Childs Glacier Recreation Area And Campground
02 reviewsChilds Glacier Recreation Area And Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping costs $10 per night, payable at a self-serve fee box at the pavilion.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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$10.00
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Provider(907) 424-7661null
About this campground
Escape to the edge of wilderness at Childs Glacier Recreation Area, where eleven pristine tent-only campsites await beneath towering cottonwoods. Here, the thunderous calving of ancient ice meets the rushing waters of the Copper River, creating an amphitheater of natural wonder. Days unfold with adventures along hiking trails, encounters with Alaska's magnificent wildlife, and the thrill of salmon dancing on your line as glacier-carved peaks frame every moment.
Childs Glacier Recreation Area and Campground is specifically designed for tent camping and offers a rugged experience near the glacier.
Historical SignificanceStand in the shadow of Alaska's legendary Million Dollar Bridge, a testament to human ambition in the Last Frontier. Built in 1910 against impossible odds, this engineering marvel once carried precious copper from the remote Kennicott mines to the port of Cordova, fueling America's industrial age. Today, its weathered spans tell stories of boom-town dreams and the unstoppable spirit of early Alaskan pioneers.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms this glacial wonderland into a realm of crystalline beauty and formidable conditions. During peak winter weeks, nature unleashes her full arctic repertoire with nearly a foot of fresh powder (10.24 inches) and a 42% chance of snowfall painting the landscape white. Steady winds averaging 8.42 mph sculpt dramatic snow drifts while temperatures hover between a brisk 11°F and 19°F. These conditions create a pristine winter wilderness best suited for the most prepared cold-weather adventurers.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an emerald cathedral where ancient cottonwoods stretch skyward, their massive trunks creating natural pillars in this riverside sanctuary. Below, a tapestry of native Alaskan flora weaves through the forest floor—devil's club guards secret pathways while delicate ferns unfurl beside thickets of alder and willow. Just 300 feet away, the mighty Copper River surges past, its glacier-fed waters carrying centuries of mountain memories to the sea.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic embrace of the Chugach Mountains along Alaska's stunning south coast, this campground occupies a rare pocket of accessible wilderness. The Chugach range's ancient peaks and glaciers have sculpted this valley into a natural amphitheater, where lush riverside forests thrive in the protective shadow of ice-carved summits. Here, the raw power of geological time meets the delicate beauty of a thriving ecosystem, creating a landscape that captures the very essence of coastal Alaska.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are detailed in the source material.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as standard and non-electric, designed for tents only.
Sites PrivacyNo information is provided about the privacy level of campsites.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityEleven campsites are available for physical check-in on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are first-come, first-served. Late cancellations for standard campsites incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled after 12:00 am on the day before arrival.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a range of outdoor activities that highlight its spectacular natural surroundings. These include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with the added benefit of observing the nearby Childs Glacier and the Copper River.
Hiking
Two trails are recommended: the Copper River Trail, which connects the campground to the historic Million Dollar Bridge, and the Childs Glacier North Trail, which leads hikers to the glacier itself. Both trails provide stunning views and unique access to the area.Fishing
Fishing for salmon is a highlighted activity on the Copper River, making it an attractive destination for anglers.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include spotting moose, grizzly and black bears, and sometimes bears fishing on the opposite side of the river.Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned in the source material.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are detailed in the source material.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPossible hazards include black and grizzly bears, particularly those fishing on the opposite side of the river.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
31
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 61%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash must be packed out by visitors, as there are no services for waste disposal on-site.
Proximity to water featuresAbout 300 feet from the glacier-fed Copper River.
Common complaintsThe road leading to the campground is washed out (miles 36 and 44), requiring boat or air transport, which some visitors may find inconvenient.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Cordova, the campground is 48 miles east on the Copper River Highway just before the Million Dollar Bridge. Two sections of the highway at mile 36 and mile 44 are washed out, and access to the site now requires a boat ride or travel by air. Several outfitters provide transportation to the campground.
The campsite is inaccessible via road due to washed-out sections at mile 36 and mile 44 of the Copper River Highway. Access requires either boat transport or air travel.Nearby places
Cordova, 48 miles. Travel time depends on transportation method (e.g., boat or air).
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Childs Glacier Recreation Area And Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Childs Glacier Recreation Area highlight its spectacular scenery and remote location, but also emphasize the challenges in accessing the site due to washed-out roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the stunning views of Childs Glacier and the unique experience of being near the glacier. Quotes such as "The views of Child's Glacier were simply spectacular" and "If you do make it,...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Access to the campground is difficult, as noted by reviews: "It's very difficult to get to Childs Glacier at the moment, since one bridge is out and the road is washed out also."
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend using a jet boat or helicopter to access the site due to washed-out roads. Bringing all necessary supplies is crucial since the campground is remote.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is less visited and provides a serene experience regardless of the season, though accessibility challenges persist year-round.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The million dollar highway that leads to the recreation area and the Million Dollar Bridge has been washed out for many years (at least 4). We took a jet boat to get across the missing bridge that...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite reviews are provided for individual sites.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews focus specifically on accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews or information about pet-friendly features are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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