Chugach State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Chugach State Park is one of the largest state parks in Alaska, covering 495,204 acres. It’s located in the south-central part of the state, immediately east of the Anchorage Bowl. It’s home to the scenic Chugach Mountains, Eklutna Lake, and Eagle River, as well as several famous mountain peaks and glaciers. Within the park boundaries, you may also spot many different types of wildlife, including moose, red foxes, porcupines, hares, ground squirrels, ermines, pikas, and less frequently, wolves and Canadian lynx.
Like many places in Alaska, Chugach State Park has a very cold climate, with temperatures falling as low as -5°F in the winter months. Summer, on the other hand, can see highs of just 54°F. Despite this, the region is still a popular travel destination for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, dog sledding, and skijoring.
If you’re planning a trip to Chugach State Park, the following guide will tell you everything you need to know about the region, including camping, activities, how to get here, and more.
Spring 1-44 F
Summer 29-54 F
Fall -2-43 F
Winter -5-14 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Chugach State Park
There are plenty of camping opportunities in and around Chugach State Park, including both within tents and RVs. If roughing-it in a sleeping bag and the tiny space that a tent offers isn’t quite your thing, then we wholeheartedly recommend the warmth, comfort, and all-round glamping that an RV offers.
If you don’t own an RV, you can easilyrent an RV from RVshare that suits your individual needs – including size, budget, and more. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
There are plenty of campsites within the state park, however, because Chugach is the most easily-accessible state park within Alaska, its campgrounds can be booked-out weeks and months in advance. These include Eklutna Lake Campground, Bird Creek Campground, and Eagle River Campground.
Thankfully, there are also many other RV-friendly campgrounds located near the state park. We’ve listed these below.
Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground
Located less than 20 miles from the state park is theFox Run Lodge & RV Campground, which features RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups starting from $49 per day. There’s also a long list of amenities and on-site recreational activities to keep you and your family comfortable during your stay.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: dump station, showers and restrooms, art gallery, gift shop, trading post, storage, firewood, restaurant.
Portage Valley Cabins & RV Park
Portage Valley Cabins & RV Park is nestled among the mountains, forest, and streams of Portage. It features over 40 sites with electric and water hookups. The park is currently being renovated, however, so visitors can expect updated and additional facilities in 2020.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: dump station, showers, fire pit, pond.
Ship Creek RV Park
Anchorage Ship Creek RV Park puts a variety of activities and amusements at your doorstep, as it’s located just a few blocks from downtown Anchorage. It offers pull-thru sites with full hookups, as well as a whole range of other amenities to assist you during your stay. Nightly rates start at $19 for dry sites or $39 for full hookups.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: laundry facilities, gift shop, local tour reservations, showers, restrooms.
What to Do at
Chugach State Park
Inside Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park might be very popular for camping, but people also flock here because of the wide range of fun outdoor activities on offer. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy hiking the park’s scenic trails, fishing, dog-sledding, or more – there’s certainly something for every type of traveler at Chugach State Park.
Hiking : Many of the state’s most popularhiking trails are located within Chugach State Park. Just some of these include the Alyeska North Face Trail, Devil’s Creek Trail, Johnson Pass Trail South Access, and more. They’ll lead you past snowy mountains and glaciers, through forests, and along the lake’s shore.
Snowmobiling : You can rent a snowmobile in winter for a true Alaskan experience in the snow. Snowmobiling season in south-central Alaska typically lasts from November through early May, with a variety of accessible trails that surround Anchorage and the Chugach State Park.
Dog sledding : There are also numerousdog sledding tours which run through the state park, as it is an extremely popular activity during the winter months. Trust us, it’s an experience you and your family won’t forget!
Skijoring : Skijoring is a popular pastime within the Chugach State Park region and it simply involves a person skiing while being pulled along by a horse, dog (or dogs) or motor vehicle. Dog skijoring is particularly common in the region and there is also anAnchorage Skijor Club.
Mountain biking : There are also several trails within the state park which are accessible by bike. Some of these include the Devil’s Creek Trail, Winner Creek Trail, and Resurrection River Trail. Cyclists will love the stunning views during their ride.
Fishing : There are many small lakes and rivers with salmon dotted around the woodland areas within the park, but fishermen from all over the world come into Alaska to cast a line inBird Creek. From July through September, you can witness a spectacular run of Silver Salmon here.
How to Get to
Chugach State Park
Eagle River and Eklutna Lake are accessible by road from Anchorage via the Glenn Highway. Bird Creek, Potter Section House and the Turnagain Arm trails are accessed from Anchorage via the Seward Highway.
Entering Chugach State Park
Most trailheads and parking areas in Chugach State Park have a daily parking fee. An Annual Parking Pass can also be purchasedonline.
Chugach State Park Daily : $5.0
Chugach State Park Annual Pass : $50.0
We’re very excited that you’re planning a trip to Chugach State Park. Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park is home to several lovely campgrounds. These campgrounds feature more than 100 campsites, all of which can accommodate RV camping. The RV sites do not provide hookups, but the park offers some amenities.
Chugach State Park is cool to frigid. The temperatures can sometimes drop as low as -5 degrees during the winter. However, even during summer, the high stays around 55 degrees.
Visit between November and May if you want to enjoy winter recreation like snowmobiling or dog sledding. However, it would be best if you visited during the summer for activities like hiking, fishing, and mountain biking.
Pets are welcome around the park and campgrounds, but they must always be leashed and accompanied by their owner. Dogs can be unleashed in backcountry areas but must be within range and responsive to voice commands.
Chugach State Park is a fantastic place to spot moose, red foxes, porcupines, hares, ermines, pikas, wolves, and Canadian lynx. In nice weather, you can fish for pink salmon or silvers.
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