Chugach State Park
00 review18620 Seward Highway, Anchorage, Alaska, 99516, United States
Chugach State Park
$15.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee ranges from $15 to $75 based on campsite type and amenities. Specific fees for individual sites include standard site fees, group camping fees, and public use cabin fees.
About this campground
Welcome to Chugach State Park, a breathtaking wilderness sanctuary encompassing 495,000 acres of pristine Alaskan landscape. As one of America's four largest state parks, this natural wonderland offers endless adventures just minutes from Anchorage's doorstep. From glacier-carved valleys to soaring peaks, every trail leads to a new discovery in this magnificent outdoor playground.
Chugach State Park provides a variety of camping accommodations, including public-use cabins, group camping sites, and tent camping areas.
Historical SignificanceStep into Alaska's storied past as you explore trails steeped in history and tradition. The legendary Crow Pass Trail, a vital segment of the historic Iditarod National Historic Trail, invites you to follow in the footsteps of gold miners and mail carriers. Throughout the park, witness the timeless dance of local wildlife in their natural habitat, from majestic eagles soaring overhead to salmon returning to their ancestral streams.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout your visit. Winter blankets the park in a pristine wonderland of moderate to heavy snowfall, creating perfect conditions for snowshoeing and winter exploration. Summer brings refreshing cool temperatures peaking around 68°F, with frequent rain showers that keep the landscape lush and waterfalls flowing at their most spectacular.
ElevationAscend through dramatic elevation changes that showcase nature's grandeur at every level. From verdant valleys to towering peaks reaching 8,000 feet into the sky, the park's impressive 5,000-foot relief creates distinct ecosystems and breathtaking vistas that reward hikers with increasingly spectacular panoramas.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and time itself. Jagged peaks pierce the sky at 8,000 feet, while below, pristine glacial valleys cradle braided streams that sparkle like silver ribbons. Eastern reaches harbor massive ice fields and active glaciers, creating an ever-changing canvas of blue ice and white snow. Keep your camera ready for encounters with the park's charismatic residents—majestic moose browsing in willow thickets, powerful bears fishing for salmon, and sure-footed Dall sheep navigating impossible cliffs.
Geological RegionMarvel at the raw power of geology in action at the western terminus of the mighty Chugach Mountain Range. Here, dramatic peaks surge directly from sea level to heights exceeding 8,000 feet, creating one of North America's most stunning vertical landscapes. Ancient glaciers continue their patient work, carving valleys and polishing granite faces, while massive ice fields in the park's eastern wilderness preserve a glimpse of the Ice Age that shaped this remarkable terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park provides accessible campsites, trails, parking, picnic shelters, walkways, and pit toilets.
Sites SizeCampsites vary greatly, accommodating anywhere from 4 to 250 people depending on the site. For example, Eagle River Group Camping Area can host up to 75 people, while cabins like Kokanee Cabin allow 8 people.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations are not provided.
Best CampsitesSpecific standout campsites are not designated.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Not specified in authoritative details.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Varies by campsite type, ranging from 4 to 250.
Groups
Group sites can accommodate up to 250 people (e.g., Canyon Group Camping Area). Many group sites are non-electric.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spread across several campgrounds, with different site types including cabins and group camping areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Specific peak or off-season periods are not outlined.
Reservation PlatformsOfficial website: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/chugach/chugachindex.htm
Walk-in AvailabilityNot specified in authoritative sources.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly described in authoritative sources.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Chugach State Park offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Visitors can engage in camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, biking, fishing, boating, and cross-country skiing. The park features over 280 miles of trails and provides access to lakes and streams.
Hiking
The park boasts over 280 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. The Crow Pass Trail is a segment of the Iditarod National Historic Trail.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Fishing is available in the park’s lakes and streams, including Eklutna Lake, which is the largest lake within the park.Biking
Both summer and winter biking opportunities are available.Boating
Boating opportunities include lake access, with Eklutna Lake offering a sizeable area for water-based activities.Wildlife viewing
Visitors may encounter moose, black and brown bears, Dall sheep, mountain goats, beavers, and various bird species. Spawning salmon are also visible in the park’s streams.Beach activities
The park offers beach access for activities like picnicking and relaxation.Cultural and Educational Programs
The Eagle River Nature Center conducts year-round outdoor and interpretive programs.Winter Activities
Snowmachining, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice climbing are popular in winter months.Water Sports
Canoeing is listed as an activity.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Not detailed.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife encounters with bears, lynx, and wolves are possible but rare. Visitors are advised to maintain distance.
Active alertsNot specified.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Contact numbers provided include Direct Line at 907-269-8400 and Ranger Station at 907-345-5014. Further details about specific emergency services are not available.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities or schedules was provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe park hosts rivers such as Eklutna and Eagle Rivers and lakes like Eklutna Lake, the largest within the park.
Common complaintsNo major complaints noted in user reviews or authoritative sources.
HostNot detailed.
Campground Map
18620 Seward Highway, Anchorage, Alaska, 99516, United States
Driving directionsThere are multiple entrances to the park. Please visit http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/chugach/chugachindex.htm for more information.
The park is accessible through multiple entrances, and the proximity to Anchorage ensures easy access. No specific road types, seasonal closures, or challenging terrain information is provided.Nearby places
The communities within minutes of the park include Palmer, Eagle River, Chugiak, Indian, Bird, Girdwood, the village of Eklutna, and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Exact distances are not provided.
Nearby supplies
Not explicitly stated. Anchorage, as the nearest city, is likely the best option for supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Chugach State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are sparse but generally positive, focusing on the park's natural beauty and educational signage.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
The park's educational placards received specific praise in one review.
Common Concerns
No complaints were noted in the user reviews provided.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user recommendations were included.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal specifics were identified in the reviews.
Camper Quotes
"I am impressed with Alaska's historical (and easy to understand) placards which are placed throughout the state. Therefore I make it a must to always look at them and here was no different."
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews were linked to specific campsites.
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility were provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews on pet policies or experiences with pets were included.
Last updated August 10, 2025