Granite Creek
4.1428 reviews145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
Granite Creek
$19.00 - $19.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$19.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rate for the standard non-electric campsites during the peak season is $19. Additional fees may apply for reservations, late cancellations, and modifications.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Kenai Mountains, Granite Creek Campground offers an intimate escape where wildflower meadows meet ancient spruce forests. This hidden gem rewards those seeking solitude with generously spaced sites that provide a true sense of privacy. Here, the rhythmic sound of glacier-fed creeks creates nature's soundtrack, while the absence of crowds allows for an authentic wilderness experience that feels increasingly rare in today's busy world.
Granite Creek Campground is primarily designed for tent and RV camping, with 19 sites most of which are located near the creek. The campground provides a sense of quiet and seclusion, but user reviews note that some sites may not accommodate larger RVs despite advertised sizes.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this mountain retreat into a camper's paradise, with the sweet spot stretching from May through September when warm days invite exploration and cool nights promise restful sleep. While winter blankets the landscape in moderate snow and brings crisp, cold temperatures, the summer months reveal the campground's true character—mild weather, minimal precipitation, and endless daylight hours that make every adventure possible.
Natural Features and SceneryThe thundering waters of Granite Creek and Six Mile Creek frame this spectacular campground, their glacier-fed currents carving through a landscape dominated by the soaring peaks of the Kenai Mountains. Mature spruce trees stand like ancient sentinels, their branches creating a natural cathedral above campsites below. In summer, meadows explode with wildflower color—lupines, fireweed, and forget-me-nots painting the forest floor. This pristine habitat draws an impressive cast of wildlife characters: majestic moose browsing through camp at dawn, playful marmots whistling from rocky outcrops, snowshoe hares darting between shadows, and the occasional glimpse of black bears, brown bears, or sure-footed mountain goats navigating the heights above.
Geological RegionGranite Creek Campground sits within the magnificent Chugach National Forest, where the dramatic Kenai Mountains create a landscape sculpted by ice and time. This remarkable geological region showcases the raw power of glacial forces, with crystal-clear rivers fed by ancient ice flows cutting through valleys flanked by towering peaks. The mature spruce forests that blanket these mountain slopes tell the story of centuries of growth in one of Alaska's most pristine wilderness areas, offering visitors a front-row seat to the ongoing drama of mountain ecology.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no explicit mention of accessibility features in the provided sources.
Sites SizeThe campground accommodates various sizes of campsites, though user reviews warn that advertised size limits may not be accurate. For example, reviews noted challenges with larger trailers fitting into sites.
Sites Privacy"Well spaced sites that provide privacy nestled among tall pines" states one user review. Multiple reviewers commented on the quietness and seclusion of the sites.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #9 is ideal for trailers; site #10 is close to restrooms. Sites #3 and #13 are noted for their privacy and quiet. Creekside sites are premium options.
Best CampsitesCreekside spots, such as #9, are praised for privacy and proximity to water. Sites #3, #4, and #5 are highlighted as clean, beautiful, and shaded.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number not specified.
Groups
Group sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 19 sites, mostly spaced apart and set in a loop. Many sites are located along the creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 30th to September 9th; reservations available starting June 26th.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not explicitly described; reservations are highly recommended due to site demand.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before check-in; a $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations incur additional fees, including forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Granite Creek Campground offers a wide variety of recreational activities. Popular options include biking along the Seward Highway's paved path, hiking the nearby Johnson Pass Trail, fishing in Granite Creek, and wildlife viewing. According to user reviews, the birding opportunities are excellent, and the creek provides scenic views. Class V whitewater rafting opportunities are available at Six Mile Creek nearby.
Hiking
The nearby Johnson Pass Trail, located about a mile east of the campground, offers a well-maintained 23-mile trail with breathtaking vistas and mostly level terrain. Turnagain Pass trail is also mentioned as a hiking destination.Fishing
Fishing is considered intermediate, with Dolly Varden trout being among the catchable species.Biking
A paved 5-mile bike path runs along the Seward Highway to the Hope Highway, offering scenic views and opportunities for berry-picking and enjoying wildflowers.Boating
Packrafting opportunities are available on Granite and Six-Mile Creeks, which provide world-class conditions.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife commonly seen in the area includes moose, snowshoe hare, black and brown bears, marmots, and mountain goats. Birding opportunities were specifically praised in user reviews.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned in the sources.Water Sports
Packrafting is available, but no other non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are described explicitly.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is significant; campers must use bear boxes. Flooding may occur during rain at certain sites. Cow parsnip growth poses risks for pets.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Emergency services are available in Anchorage (64 miles north); the nearest hospital, police station, and ranger station are located there.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 30th - September 9th.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection services are provided during the summer months. There is no mention of recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located next to Granite Creek and near Six Mile Creek.
Common complaintsSome sites are overgrown and not maintained, with cow parsnip encroaching. Trash has been found at some sites. Posts marking reserved sites are sometimes inaccurate or damaged.
HostCampground hosts are not consistently visible; some reviews mention never seeing a host during their stay.
Campground Map
145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
Driving directionsFrom Anchorage, go south on Seward Highway approximately 64 miles. Turn at milepost 63; the campground is on the left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads along the Seward Highway, which is well-marked. Turnoff from the main highway is easy to navigate. Some reviews mention road noise from the highway.Nearby places
Anchorage: 64 miles south, 1-hour drive
Seward: 62.6 miles north.
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies for groceries, camping equipment, and fuel are in Anchorage, approximately 64 miles north along the Seward Highway.
Camper Reviews
4.1
28 reviews
Granite Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Granite Creek are mixed, with positive highlights focusing on the scenic location, privacy, and creekside spots. Common complaints include maintenance issues such as broken toilet seats, overgrown sites, and discrepancies with reservations. User reviews emphasize the importance of reserving sites in advance.
Review Summaries
Based on 28 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground's privacy, scenic beauty, and proximity to Granite Creek. Several reviewers highlighted the new, sturdy picnic tables and the quietness of the area. "Loved our campsite...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include maintenance issues like broken toilet seats and neglected site posts. "Campground suffering from neglect. Site posts in serious need of paint. One site post rotted off at base and...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from user reviews include reserving sites ahead of time, especially creekside spots which are considered premium. One reviewer warned, "Scout the campground if you have a bigger trailer; the...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the busiest season, with reviewers recommending early reservations to secure spots. Some visitors noted maintenance issues more apparent during peak season, such as overgrown sites and worn...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Well spaced sites that provide privacy nestled among tall pines." "Brand new picnic tables that are the largest, sturdiest I've ever seen." "If you like birding, this was a great campsite!" "Site...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight both positive and negative experiences. For example, "Sites go quickly at this campsite; try to reserve before you arrive. We got the last spot the night we arrived;...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not specifically mentioned in reviews. No detailed experiences from users with disabilities were included.
Based on 28 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but one reviewer noted challenges with cow parsnip and keeping their dog outside. "There was cow parsnip moving into the area which made it hard to keep our dog outside."
Based on 28 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025