Forest camping in Alaska
From remote wilderness in the mountains to wild coastlines and arctic tundra, Alaska is perfect for camping.
- Alaska
96% (476 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Alaska
Under $50
12 top forest campgrounds in Alaska
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
96%
(170)
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
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.
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$600
/ night
100%
(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
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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
/ 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
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94%
(9)
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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100%
(3)
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
100%
(1)
The Glacier Breeze Cabin
1 site · Lodging4 acres · Palmer, Matanuska Susitna
The 280 sq ft open floor plan cabin is delightfully set up for a comfortable stay for up to two people. Perfect for a romantic getaway, an adventure home base, an escape from the hustle of town or even all of the above! With Ted Stevens airport only one hour away, the cabin also makes for great destination to start or end your trip to get a great nights sleep while getting that first, or final, taste of the tranquil Alaskan surroundings. With a wide assortment of year round activities in the area, the cabin is an excellent choice for a place to recharge after having the adrenaline pumping all day. The experience at the Glacier Breeze is so unique, that it’s even become a place for locals to come get away and enjoy the Alaskan beauty at some of it's best!
Do you worry about being surprised by the cleaning fees and checkout chores? You can already start to relax! We have no cleaning fee and the only thing we ask at check out is to make sure you have your stuff and to put the heat on low if it’s freezing out. After all, it’s you that’s here on vacation, not us!
So what’s the cabin have to offer you? It may be a tiny cabin, but it’s loaded with comforts and hand crafted details!
The open floor plan living area has a comfortable love seat with entertainment provided via a TV loaded with several streaming services. If you would prefer some auditory entertainment, an Alexa speaker is waiting for your request for soothing tunes of your choice to further enhance the already relaxing atmosphere. Should you prefer to just unplug from the outside world you can choose from assorted board games or Alaskan themed books to chill out with.
A wood stove with supplied firewood will keep you toasty through the chilly Alaskan nights , we will of coarse be glad to explain how to use it should you not be familiar with operating one.
The full size memory foam Murphy bed is layered in soft, hypoallergenic and sustainably sourced bamboo sheets topped by a warm down alternative comforter. Add in the crackling sound of the wood slowly burning in the stove and you will for sure get a great nights sleep!
Blackout blinds are installed on the windows for those not so dark summer Alaskan nights.
The amply equipped kitchen includes a stove, full size refrigerator, toaster, blender, crock pot, pans and the utensils you need to prepare your favorite meals. Craving a coffee or other hot beverage fix? We have you covered with the choice of a drip pot, Kureg or French press with an assortment of coffee and tea, featuring locally sourced samples. If you need something that’s not on hand, let us know and we may have it to bring out to the cabin for you to use. Not up to cooking? We would be glad to recommend a local restaurant depending on what you may be in the mood for. The Palmer area has some great locally owned restaurants, many that serve locally sourced foods. It might surprise you what is produced here in the Matsu Valley!
The private bathroom features a tub/shower combo with body wash, shampoo and conditioner provided.
Fast 50mb Wifi is provided for your entertainment and work needs.
Bear spray and bug spray are also supplied to help keep some of the more aggressive residents at bay while out exploring the area. Please do let us know if you use the bear spray so we can replace it with a new one for the next guests, and we aren’t going to lie, we would want to hear the story!
As if all that was not all the reason you needed to stay at Glacier Breeze, the cabin is conveniently located nearby several popular attractions:
Knik Glacier tours and winter fat tire bike access to glacier - 1 mile
Knik Glacier Helicopter tours. Several glacier tour options, heli-skiing, heli-hiking, dog sledding on the glacier in the summer and custom tours to create your own adventure. - 2 miles
Pioneer Ridge trailhead - 4 miles
Guided fishing on the Knik River and other valley rivers- Close!
49th State Motor Tours - 13 miles
Reindeer Farm - 14 miles
Alaska Horse Adventures - 14 miles
Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm - 15 miles
Musk Ox Farm - 21 miles
Alaska Zipline Adventure Park - 23 miles
Hatcher Pass Area - 36 miles
Snowhook Dogsledding, Snowmachine and ATV tours - 1 hour away
Matanuska Glacier Tours - 1 1/2 hour away
And there’s much more to do in additions to those as well and we would be glad to help you with recommendations. Then, after your day exploring the Mat-Su, you can easily be back relaxing at the Glacier Breeze after a day of making lifelong memories.
We not only pride ourselves on just providing you with great accommodations, but also the high level of hospitality that comes along with your stay. Our goal is to have you not wanting to leave, remembering your stay here as a highlight of your Alaskan trip and especially looking forward to coming back! After all, every season is an entirely different experience!
** Special notes for winter **
As you can imagine, Alaska requires some extra effort in the winter. We will do our absolute best to make sure that you have as enjoyable of a time as possible with any weather mother nature may toss at us. If at anytime you have any concerns, please reach out to us and we will assist you the best we can!
- If snow and ice are present, please use extra caution with footing. We do everything we can to provide for safe traction, but like everywhere in Alaska in winter, it is a constant battle with mother nature!
-Please remove any ice cleats before entering the cabin to prevent damage to floor.
-There is a snow shovel and ice melt provided should you need it, though we will also clear snow as required, typically after around 3" of new snow. Please understand that snow clearing operations in the area can occur at all hours of the day and night creating periodic noise.
- An extension cord is provided outside for plugging in vehicles, should temperatures make it necessary.
- Please let us know of any issues such as possible frozen water lines as soon as possible. This is not normally an issue, but after sustained subzero temperatures, problems can occasionally occur.
-We recommend bringing some food just in case you need to wait for plows to clear the roads to get back to town. It's a good idea to travel with some in your vehicle in general , in case you get stuck on the roadside somewhere.
from
$299
/ night
100%
(9)
Darell B.’s Magical Mountain
3 sites · Lodging3 acres · Anchorage, Anchorage
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. Last year 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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$130
/ night
Saved 17 times
Aurora Alley Cabins
1 site · LodgingFairbanks, Fairbanks North Star
Two cabins in the woods where i reside in one. A few acres of trees and open ground, adjoining to Cross Country Ski Trails of Musher hall and Creamers Field.Learn more about this land:Enjoy a real Alaskan experience! Relax and unwind in a warm dry cabin in Fairbanks, Alaska. See the Aurora Borealis from the deck and enjoy the winter trails like a local.Cozy log cabin in the woods, quiet area great to see Aurora Borealis and wild life; 10 min from downtown, UAF, Ft.Wainwright; 2 blocks from bus stop and bike route; nearby hiking and ski trails Small dry cabin with outhouse, sink, water jugs for refilling, oil heater, fridge and kitchen well equipped, futon for two and small loft bed for two.Simple living in a dry cabin, no running water (there are couple places to shower in downtown or near UAF)There are 2 separate cabins that share driveway and parking area, completely independent, equipped very similar, each with its own outhouseThe neighborhood is very quiet, on the north side of townJust a couple blocks away is Musher's Hall with a great view, on a clear day you can see DenaliYou can get easily to the east and west sides of town through Farmers Loop RdThere's a gas station with a basic store just 5 min away, by the Steese Highway
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$60
/ 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
Available this weekend
Dog-friendly getaways
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Forest camping in Alaska guide
Looking for a camping adventure in the forests of Alaska? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 900 options available in Alaska with forest terrain, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your outdoor getaway. Whether you're looking for a secluded spot to hike and fish or want to explore historic sites, we've got you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like Pinochle Trail Campground (77 reviews), Valdez Adventure Alliance (62 reviews), and Seaside Farm (23 reviews) to see what other campers have loved. Plus, with popular amenities like toilets, trash, and potable water, you can enjoy the great outdoors with a little extra comfort. Best of all, prices start as low as $5 per night, with an average price of $25 per night. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the beauty of Alaska's forests with Hipcamp!
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