Best Camping in and near Chugach State Park

100% (5 reviews)

Explore the Eagle River and this exceptionally large park filled with mountains, glaciers, and forests.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Chugach State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Chugach State Park

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Bird Creek Campground

28 sites · RVs, Tents In Chugach State Park

Eagle River Campground

57 sites · RVs, Tents In Chugach State Park

You can camp at the campgrounds near the lake, but the mountain sheep herds at the top, plus this view...it's worth the effort to hike up.

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Eklutna Lake Campground

61 sites · RVs, Tents In Chugach State Park

from

$15

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Top-rated campgrounds near Chugach State Park

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Darell B.’s Magical Mountain

3 sites · Lodging3 acres · Anchorage, AK

Sleepy Bear cabin was built as a retreat for my father here in Alaska. Our 1st year listed on Hipcamp our cabin came in second in best places to stay in Alaska with Hipcamp. The last 2 years we were still mentioned in the top 10 with some pretty stiff competition. Eagle River South Fork trail with stunning views of Eagle and Symphony lakes is a short bike ride away. Breathtaking Barbara Falls is in our valley 10mins away. You hike up to the falls and feels its breath. Our Mountain views at 2000' elevation in the alpine forest with the 7000' snow covered peaks at the back of the valley will awe you. Morning coffee on your private deck alone is worth the trip. We know you will love our little mountain get away. I came to Alaska in the 90's with the Coast Guard. It was always my dream to come back. Alaska has a hold on you no other place possesses. Since our move back almost 6 years ago, our family has blossomed. We love living here and want to share our love of Alaska with others.

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Lulu's Glamping on the Knik River

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Palmer, AK

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Located on the river's edge of the Knik River in Palmer, Alaska, our glamping tents offer a unique experience. Unplug, unwind and kickback in our Stout canvas style bell tents. Each tent is stylishly outfitted with a queen size bed, linens, rugs, stylish decor and other amenities. You also will have your own smokeless Solo Stove with seating for two outside your tent. Only 45 minutes north of Anchorage, our location boasts incredible views with access to all things outdoor! There are shared porta toilets with foot pump sinks with soap for hand washing on site. There is one on demand outdoor shower! We have an outdoor kitchen with a BBQ grill, pots, pans, dishes, silverware, salt, pepper and other items for guest use. Half of the property is an adult glamping experience. Half of the property allows children, as long as you understand that we are located right on the river and children should be supervised. Our property is the perfect basecamp with easy access to hiking for all abilities; Bodenburg Butte, Lazy Mountain, Pioneer Peek and Pioneer Falls. Located right on the Knik River we can help you plan a day of fishing, kayaking or riverboat touring. Other local activities include ATV rentals, glacier helicopter tours, exploring the town of Palmer, the Alaska State Fair, a trip to the Reindeer Farm, Independence Mine State Historical Park, the Musk Ox Farm, horseback riding, touring our breweries, enjoying the local golf course, sled dog tours and so much more! Although we love pets, in order to keep tents clean and odor fee, pets are not allowed without permission. No smoking 🚭 Check in 4pm Check out 11am We ask that shoes be removed before enter the tent.

Jim Creek Blank Land

30 sites · RVs13 acres · Palmer, AK

This is blank land in the Buette area of Palmer, Alaska. No signs except for the address sign. Make your own spot. No amenities. Please take your own trash out. Enjoy your stay for just $10 a night. Near Jim Creek. Great fishing. A lot of trails for 4X4s and riding ATVs. Come park your car, camper, RV etc and enjoy Alaskan life at Jim Creek Blank land.

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North 40 Stays

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Sutton, AK

Camp right on the banks of the Matanuska river while staring at the magnificent King Mountain, Pinnacle mountain, and Craig Mountain! Over 10 acres with only 5 camp sites! Close to Kings river and some of the best ATV trails in the State! The Matanuska river offers some of the best rock hounding in the area and when the river is low, kids love playing in the shallow river streams and sandbars! This is an adult, kids and dogs dream play area! Come relax and get away from the busyness of life!!

Booked 3 times

Historic Wharfsite at Sunrise AK

10 sites · Tents10 acres · Sunrise, AK

Learn more about this land: Sixmile Creek empties into Turnagain Arm next to this picturesque area. River rafting and fishing is nearby as well as the goldrush town of Hope just eight miles away. High tides twice a day can turn this into an island if they are over 29 feet. This property is about a half mile walk down a gold-rush era road to the wharf site of the gold rush town of Sunrise City. The buildings and tents of the approximately 10,000 miners who lived in this area are long gone. But the scenic views, peacefulness and quiet of this rugged area of south central Alaska are not soon forgotten. There are no paved trails or boardwalks. No crowds or hot dog vendors. Imagine fishing without crowds--catching pink and silver salmon or trout with awesome views of the Chugach National Forest. Don't expect amenities. This is camping outdoors in Alaska. There is a communal firepit with a portable firepit and grill that can be moved to whereever you set up your tent. Usually your group will be alone on your adventure here. There is nothing like this location anywhere else along Turnagain Arm.

Canyon Site

1 site · Lodging7 acres · Knik River, AK

This location is inside the Chugach State Park managed by Alaskan Glamping and is the only reservable camping at Eklutna Lake. There is access to ATV, Hiking and Biking trails along Eklutna Lake. Equipment rentals are available within a mile of our site. The lake is non-motorized and can be accessed with any non-motorized water craft. Our offering is fully set up tents with queen bed, outdoor shower, outdoor kitchen and fire area.

Saved 11 times

Portage Island Glacier

23 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Portage, AK

Alaska's city of Portage was nearly destroyed in the 1964 earthquake; only 20 cabins remain on the 90 acres, privately owned by H. Tomingas, that divides The Portage River. During high enough tides, "Portage" is totally surrounded by water making it into an island. In other words, it's the only place that actually has a tide regulated moat!Learn more about this land:Private property overlooking Potter's Marsh just outside of Anchorage with a view that's unreal. Two separate cabins to choose from (our other listing), or pack in and pitch your own tent -- this listing!

80%

(5)

Clean Forest type camping

40 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Wasilla, AK

Learn more about this land:Family friendly our campground is called houston grass station campground and is located right next to the alaska railroad watch it go by wile you camp see you here thanks

BRIDGE CABIN at Bear Creek Lodge

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Hope, AK

Welcome to The Bridge Cabin, a charming dry cabin nestled on two private acres in the historic town of Hope, Alaska. Part of the Bear Creek Lodge community, this cabin offers a serene and secluded retreat surrounded by natural beauty. The cabin itself is one of eight individual cabins within the Bear Creek Lodge property. It provides a cozy and rustic atmosphere, perfect for immersing yourself in the peaceful ambiance of the Alaskan wilderness. While the cabin does not have plumbing or electricity, there is convenient access to an old outhouse nearby. For added comfort and convenience, guests of The Bridge Cabin have access to modern indoor facilities located across Bear Creek at the main lodge. Here, you'll find shared showers, toilets, and sinks, ensuring that you can freshen up after a day of outdoor adventures. During your stay, be sure to explore the nearby amenities, including a coffee shop at the lodge and the Dirty Skillet evening dinner house. Whether you're seeking outdoor activities or simply want to relax and unwind in a tranquil setting, The Bridge Cabin offers the perfect retreat in scenic Hope, Alaska.

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BlueWater BaseCamp: Deluxe Cabins

8 sites · Lodging5 acres · Chugiak, AK

Welcome to BlueWater BaseCamp! BlueWater BaseCamp is a haven for those who seek solace and rejuvenation in nature without venturing far from the city. Nestled in the scenic Eklutna Valley, BWBC is a boutique hotel and event venue catering to independent travelers, locals, groups of up to 22 people, and events with up to 75 attendees. Accommodations: Our Deluxe Micro Cabins offer an intimate Alaskan experience, perfectly suited for two. Each cabin features a cozy living room with a petite couch, chair, and Murphy table. The kitchenette is fully equipped with silverware, pots and pans, culinary tools, basic spices, Keurig coffee maker, stove top, microwave, and mini fridge. The bathrooms include shower, toilet, sink and some have soaking tubs. The bedrooms boast queen beds with closet space and some cabins have a loft for unwinding with a good book. For those seeking a soaking tub experience, Ranger's Roost and Bashful Peak Cabins have the added luxury of a relaxing tub. Our larger cabins, designed for groups of 4-5, offer a fully handicap-accessible first floor. The spacious cabins feature a full kitchen equipped with a mid-sized fridge, stove, oven, microwave, and a dining table for 4. The bathroom is generously sized, featuring a roll-in, zero-threshold shower, roll-under sink, and appropriately placed grab bars around the shower and toilet. The main floor bedroom hosts a queen-size bed with a 4′ turning radius, while the upstairs area provides two twin beds or a queen bed for the rest of your party. An additional pullout couch is available if needed. Immersed in the tranquility of the surrounding woods, our deluxe cabins serve as the perfect retreat to rest, rejuvenate, and explore the Eklutna Valley and beyond. Book Now to reserve your private getaway!

Saved 11 times

Birch forest

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Knik Fairview, AK

Learn more about this land:It really is just a nice forested lot for a nice basecamp in Alaska. Private driveway 4 Private lots for camping 4 firepits Porta pottys Close to Town

Saved 1 time

Pitstop landing

1 site · RV1 acre · Wasilla, AK

Nothing fantasy but it's quite for the most part....I figure someone would need a place to park and have a base point to explore alaska were far enough out of town where u dont feel the city and lots to see ...I've camped on and in the camping area for 2 years myself and feel comfortable enough to have respectful people to share it with when they need a stop for a day or a monthLearn more about this land: alaska you can do almost anything wild in the area or in a short drive from the camp site have fun and see Lakes Hiking Fishing Bears Nature Mosse And

The best camping near Chugach State Park guide

Overview

About

This is no average park in terms of size or opportunity. Chugach State Park has nearly a half-million acres of wild space to explore, and is among the largest state parks in the country, loaded with creeks, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and mountain peaks. It’s also bordered by Prince William Sound with access to both the Chugach and Wrangell Mountains. Campers will find accessible campgrounds, cabins, trails, and roadways leading to prime areas for hiking and fishing. Convenient to Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, and Girdwood, Chugach is great for a day trip from a basecamp in town or overnight camping trips.

Notable campgrounds

Best for unique lodging: Darell B’s Magical Mountain has a tree fort and amazing views in a mountain environment.
Best for glamping: Lulu’s Tents and Events has several plush tents with glamping interiors conveniently set on the Knik River.
Best for rugged camping: Jim Creek Blank Land is a blank slate with easy parking and plenty of elbow room.

Tips for snagging a campsite

The park has four campgrounds: Bird Creek has 24 campsites, Bird Creek Overflow has 40 campsites, Eagle River has 57 campsites, and Eklutna Lake has 50 campsites. Aside from group sites, all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Arrive early during peak summer season to ensure you snag a site. Eagle River has a three-night limit, meaning it is more likely to have turnover. You can reserve the group campsite and tent platform at Eagle River ahead as well.
Public-use cabins are available for rent at several Chugach campgrounds. They are all reserved in advance and fill quickly during summer.
Private Hipcamps are a great alternative to first-come, first-served public campgrounds during the busy season. Reserve ahead to secure a site near the park.

When to go

Chugach State Park is a year-round playground. Camping is most popular during the summer season when trails are open to hikers, and Eagle River fishing is also excellent during this time. Even still, being convenient to Anchorage and several other communities means the park is accessible year-round. Skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and dog mushing are popular winter activities.

Know before you go

This is a large, rugged park with a remote interior. Visitors backpacking or traversing the far-off reaches should have excellent wilderness navigation skills and satellite communication systems for emergencies.
The park campgrounds are RV-accessible, most with a 35-foot length limit. Eagle River is the exception with no size limit for RVs.
All campgrounds offer toilets, water, and fire rings for visitors. ADA-accessible facilities are also present.
Permits are required for all commercial and special-use activities. Hosting any organized event at a group campsite will require a special-use permit.