The best forest campgrounds near Whittier, Alaska

Looking to camp in the forests around Whittier? You’ll find over 590 campsites tucked among spruce and hemlock, with options starting at $36 a night and an average stay running $140. Showers, pet-friendly sites, and campfires are common here, so you can dry off after a swim or warm up after a day on the trail. Fishing spots and hiking routes cut straight through the woods, many just a short walk from your tent. For trusted reviews and a local’s pick, check out Hideaway Camp (Single Camp Spot!) (16 reviews), Darell B.’s Magical Mountain (8 reviews), and The Glacier Breeze (3 reviews). Bring layers—the weather shifts fast under these trees, and mornings can be sharp.

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Top-rated campgrounds

The best place to call home while you explore the MatSu Valley!

Looking to camp in the forests around Whittier? You’ll find over 590 campsites tucked among spruce and hemlock, with options starting at $36 a night and an average stay running $140. Showers, pet-friendly sites, and campfires are common here, so you can dry off after a swim or warm up after a day on the trail. Fishing spots and hiking routes cut straight through the woods, many just a short walk from your tent. For trusted reviews and a local’s pick, check out Hideaway Camp (Single Camp Spot!) (16 reviews), Darell B.’s Magical Mountain (8 reviews), and The Glacier Breeze (3 reviews). Bring layers—the weather shifts fast under these trees, and mornings can be sharp.

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Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Glacier Breeze

93%

(7)

47mi from Whittier · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging · Palmer, AK

The Glacier Breeze is located in Alaska’s beautiful Knik River Valley surrounded by breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains. With the numerous adventures that you can take in the Knik River and Matsu areas, it makes for a perfect base camp. The property also makes for a great beginning or ending of your Alaskan trip with it being conveniently located a short hour drive from Anchorage. Why be in the city when you can be emersed in Alaska!

2. Twin Peaks Sleeps

100%

(4)

47mi from Whittier · 13 sites · RVs · Chugiak, AK

Escape the hustle and bustle of crowded campgrounds and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Eklutna Valley at Twin Peaks Sleeps. With astounding mountain views, staying at TP Sleeps will take your breath away when you step out your door. Nestled on the north edge Anchorage, Alaska, our accommodations provide a perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Explore the stunning surroundings, play at Eklutna Lake and stay in quiet comfort at our 2 RV sites, large house or small apartment. Twin Peaks Sleeps are your gateway to a peaceful escape amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Eklutna Valley.

3. Darell B.’s Magical Mountain

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(15)

42mi from Whittier · 3 sites · Lodging · 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.

4. Central Fishing Access

35mi from Whittier · 2 sites · Lodging · Seward, AK

Property is easily accessible from the Seward Highway and room for boat or RV parking. This historic old lodge " The Crown Point Lodge", was once a popular stop that offered meals, lodging, movie rentals and all the essentials but also was a moose rescue. It since has been converted to a residence and upstairs rental. Kenai lake access is 1 mile away down trail River Road (picture is of the lake shore that's accessible). Russian river is about a 25 minute drive north off the Sterling. Seward is the other direction about the same distance. Moose Pass is 5 miles away with a convenience store. Lots of great fishing in the area and this location is ideal being it is central. There are lots of hiking trails close by. We are not located in any town, but rather the Crown Point community. This listing is for the upstairs space of 2500sqft. There are 2 big living rooms, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (4 showers), kitchen and dining area, and a deck. There is also a washer and drier for your use. one room has a queen bed, one with a king bed (and a private bathroom attached), two bedrooms with twin beds. There is also an extra twin bed set up in the first living room. There is also Star Link provided for internet and a smart TV. This is an authentic Alaskan space.

5. Seward Camping

100%

(3)

50mi from Whittier · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Seward, AK

Welcome to my property in Seward! You can enjoy rugged camping and a few basic glamping options here with us.

6. Gnome Dome & Mushroom Room Hope AK

100%

(3)

33mi from Whittier · 2 sites · Lodging · Hope, AK

Come stay at the Gnome Dome & Mushroom Room in Hope Alaska. Located conveniently off Resurrection Road near the Hope airport. These spacious bell tents sleep 4. Just B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own sleeping Bag) Or we have sleeping bags to rent. We have an outdoor firepit, camp chairs, and space to enjoy our neck of the woods.

7. Nauti Otter Inn and Yurt Village

100%

(5)

49mi from Whittier · 11 sites · Tents, Lodging · Seward, AK

Campers Two vintage 1960 Campers. Accommodates from two to three people. Includes all linens. Cabins Six rustic cabins, Accommodates from one to five people. Includes all linens. Access to the Inn with two fully stocked kitchens, a shower house, an outdoor toilet, and an indoor shower and toilet. WiFi, living room, dining area, small dining nook, outdoor sink, and fire pit. Pancake and waffle breakfast.

8. Nauti Otter Inn Yurt Village

100%

(8)

48mi from Whittier · 20 sites · Lodging · Seward, AK

Experience Alaskan hospitality at the Nauti Otter. From the seclusion of our vintage campers or rustic cabins to the social atmosphere of our inn with private rooms or hostel beds, we have something for everyone. For a truly unforgettable adventure, try glamping in our unique yurts surrounded by enchanting forest.

9. Camp Farm

33mi from Whittier · 1 site · Lodging · Hope, AK

Camp Farm is a small organic homestead/farm in Hope, AK. Our micro-campground offers peaceful off-grid camping. Stay in our 16' yurt, or bring your tent/fully contained RV. Our property is dry, so you'll need to supply your own water, but you are welcome to use our on-site outhouse. There is a small fire pit and communal outdoor kitchen space with a propane 2-burner stove for guest use. We do not allow visiting pets, however there are dogs on site who love belly rubs. With quick access to the Resurrection Pass Trailhead, Wagon Trail, Gull Rock and Hope Point trails and only 2.5 miles from historic downtown Hope, there is a lot to see and do here! Hope is home to about 200 year-round residents and boasts some of the rowdiest white water rafting (5+ rapids on 6-Mile Creek), most scenic hiking and best trail/mountain bike riding in the state. If you're a foodie, cruise 2.5 miles into "town" for a bite at one of 4 locally owned restaurants or a coffee at one of the coffee shops. Enjoy live music every summer weekend at one of 3 different music venues. Hope does not have a gas station, so please plan ahead and fuel up in Girdwood, Cooper Landing or Seward before heading to town. There is a small market here, so if you forget an essential, you'll be able to purchase ice, water, beer, snacks, etc. here in town.

10. Spruce Goose Lodge

48mi from Whittier · 2 sites · Lodging · Seward, AK

Welcome to The Spruce Goose, a beautiful lodge nestled in the heart of Seward, AK. Surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Kenai Peninsula and only a stone's throw away from the breathtaking Resurrection Bay, our lodge offers the perfect combination of comfort and adventure. With cozy rooms, delicious dining options and a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from, The Spruce Goose is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Come experience the magic of Alaska at our unforgettable lodge. The Spruce Goose Lodge is a fully appointed home designed to provide you with everything you may need for a luxurious stay in Seward. The home has a full kitchen which is open to the sitting area, dining room with seating for 8, large living room with a sectional sofa and TV, and three bedrooms with brand new bedding and mattresses. Additional guests have use of a pull out sofa in the living room with plenty of extra pillows and linens. The primary suite has a large walk-in curb-less shower with plenty of grab bars, bench seat, double shower heads, and even a bluetooth speaker in the ceiling!

Camper favorites near Whittier

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Central Fishing Access

35mi from Whittier · 2 sites · Lodging · Seward, AK

Property is easily accessible from the Seward Highway and room for boat or RV parking. This historic old lodge " The Crown Point Lodge", was once a popular stop that offered meals, lodging, movie rentals and all the essentials but also was a moose rescue. It since has been converted to a residence and upstairs rental. Kenai lake access is 1 mile away down trail River Road (picture is of the lake shore that's accessible). Russian river is about a 25 minute drive north off the Sterling. Seward is the other direction about the same distance. Moose Pass is 5 miles away with a convenience store. Lots of great fishing in the area and this location is ideal being it is central. There are lots of hiking trails close by. We are not located in any town, but rather the Crown Point community. This listing is for the upstairs space of 2500sqft. There are 2 big living rooms, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (4 showers), kitchen and dining area, and a deck. There is also a washer and drier for your use. one room has a queen bed, one with a king bed (and a private bathroom attached), two bedrooms with twin beds. There is also an extra twin bed set up in the first living room. There is also Star Link provided for internet and a smart TV. This is an authentic Alaskan space.

Seward Camping

100%

(3)

50mi from Whittier · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Seward, AK

Welcome to my property in Seward! You can enjoy rugged camping and a few basic glamping options here with us.

Gnome Dome & Mushroom Room Hope AK

100%

(3)

33mi from Whittier · 2 sites · Lodging · Hope, AK

Come stay at the Gnome Dome & Mushroom Room in Hope Alaska. Located conveniently off Resurrection Road near the Hope airport. These spacious bell tents sleep 4. Just B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own sleeping Bag) Or we have sleeping bags to rent. We have an outdoor firepit, camp chairs, and space to enjoy our neck of the woods.

Nauti Otter Inn and Yurt Village

100%

(5)

49mi from Whittier · 11 sites · Tents, Lodging · Seward, AK

Campers Two vintage 1960 Campers. Accommodates from two to three people. Includes all linens. Cabins Six rustic cabins, Accommodates from one to five people. Includes all linens. Access to the Inn with two fully stocked kitchens, a shower house, an outdoor toilet, and an indoor shower and toilet. WiFi, living room, dining area, small dining nook, outdoor sink, and fire pit. Pancake and waffle breakfast.

Nauti Otter Inn Yurt Village

100%

(8)

48mi from Whittier · 20 sites · Lodging · Seward, AK

Experience Alaskan hospitality at the Nauti Otter. From the seclusion of our vintage campers or rustic cabins to the social atmosphere of our inn with private rooms or hostel beds, we have something for everyone. For a truly unforgettable adventure, try glamping in our unique yurts surrounded by enchanting forest.

Camp Farm

33mi from Whittier · 1 site · Lodging · Hope, AK

Camp Farm is a small organic homestead/farm in Hope, AK. Our micro-campground offers peaceful off-grid camping. Stay in our 16' yurt, or bring your tent/fully contained RV. Our property is dry, so you'll need to supply your own water, but you are welcome to use our on-site outhouse. There is a small fire pit and communal outdoor kitchen space with a propane 2-burner stove for guest use. We do not allow visiting pets, however there are dogs on site who love belly rubs. With quick access to the Resurrection Pass Trailhead, Wagon Trail, Gull Rock and Hope Point trails and only 2.5 miles from historic downtown Hope, there is a lot to see and do here! Hope is home to about 200 year-round residents and boasts some of the rowdiest white water rafting (5+ rapids on 6-Mile Creek), most scenic hiking and best trail/mountain bike riding in the state. If you're a foodie, cruise 2.5 miles into "town" for a bite at one of 4 locally owned restaurants or a coffee at one of the coffee shops. Enjoy live music every summer weekend at one of 3 different music venues. Hope does not have a gas station, so please plan ahead and fuel up in Girdwood, Cooper Landing or Seward before heading to town. There is a small market here, so if you forget an essential, you'll be able to purchase ice, water, beer, snacks, etc. here in town.

Spruce Goose Lodge

48mi from Whittier · 2 sites · Lodging · Seward, AK

Welcome to The Spruce Goose, a beautiful lodge nestled in the heart of Seward, AK. Surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Kenai Peninsula and only a stone's throw away from the breathtaking Resurrection Bay, our lodge offers the perfect combination of comfort and adventure. With cozy rooms, delicious dining options and a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from, The Spruce Goose is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Come experience the magic of Alaska at our unforgettable lodge. The Spruce Goose Lodge is a fully appointed home designed to provide you with everything you may need for a luxurious stay in Seward. The home has a full kitchen which is open to the sitting area, dining room with seating for 8, large living room with a sectional sofa and TV, and three bedrooms with brand new bedding and mattresses. Additional guests have use of a pull out sofa in the living room with plenty of extra pillows and linens. The primary suite has a large walk-in curb-less shower with plenty of grab bars, bench seat, double shower heads, and even a bluetooth speaker in the ceiling!

Public campgrounds near Whittier

Decision Point Campground

7mi from Whittier · 2 sites · in Decision Point State Marine Park

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(2)

Williwaw Campground

7.2mi from Whittier · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chugach National Forest

Black Bear Campground

7.6mi from Whittier · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chugach National Forest

Surprise Cove Campground

9.2mi from Whittier · 7 sites · in Surprise Cove State Marine Park

Pigot Bay Cabin

10mi from Whittier · 1 site · in Chugach National Forest

100%

(1)

Entry Cove Campground

10mi from Whittier · 10 sites · in Entry Cove State Marine Park

Paulson Bay Cabin

11mi from Whittier · 1 site · in Chugach National Forest

Ziegler Cove Campground

12mi from Whittier · 1 site · in Ziegler Cove State Marine Park

Shrode Lake Cabin

15mi from Whittier · 1 site · in Chugach National Forest

Bettles Bay Campground

17mi from Whittier · 3 sites · in Bettles Bay State Marine Park

Bertha Creek Campground

20mi from Whittier · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chugach National Forest

South Esther Island Campground

20mi from Whittier · 1 site · in South Esther Island State Marine Park

Stories from the community

Maggie

August 2025

1 night at Nauti Otter Inn Yurt Village

Very clean, excellent layout and comfortable beds! Would stay here again. It was my parent’s first time staying in a yurt, or using a communal kitchen, and it was a great experience for them. Would recommend.

K

Kimberley

July 2025

2 nights at Darell B.’s Magical Mountain

It was a nice place. Very quiet and relaxing. The view from the deck was perfect. The only thing I’d recommend is maybe adding a sign or something similar at the end of the driveway so it stands out a bit. It took me a few minutes to find it.

Kira

July 2025

2 nights at Nauti Otter Inn and Yurt Village

Amazing stay at the Loon Saloon! Super cute accommodations and terrific amenities. Staff was wonderful. Highly recommend and will definitely stay here if visiting the area in the future.

Grace

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Nauti Otter Inn Yurt Village

I will be forever dreaming about our next stay at the Nauru Otter Yurt Village. My husband multiple times during our stay kept saying I can’t wait until we can come back and stay here longer. They thought of literally everything. Comfortable, clean, charming, fun, we cannot say enough great things about this fairytale like yurt village.

N

Nancy

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Seward Camping

There was nonsafe place to put up a tent are barely park a sprinter van… essentially it is a construction site … not a remote place at all

G

Goldie

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Seward Camping

The host still has work to do before his beautiful land lives up to its full potential however his kindness & willingness to go above & beyond to accommodate more then makes up for it. We had a great time & would come again. I suspect there will be more improvements by then too (:

R

Robert

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Darell B.’s Magical Mountain

I loved having a stream nearby to hear water in the morning or whenever.i would definitely stay here again and in future.

R

Robert

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Darell B.’s Magical Mountain

Ambient water running nearby mountain scene quite and cozy. Would definitely stay here again

Magalie

July 2025

2 nights at Darell B.’s Magical Mountain

The host was very welcoming, the cabin was really nice, clean and beautiful. 20 min walk from south fork valley trail!

Virginia

July 2025

1 night at The Glacier Breeze

We had a great time! It was a much needed relaxed night. The hosts were communicating well and allowed us to check in early even though we ended up not needing to, because we kept stopping for photos on our trip. This place had great hot water and amenities! Would def stay here again.

V

Valerie

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Darell B.’s Magical Mountain

We were absolutely thrilled with Darell’s cabin. It was so cute and cozy with everything needed to make for a comfortable stay. It has a great view and the hosts are incredibly accommodating. They allowed us to use their personal grill when we arrived because the city had a burn ban put into effect the day we arrived and we couldn’t cook over the fire pit. They also allow dogs and even put a towel to dry our lab off with before we brought her inside. We will definitely be returning in the future.

Val

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Nauti Otter Inn and Yurt Village

The Lumberjack Shack was a great stay! Clean, surprisingly roomy, and very adorably Alaskan. Nauti Otter staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The shared spaces (kitchen, bathrooms, living room) were also spotless. Highly recommend for a stay in Steward!

B

Britni

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Seward Camping

Nice quiet spot for camping. Would definitely stay there again! Troy was responsive and helpful.

Julie

May 2025

With pets

1 night at Nauti Otter Inn and Yurt Village

So very cute loved the cabins esp the beaver boudoir!!! ! Well stocked kitchen and fun playing Rumikube with international travelers ! Smores around the fire ! Great night