Best Places to Camp Near Anchorage, Alaska in the Summer

Anchorage, Alaska, is a paradise for outdoor lovers, offering stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you prefer RV camping, tent camping, or backcountry experiences, the Anchorage area has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to camp near Anchorage during the summer months. Our Camping Page has some details about Denail Camping.

1. Chugach State Park – Eagle River Campground

📍 Location: Just 12 miles north of Anchorage
✅ Great for: Families, tent campers, and easy access to hiking trails

Eagle River Campground is one of the most popular spots near Anchorage, offering 57 campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms. The campground sits along the scenic Eagle River, with access to trails like the Eagle River Nature Center and Mt. Baldy.

Highlights:

  • Stunning mountain views

  • Close to Anchorage but feels remote

  • Great for beginner hikers

2. Eklutna Lake Campground

📍 Location: About 40 miles northeast of Anchorage
✅ Great for: Kayaking, biking, and lakeside camping

Nestled in Chugach State Park, Eklutna Lake Campground offers a serene setting with turquoise waters and towering peaks. The area has 50 campsites (some reservable) and is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and mountain biking the Eklutna Lakeside Trail.

Highlights:

  • Stunning glacial lake views

  • Boat rentals available

  • Access to the Twin Peaks Trail

3. Williwaw & Black Bear Campgrounds (Portage Valley)

📍 Location: About 50 miles south of Anchorage
✅ Great for: Glacier views and wildlife spotting

Located in the breathtaking Portage Valley, these US Forest Service campgrounds offer incredible views of glaciers and waterfalls. Williwaw has 60 sites, while Black Bear is smaller and quieter. Both are great bases for exploring the Portage Glacier and Begich Boggs Visitor Center.

Highlights:

  • Close to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

  • Scenic drives along Turnagain Arm

  • Easy access to Byron Glacier Trail

4. Bird Creek Campground

📍 Location: 25 miles south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway
✅ Great for: Fishing, ocean views, and quick getaways

This small, first-come-first-served campground is perfect for anglers and those who love coastal scenery. Bird Creek is famous for salmon fishing, and the nearby Bird Ridge Trail offers a challenging hike with panoramic views of Turnagain Arm.

Highlights:

  • Excellent salmon fishing (seasonal)

  • Stunning sunsets over Cook Inlet

  • Close to Girdwood and Alyeska Resort

5. Centennial Campground

📍 Location: Right in Anchorage!
✅ Great for: Convenience, RV camping, and urban explorers

If you want to stay in the city but still enjoy camping, Centennial Campground is a great choice. Located near Far North Bicentennial Park, it offers wooded sites with easy access to Anchorage’s bike trails, restaurants, and attractions like the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

Highlights:

  • Full RV hookups available

  • Close to downtown Anchorage

  • Moose sightings are common!

6. Backcountry Camping – Crow Pass or Resurrection Pass

📍 Location: Girdwood (Crow Pass) or Hope (Resurrection Pass)
✅ Great for: Adventurers and backpackers

For those seeking a true wilderness experience, the Crow Pass Trail (near Girdwood) or Resurrection Pass Trail (near Hope) offer incredible backcountry camping. These multi-day hikes take you through alpine meadows, past glaciers, and alongside crystal-clear rivers.

Highlights:

  • Remote, breathtaking scenery

  • Wildlife encounters (bring bear spray!)

  • Challenging but rewarding hikes

Tips for Camping Near Anchorage in Summer

  • Book early: Popular campgrounds like Eklutna Lake fill up fast.

  • Bear safety: Always store food properly and carry bear spray.

  • Weather prep: Alaska summers can be rainy—bring waterproof gear.

  • Bug protection: Mosquitoes can be fierce; pack repellent.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want a family-friendly campground, a lakeside retreat, or a rugged backcountry adventure, Anchorage has it all. Summer is the perfect time to explore Alaska’s wild beauty, so pack your gear and hit the trails!