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Anchorage, Alaska and the magnificent surrounding landscapes offer some truly exceptional camping options. From RV sites to rustic campgrounds, forest parks to riverside lots, this stunning natural area has something for every kind of camper.
In this article, we’ll cover just a handful of the exceptional campground options you can visit, in and around the city of Anchorage—as well as the nearby Chugach State Park.
1. Eklutna – Chugach State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Shadara W.
This gorgeous, state-run park is about a 30-minute drive northwest from downtown Anchorage. It’s nestled near the northernmost tip of Eklutna Lake. There’s free and easy access to this body of water, and you can spend an afternoon kayaking or a morning whittling away the hours while fly-fishing. The forested lakeside Eklutna Trail is open to visitors throughout the summer. This park is ADA-accessible and has plenty of campsites and picnic areas available to enjoy all-year-round.
“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, double, single, and handicapped. First come, first served.” – Shadara W.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25 ($5 parking, $20 per site)
- Number of sites: 50
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Porcupine Campground
This isolated campground is situated just over 80 miles south of Anchorage, but don’t let the extra distance put you off. The dramatic Chugach National Forest surrounds this site, while the ground itself provides visitors with sweeping views of the nearby Turnagain Arm Bay. If you’re a mountain-bike enthusiast, you’ll love this area. The surrounding bumpy, wood trails are ideal for some thrilling and challenging cycling.
“Calm relaxation comes to mind when I think about (Porcupine Campground).” – Joe C.
Campground Details:
- Price: $18
- Number of sites: 34
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Shadara W.
This ADA-accessible campsite is located just under 50-miles northeast from Anchorage. Plus, this campground is super easy to reach from the highway. It’s nestled in among the striking mountains of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and can cater to any need. There are suites, cabins, tent sites, and RV spaces available.
If you want a break from hiking around the scenic valley, head to the nearby Fox Run Fine Art Gallery to peruse and buy a hand-crafted souvenir.
“This is a good option for a first stop on a great Alaska adventure.” – Tanya R.
Campground Details:
- Price: $35-$55
- Number of sites: 27
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Bird Creek Campground – Chugach State Park
Like Eklutna, you’ll find this campground in Chugach State Park, close to Anchorage, on the northside of Turnagain Arm. You can check out beluga and minke whales from this viewpoint, or you could follow the Bird Ridge Trail up to the nearby ridge to get stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and bay.
“It is close to Anchorage and has good fishing (spots) close. The views are to die for. This is one of the most beautiful places to camp.” – Brad B.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25 ($5 parking, $20 per site)
- Number of sites: 28
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Eagle River Campground – Chugach State Park
Only 12 miles north of Anchorage, the Eagle River Campground rests alongside the refreshing and crystal-clear Eagle River. It’s easy to get to from the highway, and once you’re there, it’s just five minutes from the river’s edge. There’s plenty of room between each section of the campsite, and the RV spaces are smooth and well-paved.
The Eagle River Nature Center works to celebrate the unique wild beauty of the surrounding area. It runs regular workshops for school kids and visitors.
“This campground is nice, picturesque, and spacious. Lots of trees for privacy! We like it because it’s close to home and a town, so a morning trip to get coffee is not out of the question.” – Glenys M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25 ($5 parking, $20 per site)
- Number of sites: 57
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Girdwood Campground
Girdwood is a relatively small campground surrounded by spruce trees. It’s situated a couple of miles north of Turnagain Arm, and its owners offer exceptional rates for camping during the summer months. The nearby town of Girdwood is stunning. It is nestled in amongst a whole network of gorgeous wood and mountain trails that give you blistering views of the surrounding landscape.
“The ‘city’ of Girdwood is awesome. This place has trails that can take 30 minutes to complete up to 2 days (Crow’s Pass), with views that can’t be seen anywhere else. There’s Alaska pretty, and then there’s this place.” –Randall J.
Campground Details:
- Price: $10
- Number of sites: 18
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Williwaw Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Dylan H.
You’ll find this campsite around 60 miles southeast from Anchorage, situated next to the charming Williwaw Creek, and within the verdant, leafy Portage Valley. Follow the Williwaw Nature Trail to give yourself a great chance of seeing moose, wolves, bald eagles, and brown bears in the wild. There are plenty of campsites available, and there’s quite a bit of space between them, so you won’t feel crowded in this stunning natural environment.
“Williwaw Campground near Portage Glacier is a must-stay for those visiting Chugach National Forest. Located central to several hiking trails, salmon viewing, and 1.5 miles from the visitor center” – Kathy M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $18-$28
- Number of sites: 52
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Camping in Anchorage, Alaska, is a refreshing and exhilarating experience. You’ll find a perfect blend of diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery in this part of the world.
These seven campgrounds are just a few of the options available to you in this fantastic area. For many more choices, head to The Dyrt’s full list of best campgrounds near Anchorage, Alaska.
This article was brought to you by Banner & Oak.
After your outdoor adventure, be sure to read their article about how to clean a hat, so you’ll be looking fresh for the next one.
The post The Last Frontier – 7 Epic Campgrounds in Anchorage, Alaska appeared first on The Dyrt Magazine.
