Bird Creek Campground - Chugach State Park

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!

Love this campground, camped here a few times 18-20 years ago. Take a day trip to Portage Glacier, ride the tram at Alyeska, take the tunnel to Whittier. Or venture further to Homer or Seward. Whales frequent Turnagain Arm as the Tide comes in. Beautiful area.

We stopped here on our way to kenai and we really enjoyed it. Saw some bald eagles and enjoyed a short hike nearby with a great view!