Tenderfoot Creek
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Tenderfoot Creek
$23.00 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season fees during May 30th to September 9th are $23/day for Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites.
Standard Site Fee$23.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$23.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(907)288-3178
About this campground
Escape to Tenderfoot Creek Campground, where pristine mountain vistas meet the crystal-clear waters of Summit Lake. This hidden gem offers adventurers the perfect basecamp for fishing expeditions, peaceful paddle sessions, and trail explorations through Alaska's untamed wilderness. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, gliding across mirror-like waters in your kayak, or simply savoring the tranquility of this well-maintained mountain retreat, you'll discover why visitors return year after year to this harmonious blend of comfort and wilderness.
Tenderfoot Creek Campground offers camping options suitable for tents, RVs, and group camping.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Summit Lake, where ancient glaciers once carved their signature into the landscape. This remarkable body of water stands as a living testament to Alaska's ice age past, its very existence telling the story of massive glaciers that sculpted these mountains over millennia. Today, visitors can witness the lasting legacy of these frozen giants in every ridge, valley, and shoreline.
Weather and SeasonsPerched high in a mountain pass, Summit Lake offers a refreshing escape from summer heat, with daytime temperatures climbing to a pleasant 80Β°F before giving way to crisp, star-filled evenings that call for cozy campfire gatherings. Autumn transforms the landscape into a golden paradise, drawing savvy campers who appreciate bug-free adventures and spectacular fall colors. When winter blankets the mountains in deep powder, the area becomes a backcountry skier's playground, offering pristine slopes and endless adventure for those willing to embrace the cold.
ElevationCradled within a dramatic mountain pass, the campground sits at an elevation that delivers breathtaking panoramic views and that quintessential alpine atmosphere. While specific elevation figures remain unrecorded, the setting provides all the benefits of high-country camping - cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and that invigorating mountain air that makes every breath feel like a gift.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape painted by nature's most dramatic brushstrokes. Towering peaks, carved by ancient glaciers, create a natural amphitheater around the shimmering waters of Summit Lake. Dense spruce-hemlock forests provide a verdant contrast to rocky ridgelines, while the interplay of light and shadow across the water creates an ever-changing canvas that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible.
Geological RegionDiscover the geological wonders of Alaska's Eastern Kenai Peninsula at Summit Lake, a pristine cirque lake that serves as a window into our planet's glacial past. This compact mountain jewel, carved by ancient alpine glaciers, sits surrounded by U-shaped valleys and dramatic ridgelines that tell the story of ice, time, and transformation. The surrounding spruce-hemlock forests have reclaimed the landscape, creating a perfect balance between rugged geological features and lush vegetation that defines this remarkable corner of Alaska.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities was provided.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating setups like tents and large RVs. "We have a 31-foot motorhome, and I believe we could fit in any space here," one reviewer mentioned.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as private and spacious. "Very private camp sites," said a visitor, and another added, "The sites are spaced very well apart."
Total Campsites34 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring leveling blocks for uneven campsites. Premium lakeside spots offer better views and easier access to water.
Best CampsitesLakefront sites are highly praised for their views and privacy. Site #30 is noted for tent camping, while Site #27 has parking below the camp.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Exact guest limits unspecified
- typical Forest Service standards apply.
Groups
No specific details about group camping accommodations were available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are spacious and wooded, with a mix of pull-through and back-in configurations.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 30th to September 9th.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are first-come-first-serve; reviews confirm limited spots available for walk-ups.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations for individual campsites incur a fee equivalent to the first night's recreation fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Tenderfoot Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, biking, and wildlife viewing. The scenic Summit Lake provides an ideal setting for water-based activities, and the surrounding area is perfect for exploring trails and enjoying the wilderness.
Hiking
The Summit Lake Trail connects with the Resurrection Pass Trail, a 39-mile hiking and biking trail that climbs 2,100 feet and offers excellent scenic views. "Summit trail is close by if you desire a medium level hike," one reviewer shared.Fishing
Summit Lake is stocked with Dolly Varden and Rainbow trout. "Fishing in the fall time is awesome," one camper remarked. Another review suggested bringing a canoe for fishing due to the shallow waters near the shore.Swimming
The lake offers swimming opportunities, especially during warmer weather. One camper shared, "We spent most of the 80-degree weather swimming in the lake and floating in a raft."Biking
The Resurrection Pass Trail, accessible from Summit Lake Trail, is suitable for biking and offers a challenging ascent with rewarding views.Boating
The campground features a boat ramp suitable for non-motorized boats like kayaks and canoes. Visitors have enjoyed kayaking and exploring the entire lake. "We enjoyed taking our kayaks out on the lake and exploring one end to the other," a camper said.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes loons, bald eagles, moose, bears, mountain goats, lynx, and wolves. Campers often experience close encounters with the local fauna. "Campers may experience morning wakeup calls from loons or view bald eagles fishing in the clear waters," according to the campground overview.Winter Activities
During the winter, campers can engage in backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are popular on Summit Lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted in designated fire pits with grills. Firewood is available onsite.
- Quiet hours are Enforced quiet hours; exact times unspecified.
Hazards
General hazardsCommon hazards include wildlife such as bears and squirrels, which are attracted to food. Bugs can be prevalent, especially black flies and mosquitoes during summer.
Active alertsPotential seasonal alerts include road noise and wildlife activity.
Weather forecast
18
Β°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 84%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely available in Seward, AK, which is the nearest city.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 30th to September 9th.
Trash and recyclingThe campground has bear-proof trash bins distributed throughout, along with a large dumpster near the entrance. "Plenty of small bearproof trash bins, and one big dumpster at the entrance," a camper noted.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Summit Lake, featuring a small boat ramp for non-powered vessels and stocked fish populations.
Common complaintsRoad noise from Seward Highway, unlevel campsites, and intrusive squirrels are recurring concerns.
HostCampground hosts are noted for their cleanliness, friendliness, and professionalism. Firewood is available for purchase.
Campground Map
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Driving directionsFrom Anchorage, go south on Seward Highway approximately 81 miles to Summit Lake. Turn at milepost 46 before Summit Lake Lodge.
Primarily accessible via the Seward Highway. Roads are paved and suitable for RVs and standard vehicles alike. However, users mention limited parking at the boat ramp.Nearby places
Anchorage (81 miles, approximately 1.5-hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including firewood, are available onsite or through Summit Lake Lodge nearby
Seward provides broader options for camping supplies and groceries.
Camper Reviews
4.4
51 reviews
Tenderfoot Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Tenderfoot Creek Campground is highly rated, with positive feedback about its cleanliness, stunning mountain and lake views, and well-spaced campsites. Some visitors noted issues like road noise and unlevel sites, but these were generally considered minor inconveniences.
Review Summaries
Based on 51 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciated the clean facilities, beautiful scenery, and variety of activities available. "The facilities are clean, and the sites are spaced very well apart," one reviewer noted. "The lake...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some visitors mentioned road noise from the Seward Highway and issues with unlevel campsites. "There is a lot of road noise from the Seward Highway," one reviewer said. Others noted the presence of...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing leveling blocks for RVs, packing warm clothing due to the area's cooler temperatures, and purchasing firewood onsite as availability can be inconsistent. Bringing bug spray...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Feedback indicates that summer is the most popular season, with many visitors enjoying the lake and warm weather. However, some noted an increase in bugs and road noise during this time. Fall offers...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The lake is beautiful as usual, and the weather was perfect," a camper shared. "The sites are clean and fairly spacious," another commented. "The camp hosts for 2020 were wonderful people," a...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #27: A pull-through site near the road with limited privacy. Site #30: A large tent site with close lake access. Site #004: Described as quiet and clean, with lake access.
Based on 51 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews did not provide specific feedback on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 51 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related policies and experiences were not addressed by user reviews.
Based on 51 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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