Exit Glacier Campground
4.2610 reviewsKenai Fjords National Park, PO Box 1727, Seward, AK, 99664, USA
Exit Glacier Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
There are no camping fees at Exit Glacier Campground. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations.
About this campground
Discover the raw beauty of Alaska at Exit Glacier Campground, where twelve intimate tent sites offer an authentic wilderness experience just steps from one of the continent's most accessible glaciers. This walk-in sanctuary within Kenai Fjords National Park welcomes adventurers seeking a genuine connection with nature—no reservations required, just arrive early and claim your piece of paradise. Your stay includes access to a communal cooking shelter where fellow travelers share stories beneath towering peaks, fresh mountain water from a hand pump, and the simple comfort of knowing you're camping the way it was meant to be: free, first-come first-served, and completely immersed in the Alaskan wilderness.
Exit Glacier Campground is a primitive tent-only, walk-in campground with no reservations or fees.
Weather and SeasonsTime your adventure wisely to experience Exit Glacier at its finest. July and August transform this glacial wonderland into a hiker's paradise, where nearly endless daylight bathes the landscape in golden hues and mild temperatures invite exploration well into the evening hours. As autumn arrives, the campground takes on a quieter character, perfect for those seeking solitude amid changing colors. Winter transforms the area into a snow-laden dreamscape—beautiful to behold but challenging for camping, as heavy snowfall and bone-chilling temperatures create conditions best left to the hardiest souls.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the sound of glacial streams dancing over ancient stones and step outside your tent to witness nature's grand theater. The campground serves as your front-row seat to Exit Glacier's dramatic presence, while expansive outwash plains stretch before you like nature's own canvas, painted with wildflowers in summer and dusted with fresh snow in cooler months. Towering peaks frame every view, their slopes telling stories of ice ages past, while the nearby creek provides a constant soundtrack to your alpine adventure.
Geological RegionSet within the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park, this campground places you at the intersection of fire and ice—where ancient glaciers continue their millennia-old dance of advance and retreat. Exit Glacier, your magnificent neighbor, has carved this landscape over countless centuries, leaving behind sprawling outwash plains that shift and change with each season's melt. Here, you'll witness geology in action as glacial runoff creates new channels daily, reshaping the land before your eyes in a testament to our planet's ever-changing face.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTwo wheelchair-accessible tent sites are available (spots 1 and 12).
Sites SizeSuitable for up to two medium tents per site.
Sites PrivacySites are described as private and spaced out, with user reviews emphasizing their seclusion: "The campsites are well marked along a very nice path, and each spot has privacy," and "You get plenty of privacy with the walk-in sites."
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near the creek for a serene experience and avoid overcrowding near the communal shelter during peak times.
Best CampsitesCampsites 1 and 12 are wheelchair accessible and highly rated. Sites close to the outwash plain offer scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Fourteen-day limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site permits up to two medium tents.
Groups
No group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are walk-in and spaced out along a marked path, providing privacy and seclusion.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but peak seasons are July and August when the campground frequently fills by early evening.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground frequently fills by early evening during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are required or accepted, so cancellation policies are not applicable.
Amenities available
Potable water
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campground activities are primarily centered around proximity to Exit Glacier and the surrounding natural environment. "Only a couple minutes down the road from the visitor center, too, so we didn’t have far to go to and from our hike up the Exit Glacier," as noted by a user.
Hiking
The campground is located near Exit Glacier, offering easy access to hiking trails. The visitor center is just minutes away, making it convenient for campers to explore the glacier area.Wildlife viewing
The campground's proximity to the outwash plain offers scenic views and opportunities for observing wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter camping is likely discouraged due to heavy snow and freezing temperatures, as indicated by weather data.Water Sports
No water sports facilities or activities are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are only permitted in the designated central cooking shelter.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include interactions with wildlife, glacial runoff, and cold weather conditions. Drinking water requires boiling or filtering.
Weather forecast
48
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 96%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
The nearest emergency services in Seward include a hospital and police station. Ranger stations within the national park also offer assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly through August are identified as peak camping months.
Trash and recyclingCentralized food storage provides a secure area for dry goods, but there is no explicit mention of trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near a creek and outwash plains formed by glacial runoff.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight the poor maintenance of pit toilets, with complaints about unpleasant odors and cleanliness. Some found this to detract from the camping experience.
Campground Map
Kenai Fjords National Park, PO Box 1727, Seward, AK, 99664, USA
Driving directionsTurn onto Herman Leirer Road (commonly called 'Exit Glacier Road') at mile 3 of the Seward Highway - AK-9. Proceed 8 miles. The campground will be the first turn on the left, after crossing into the park, about 3/4 of a mile after the park's entrance sign.
The campground is accessible by paved roads leading directly to the location. There are no seasonal closures mentioned, and navigation challenges are minimal as the campground is located just before the Exit Glacier Nature Center parking lot.Nearby places
Seward is the nearest population center, approximately 8 miles away. Travel time is roughly 15-20 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Seward, approximately 8 miles away from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.3
10 reviews
Exit Glacier Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Exit Glacier Campground are generally positive, highlighting its free status, serenity, and well-spaced sites. However, there are criticisms about the cleanliness of the pit toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Users consistently praise the campground for its privacy, proximity to natural attractions, and the fact that it is free. "WOW! I can't believe this campground is free," exclaimed one user. Another...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The primary complaint revolves around the cleanliness of the pit toilets, with one user noting, "The outhouses were not well kept - they smelled horrible and were overall very dirty." Another said,...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early during peak months (July and August), as the campground fills quickly. Consider bringing your own water filtration system due to recommendations to filter or boil the water provided...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer receives the most positive reviews due to accessibility and favorable weather, although peak seasons may result in crowded food areas. Winter conditions, based on weather data, are harsh and...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The sound of the river flowing at night was so peaceful!" "Campsites are nicely spaced out, and at least 2 are handicapped accessible." "Seems like for some reason it's not as popular as it should...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are walk-in and offer privacy, with wheelchair-accessible options available for spots 1 and 12. Some sites are close to the outwash plain, providing scenic views.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Two handicapped-accessible sites are available (spots 1 and 12), and the campground is designed as a walk-in site for tent campers.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed within the campground.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025