Ptarmigan Creek
4.2422 reviewsSeward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Ptarmigan 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
Standard Nonelectric campsites are available at $19 per night during the peak season between May 23 and September 13, 2025. Additional reservation fees apply: $8 online/app, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Chugach National Forest, Ptarmigan Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Alaska's pristine wilderness. This peaceful retreat on the Kenai Peninsula invites you to wake up to towering mountain vistas and fall asleep to the gentle murmur of Ptarmigan Creek. Each wooded campsite provides a private sanctuary among the trees, while nearby trails beckon hikers and anglers to explore the surrounding backcountry. Despite its secluded feel, you'll find all the essential amenities needed for a comfortable stay in this natural paradise.
Ptarmigan Creek offers standard nonelectric campsites suitable for tents and small trailers.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Ptarmigan Creek connects you to centuries of Alaskan heritage. The legendary Iditarod Trail passes nearby, where mushers and their dog teams have traversed this historic route since the early 1900s. This National Historic Trail once served as a vital lifeline for gold rush communities and mail delivery, and today stands as a testament to Alaska's enduring frontier spirit and the remarkable relationship between humans and sled dogs.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformations at Ptarmigan Creek. Summer brings mild temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures, though savvy visitors come prepared for the infamous Alaskan mosquitoes that thrive during warmer months. As autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, the bugs retreat and crisp air settles in. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-laden wonderland, where temperatures plunge and the forest takes on a magical, frozen stillness that attracts hardy cold-weather enthusiasts.
ElevationPerched at 470 feet above sea level, Ptarmigan Creek occupies a sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even on warmer days. This modest elevation creates a unique microclimate where towering spruce and birch trees provide natural shade canopies, offering respite from the summer sun while maintaining easy accessibility for visitors of all fitness levels.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient spruce and paper birch create a living cathedral at 470 feet elevation. The majestic Chugach Mountains rise dramatically around you, their peaks reflected in the pristine waters of nearby Kenai Lake. Ptarmigan Creek winds through the campground, its crystal-clear waters home to salmon and trout. Keep your camera ready – this is prime wildlife territory where moose browse through campsites at dawn, black bears fish for salmon, and sure-footed mountain goats and Dall sheep navigate the rocky heights above.
Geological RegionPtarmigan Creek sits within the spectacular 5.4-million-acre Chugach National Forest, where geological forces have sculpted one of North America's most diverse landscapes. From your campsite on the Kenai Peninsula, you're surrounded by a wilderness tapestry that encompasses everything from windswept alpine tundra to ancient glacial fjords. The rugged Chugach Mountains tower overhead, their peaks carved by millennia of ice and wind, while the pristine waters of Prince William Sound shimmer in the distance – a testament to the raw, untamed beauty that defines southcentral Alaska.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically mentioned in the materials provided.
Sites SizeSite sizes vary, with some being too small to accommodate larger RVs or trailers. One user noted that site #1 was too small for their 19 ft. trailer.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are heavily wooded, providing ample privacy. Several users noted that the sites were secluded, with brush and trees ensuring neighbors are not visible.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the creek offer better access to fishing and relaxing sounds of water. Sites further from the road are quieter and more private.
Best CampsitesHighly rated sites include campsite 001 (private and well-maintained) and campsite 012 (quiet and spacious).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 12 campsites laid out in a single loop, surrounded by forest.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts May 23, 2025, and ends September 13, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, via the app, or through the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly detailed, but the campground is listed as reservable through Recreation.gov.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations may be made prior to the day of reservation check-in. A $10 fee applies, plus forfeiture of the first night's fees for late cancellations. No-show reservations incur a $20 fee and loss of the first night's fees.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ptarmigan Creek Campground is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. From late August to early September, the creek becomes a hotspot for viewing red salmon spawning. The Ptarmigan Lake Trail provides scenic hiking opportunities, and fishing for Dolly Varden and rainbow trout is popular.
Hiking
The Ptarmigan Lake Trail is a highlight, offering a hiking experience through meadows, brush, and forest to the turquoise Ptarmigan Lake. Users praised the trail for its beauty and accessibility from the campground.Fishing
Fishing is a major attraction at Ptarmigan Creek, with Dolly Varden and rainbow trout being common catches. The fish viewing platform provides an excellent spot to observe red salmon spawning during late summer.Biking
Miles of biking trails are available in the area, though specific trail details are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is abundant, with moose, brown and black bears, sheep, and goats commonly observed. The campground's natural surroundings enhance the experience.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not listed in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated rings. Firewood must be purchased locally.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned, but user reviews describe a peaceful environment.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards include bears and mosquitoes. Bring sufficient insect repellent and take precautions for wildlife safety.
Active alertsUser reviews mention road construction noise during summer months and issues with potable water quality.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.4 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
Nearest emergency services include Seward Community Hospital approximately 20 miles away for medical emergencies. Police services and additional aid are also available in Seward.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 to September 13, 2025.
Trash and recyclingDumpsters are available for campers to dispose of trash, but no recycling facilities were mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated beside Ptarmigan Creek and a short walk from Kenai Lake, offering fishing and fish viewing opportunities.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include lack of food storage lockers, small campsite sizes, poor cell service, and occasional construction noise.
HostA campground host is present, as confirmed by multiple reviews. Hosts are described as helpful and accommodating.
Campground Map
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Driving directionsFrom Anchorage, go south on Seward Highway to Crown Point, approximately 100 miles. The campground is located at Milepost 23.1.
The campground is accessible via the Seward Highway, which is a paved major road. Seasonal roadwork and construction may occur during summer months, as mentioned in user reviews.Nearby places
Seward (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes), Moose Pass (approximately 6 miles, 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, are available in Seward around 20 miles away. Moose Pass, 6 miles away, may offer limited supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.2
22 reviews
Ptarmigan Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Ptarmigan Creek Campground is praised for its peaceful and natural setting, clean facilities, and proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities. However, some users noted issues like small site sizes and occasional noise from nearby road construction.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews frequently highlight the campground's tranquility, privacy, cleanliness, and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Users appreciated the proximity to the Ptarmigan Lake Trail and the...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the small size of some campsites, lack of a campground host to address issues, and occasional noise from nearby road work. Cell service is described as spotty, and some...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest bringing ample water, as the water pump quality is questionable, and a bug shelter to combat mosquitoes and black flies. It’s recommended to confirm site sizes for your specific camping...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during summer months when activities like hiking and fishing are in full swing. Fall offers a unique experience with red salmon spawning, but reviews do not mention winter...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The campsites always seem well maintained and clean. We can’t wait to come back for another weekend trip." - Shelby B. "The campground is beautiful. The trails are great. I’ve been coming to...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1 was noted as too small for a 19 ft. trailer, while other sites like #5 were praised for their privacy and cleanliness. Site #12 received high ratings for its proximity to the Ptarmigan Lake...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Based on 22 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically discuss experiences related to pets at the campground.
Based on 22 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025