Camping in Alaska with campfires
From remote wilderness in the mountains to wild coastlines and arctic tundra, Alaska is perfect for camping.
- Alaska
96% (559 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Alaska
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12 top campgrounds in Alaska with campfires
90%
(221)
Valdez Adventure Alliance
27 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Valdez, Valdez Cordova
Once run by the state but is now managed by VAA.
The beautiful Blueberry Lake campground on Thompson Pass has spectacular 360-degree mountain views. 20 sites are available on a paved loop road near the lake. Vault toilets and a water pump are available for use. Several sites work well as group camping sites. There are no RV hookups or pull-throughs.
The McAllister cabin, at the mouth of Shoup Bay Marine State Park, is best accessed by kayak or boat. There is a narrow, tide dependent channel that leads to the inner lagoon where Moraine and Kittiwake cabins are located. Kayaks recommended for access.
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$27.50
/ night
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(43)
Seaside Farm
16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Homer, Kenai Peninsula
Seaside Farm is a 30 acre, magical, park like farm on the shores of Kachemak Bay, just outside of Homer. A song bird sanctuary, with trails, lawns, gardens, trees, hay fields, and a private beach, cabins, a clover camping meadow, and It is part of an original Alaska pioneer homestead from the 1940's.
Although its an organic farm, with its hay fields, pastures and raspberry patch. its primarily the home of hundreds of songbirds, mama moose and her baby, coyotes, flocks of sandhill cranes, two sweet Morgan Horses, an assortment of chickens and two happy cows.
I love sharing my farm with travelers, visitors and folks seeking peace, who love nature and outdoor living, and who enjoy getting close to nature, in a real Alaska, original, non touristy setting.
This property has three different types accommodations: Rustic, cozy cabins (no indoor running water), a big field for tent campers only, and a few spaces reserved for 4 wheel drive vans , and similar small vehicle camping, including rooftop tents and occasionally a small pop up trailer. There is limited parking and turnaround space, and we like our farm peaceful and not too crowded to provide a special rural experience to all who visit this magical farm
There are four cabins sprinkled throughout the property. Two are off grid, close to the beach, private and magical, with wood stoves. All cabins are able to use the main farm lodge amenities, just a few minutes walk away and have their own outhouse..
You can walk on the beach from here, there is a covered camping pavilion available to all guests, a campfire spot and bbq grill, lovely walking trails and meadows, lots of wildlife, and even wifi!
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$25
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Pinochle Trail Campground
9 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Sutton Alpine, Matanuska Susitna
Flat, gravel spaces at Pinochle Trailhead in Glacier View, Alaska. Great hiking, biking, ATV or snow machine on historic trail. Tents, trucks, cars, campers, RVs, dogsleds .... whatever you can fit is welcome.
8 spaces with tables and fire rings. There is also an "Open Camping Area" in back that larger groups may like. Although a number may be assigned at booking, just pick the best available camp space that works for you on arrivial. You'll need to bring your own water and keep a clean camp.
Pinochle Trail goes north into the backcountry for around 12 miles and joins other trails.
Pinochle trail is a section of the ancient Knik - Nelchina Trail used by natives, trappers, miners and hunters for eons. It traverses the natural route from the Matanuska Valley up and over the mountain range into Copper River country.
Hicks was one of the early guides who had a cabin at Hicks Creek and served with U.S. Army Lieutenant Joseph Castner to brushwack a trail northwest for Captain Glenn in 1898. Described in his journal as at "Tale of Hardship and Suffering" they ended up eating their mules and shoes before reaching their goal far to the north. Today we use these trails with relative ease compared to the old timers but the scenery and mud holes remind us of what they went through.
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$20
/ night
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(13)
Kilcher Homestead MiracleMeadow
6 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Homer, Kenai Peninsula
A few things that make my place unique:
My 5 acres is part of the famous 620-acre Kilcher Homestead, as seen on “Alaska the Last Frontier” TV show. I am the 7th of the 8 children; Atz and Otto are my brothers. There is a special feeling here vibrating in the land, and why our parents picked this spot. Full outdoor kitchen with all you need to cook and wash up; BBQ, hotplate, pure drinking water, spices, pots/pans/dishes etc. Outdoor hot shower and outhouse with great views! The atmosphere feels so pure, so silent, so wild yet comfortable. Drive-in access sometimes, or have to walk 15 minutes, and no issues with mosquitoes!!! You get to meet me and maybe other family members as you cruise around. Homer is 35 minutes away, with oodles of things to do there: great restaurants, a lap pool, fun shopping, etc. We have quite good cell reception here. Lots of options to enjoy your stay!
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$35
/ night
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(26)
Grouse Lake Campground
8 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Bear Creek, Kenai Peninsula
HEADS UP: THE SEWARD HIGHWAY FROM MILE 8 TO MILE 0 IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION! TANKER TRUCKS WILL BE PUMPING WATER FROM GROUSE LAKE AT NIGHT DURING THE REST OF THE SUMMER: SUNDAY, MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHTS. IT'S VERY LOUD! ALL NIGHT! FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS ARE OPEN.
THEY WILL NOT BE PUMPING ON FRIDAY NIGHTS AND SATURDAY NIGHTS. I blocked out the days that they will be pumping, and left open the days that they will not be pumping.
At the end of Grouse Creek Rd, Grouse Lake Campground, which is a Walk in-Tent Only campground, borders Grouse Lake, and is approximately 7 1/2 miles north of Seward. The campground now sits where once the Seward highway ran prior to the highway being rerouted on the other side of the property along the AK railroad. The backside of each campsite butts up against a mossy rock wall where the road was once carved out of the mountainous environment. The front-side of each campsite has a beautiful view of the lake.
Besides being a beautiful relaxing area to kick back and enjoy the summer, there are fish in the lake. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, "during the open water season the best fishing is when Dolly Varden enter (August-September) and exit (mid-May through early June) the lake. As these fish migrate in large schools, be careful not to snag or foul hook the fish. Best ice fishing at Grouse Lake is from December through early April. Try single salmon eggs or small lures. 'Resurrection Bay Fresh Water' regulations," (Fishing in the Seward Area, http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static-sf/region2/pdfpubs/seward.pdf 2016).
And, since Grouse Lake, and Grouse Lake Campground border the Chugach National Forest, it is wise to remember, there will be wildlife. Besides seagulls escaping stormy Pacific ocean weather, there are owls, and eagles, and occasional ravens, humming birds and other small birds, land otters, beavers, moose, and the occasional bear. Chugach National Forest is abundant with wildlife, both small critters, and large critters. Keeping this in mind, and following the safety guides that can be found on https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=educators.wildlifesafety will ensure an Alaskan adventure to enjoy, journal, and remember.
As the second largest forest in the National Forest System, Chugach National Forest is also in the northern most range of the Pacific temperate rainforest region. Therefore, rain-gear is essential for a more comfortable camping experience. For more info visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/chugach/
OPEN DATES: May 31st to Sept 14th, 2023.
NO PARTIES OR EVENTS. TENT CAMPING ONLY.
15136 GROUSE CREEK RD,
SEWARD, AK 99664
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$5
/ night
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King for a Day Camping & Charters
78 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Valdez Cordova
We are a SEASONAL camp open late May through September, weather permitting. We are currently accepting both charter and site reservations, for 5 days or longer, for our upcoming 2024 season.
Learn more about this land:
We are a laidback camp directly on the Klutina River.
We offer:
FISH; fishing lessons, a variety of seasonal fishing charters, and our most popular FULL day "Alaskan Adventure of a Lifetime Excursion".
CAMPING:
Cabins and camping; Tent and RV camping from full hookup to dry.
While staying with us:
You'll have great views of the wrangle mountain range and the river itself. You'll have access on a spacious river bank to fish from camp, no need to hike anywhere. The eagles sit in the trees eager for the fishermen to get lucky and pose for pictures. We have fire rings and picnic tables at each site. We can accommodate large RVs to tents. showers, flushing toilet and laundry facility are located at the main office building; outhouses down by the river. Our rates are tent $35, dry RV $40, electric $50, electric w/water, $55, full hookup $60 and $150 for Cabin (minimal 2 nights stay for cabins)
Going fishing with us?
Full service charters offered. Yes we provide all gear tackle bait etc. We offer rafting charters only, not on a jet boat. We get off and fish at the hot spots on the way down the river. It is a 24mi float down one of the fastest sport fishing rivers in America. We target multiple species and can customize your charter accordingly. In the river we have King Salmon available 1 July - 10 August. Sockeye salmon from June - September. Trout, Grayling, Dolly Varden and other smaller species able to be targeted throughout the year.
from
$35
/ night
94%
(50)
Lazy J Ranch
5 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Homer, Kenai Peninsula
My grandparents, Stany and Nelda Jones homestead here, my father was just a toddler when they moved here with his family from Texas. They homestead this area before there were roads, and could only travel to this location via the beach and climbing the bluff.
My mothers family also Homestead on the Kenai, in Ninilchik, she was born and grew up there in the small river village.
When her and my dad married they continued the Jones family tradition of ranching and farming.
We decided to offer our family land and share its beauty with others. Your camping spaces are on a corner of the ranch property, near the shared gazebo fire pit. We hope you love it as much as we do!
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$35
/ night
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Little Bear Wilderness Retreat
2 sites · Lodging13 acres · Susitna North, Matanuska Susitna
Here at Little Bear Cabins 30 minutes from Talkeetna, Alaska and Willow youll find a working off grid homestead with privacy and nature everywhere. Offering guided Alaskan plant walks and more! Private cabins with a wandering creek to explore with kayaks or skis as well as bikes all included ! Late fall its filled with salmon and trout. World class fly fishing all around you! Winter time the Northern lights will dance over you! With many trails to wander along and a bridge to view or swim. Summer or winter .. The birds here are like no other located in the migrating route of the predatory birds. You'll find nests all along the creek of rare birds.. Each cabin is private and has a firepit fridge and potable water provided .
There are groomed ski trails and walking trails for guests with kayaks and bike to use during your stay .I offer guided walks of the garden and In the forest to learn about the edible and medicinal plants of Alaska.
You will find stillness and nature all around you..
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$50
/ night
94%
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Stump Creek B&B
3 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Eureka Roadhouse, Matanuska Susitna
The property at this location is very special to us because my grandfather homesteaded here in the 60s and it’s still in the family. This location was his and his wife’s main home of living where they made this homestead and rented cabins and had a little store to produce extra income to raise their family.
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$15
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Rustic Riverside Camp
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Pleasant Valley, Fairbanks North Star
Welcome to our beautiful, private, rustic camp situated along the bank of the North Fork Chena River just 55 miles NE of Fairbanks lies the perfect camping experience just 2 miles from Chena Hot Springs Resort.
We are located a 1/2mile off Chena Hot Springs Road, on the famous Yukon Quest Trail.
Our camp is accessible to those exploring Alaska by vehicle, motorcycle, bike, truck camper, travel van or small RV. Come stay in one of our cute cabins, park or pitch your tent under the midnight sun – enjoy fishing, hiking, atving, berry picking, wildlife watching and more.
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$20
/ night
Saved 1 time
Driftwood Wilderness Lodge
1 site · Lodging13 acres · Larsen Bay, Kodiak Island
Learn more about this land:Create your own adventure in the wonders of the wilderness. Fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, nature photography, and hiking are just the beginning. Contact Nick to create a week of activities customized for you and your group. Make sure to take time to enjoy the silence, where the only noise is the occasional bush plane.If you appreciate recycling and upcycling, you’ll love the hand-made touches at Driftwood Wilderness Lodge. The lodge was built by hand by Nick and DWL volunteers – and all the dimensional lumber used for the buildings was salvaged from the sea and milled onsite.Driftwood Wilderness Lodge is located on a secluded lagoon with views of Uyak Bay, which is 60 miles southwest of the city of Kodiak. The nearby village of Larsen Bay is home to about 100 people and according to Travel Alaska is next to some of the best fishing grounds in the Kodiak Archipeligo. During the summer, when the local cannery is open, the population of Larsen Bay swells to 300, and a local mercantile store is open. The store supplies locals and visitors with food, gear, and most importantly – a rare Alaskan treat for those who are off the grid, ice cream!Larsen Bay is surrounded by Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, a 2,812-square-mile preserve that covers most of Kodiak Island. The refuge offers rugged mountains and alpine meadows, wetlands, and spruce forests. Wildlife viewing is excellent there, and it is home to the giant Kodiak brown bear and more than 200 different species and 600 breeding pairs of bald eagles. Marine life includes seals, sea lions, porpoises, sea otters, whales and puffins. There are no roads, and no maintained trails, so the best way to view wildlife is by chartered boat or plane.Fishing is the main interest of most visitors to Larsen Bay. The area features protected bays and inlets near the village or the open ocean for salmon, halibut, lingcod and rockfish. DWL is a boat ride away from stream fishing for salmon, steelhead and Dolly Varden. Guests enjoy trips to the Karluk River, which is world famous for its sockeye salmon and king salmon runs.Your stay includes 3 meals per day, transport from Larsen Bay Airport to the Wilderness Lodge, and bear and whale watching from the lodge deck. I recommend booking your flight with Vertigo Air Taxi or Island Air Service. Please let me know if you have any questions, happy to help you organize your trip out to the Driftwood Wilderness Lodge.
from
$600
/ night
100%
(17)
The Quiet Serene Wild Wellness Farm
3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Anchor Point, Kenai Peninsula
Come stay in the epicenter of the historic Homer Smith cattle ranch on the edge of the 1900 acre Anchor River Fritz Creek Critical wildlife Habitat in one of the quiet most beautiful places in the South Kenai peninsula. Relax in a mountain wildflower meadow looking out towards the ocean, hills and mountain tops. Decompress down at the local river, have a bon fire, go for a walk from the land, or drive to the countless adventures, amenities that Homer and Anchor Point offer.
Learn more about this land:
Pitch your tent behind a grove of spruce trees in a blooming fireweed meadow, adjacent to Homer Smith's Historic barn on our farm stead over looking the view of the 1900 acre Fritz Creek Anchor River Critical Wildlife Habitat, the Ocean (Kachemak Bay), and the jagged peaks of the Kenai mountains. Learn about regenerative farming practices with our flock of 100+ Hens and Mr. Rooster in their egg mobile. Find peace above our bee hives, enjoy the calls of the sandhill cranes and other birds and the quietude of the pristine wilderness that surrounds us. Pick some veggies from the garden, check our food forest and walk a few minutes away to two peony farms. Some hiking, beach walks, yoga, meditation, biking and river access are just minutes away.
Our camp sites offer lots of space between them, allow for personal space, privacy and all have an incredible view. We built raised wooden platforms to accommodate most tents. Raising the site up allows for a warmer, level, more soft place to place your tent and enjoy the quietude and views above the Anchor River valley.
Homer is arguably one of best places to experience all Alaska has to offer and our farm is absolutely one of the best places in Homer area to see the Aurora Borealis, and for star gazing. Our neighborhood could qualify as one of the dark zones because we are out tucked into wilderness. Come reconnect with nature, you'll find some warm hearted folks here welcoming into their home.
from
$25
/ night
Dog-friendly getaways
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Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping in Alaska with campfires guide
Alaska is a bucket list trip for people around the globe thanks to some of the world's largest intact ecosystems and the chance to spot incredible wildlife. Here you'll find wild salmon runs filling the ocean bays and rivers where brown bears feast, plus giant moose roaming the big river valleys and mountains. While some incredible parts of Alaska are accessible by highways, many areas are so remote that road systems don't exist, meaning access is by bush flight, boat, or on foot. Camping in Alaska can mean everything from pitching tents on a riverbank or enjoying comfortable RV parks adjacent to wild areas.
Where to Go
Bristol Bay
Bristol Bay is an expansive region with massive lakes, huge ocean bays and wild rivers. It’s known for abundant salmon runs that draw anglers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Visit Katmai National Park and Preserve to watch bears catch salmon on Brooks Falls or fish for salmon and giant rainbow trout on the mighty Kvichak River. Lake Iliamna and the rivers in this area offer incredible fishing, sightseeing and boating.
Kenai Peninsula
Some areas in Alaska are road accessible, making them perfect for camping and exploring at your own pace. The Kenai Peninsula is one of those special places where you can experience the best of Alaska from RV sites and tent camping areas at private and public campgrounds in places like Soldotna. Go fishing on the mighty Kenai River for salmon and trout, take a cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park, take a dog sledding tour or go hiking on the many miles of trails on this wild peninsula.
Southeast Alaska
The rugged Southeast coastline is dotted with small communities, many of which are isolated from any highway systems. Ketchikan and Juneau are two hubs to visit for access to the expansive Tongass National Forest. Prince of Wales Island has limited services but rental vehicles and island roads allow for access to go fishing and hunting in this remote area.
Denali National Park
Accessible by road system, Denali National Park leads many visitors to fly into Anchorage and rent a vehicle or RV to visit. The incredible peak is more than 20,000-feet high and the surrounding Alaska Range is absolutely stunning. If you want an unforgettable view, consider flightseeing tours to gain elevation and really get into the mountains. Moose and bear sightings are common and the trails offer a range of hiking options for visitors. This park is fantastic and is accessible for a wide range of budgets and camping styles.
Where to Go
Alaska is a two-season state where it’s either feeling like summer or winter. In summer, the days are long, leaving plenty of time to explore and very little darkness to help you sleep. The inverse is true during the winter months. The first snowfall, also called termination dust, typically arrives sometime in September and it coincides with rapid color changes and shorter days. Most visitors arrive during summer when the salmon are running and bush flights operate in places like Bristol Bay on regular flight schedules. Although summer is ideal for most campers, winter does have special events like dog sledding races and views of the northern lights.
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