up quick and has huge rocks blocking part of the road... You just need to take your time!" advises Kristi D. about the dispersed camping area near Exit Glacier.

Weather preparation: RVers should secure equipment for wind and rain. "The noise echoes off the mountains so it's a bit noisy for tent campers," notes a review of Seward KOA, suggesting RV walls provide better sound insulation.

Site selection strategy: Arrive early for preferred spots. "This 81 site RV Park has full hook ups including cable for RVs. The park provides shuttle service to and from Seward and the tour boats will send shuttles for pick-up/drop off for cruises," explains Kathy M. about Stoney Creek RV Park.