The best camping near Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Encompassing more than 3.3 million acres of wilderness, this UNESCO-protected national park is a popular stop on Alaska cruises. While the only ways to get here are by boat or airplane, travelers willing to make the journey are rewarded with stellar views and fantastic opportunities to view all sorts of wild creatures in their natural habitats. To camp in the park, you can either set up a tent in the wilderness or try your luck at the tent-only Bartlett Cove Campground (available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis). Campground features include composting toilets, free firewood, and bear-safe boxes for storing food and supplies.

The best (and busiest) time to visit the park is during the summer months, when temperatures are at their highest, averaging 50° to 60°F. Although Glacier Bay is technically open year-round, much of it is inaccessible outside of the peak summer season. Both the Glacier Bay Lodge, where the park's visitor center is located, and the nearby Visitor Information Station are only open in the summertime.

• Air taxis are available throughout the year—Alaska Airlines runs a commercial service during the summer months.
• The park has no cell phone service, but free wifi is available at the Glacier Bay Lodge and at the Visitor Information Station.
• While camping in the park is free, all campers—including those camping at Bartlett Cove—need to fill out a wilderness use permit application. All backcountry campers also need to participate in a backcountry orientation.
• You can pick up supplies at the Glacier Bay Lodge or in the nearby town of Gustavus, but be prepared to pay a premium.