4
Total Campsites
Campground
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Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
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Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Black Bear Campground
Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. Recreation Wildlife viewing includes moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles, and salmon. The Trail of Blue Ice that stretches almost the entire length of Portage Valley can be reached from the campground. From this trail you can acces the Williwaw Nature Trail, Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, Moose Flats Area, Begich Boggs Visitor Center, Byron Glacier Trail, and Portage Glacier Cruises. Portage Lake, at the head of the valley, allows access for kayaking and packrafting. Facilities Wildlife viewing includes moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles, and salmon. The Trail of Blue Ice that stretches almost the entire length of Portage Valley can be reached from the campground. From this trail you can acces the Williwaw Nature Trail, Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, Moose Flats Area, Begich Boggs Visitor Center, Byron Glacier Trail, and Portage Glacier Cruises. Portage Lake, at the head of the valley, allows access for kayaking and packrafting. Natural Features Black Bear campground sits in the stunning Portage Valley in the Chugach National Forest. contact_info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 782-3242. Nearby Attractions Begich Boggs Visitor Center lies at the head of Portage Valley where you can learn about glaciers and Alaska. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is located on near the intersect of the Seward Higway and Portage Highway. Here you can see all different kinds of Alaskan wildlife. Portage Glacier Cruises offers the chance to ride a boat and get up close to Portage Glacier.
- 4 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: management (3).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes Black Bear Campground special
Black Bear Campground occupies a quiet stretch of forest in the Portage Valley corridor, just a short drive from the resort town of Girdwood and the turquoise waters of Portage Lake. With only four first-come, first-served sites, this is camping at its most understated, perfect for travelers who want to sleep among towering spruce trees without competing for space at larger, busier facilities along the Seward Highway. The surrounding landscape tells the story of glacial Alaska in vivid detail. Portage Glacier, the Byron Glacier trailhead, and the Begich Boggs Visitor Center are all just minutes away, making this an ideal base for a day of glacier exploration. Girdwood, with its restaurants, the Alyeska Tramway, and access to world-class hiking, lies a short drive to the north. The campground itself is shaded and peaceful, bordered by the kind of dense coastal forest that defines this part of the Chugach National Forest. Sites fill quickly during the peak summer months of June through August, so plan to arrive before midday on weekends. Vault toilets and fire rings are provided, but you will want to bring your own water and firewood. Black Bear Campground is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a no-frills overnight in one of Alaska's most scenic highway corridors, where the mountains meet tidewater and glaciers are never far from view.
Campsite Inventory
4 sites to choose from
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
N/A
N/A
Getting There
At mile post 78.9 of the Seward Highway, turn onto the Portage Highway. Drive 3.7 miles and the Black Bear Campground will be on your right.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Black Bear Campground.
How do reservations work for Black Bear Campground?
Reservation availability for Black Bear Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Black Bear Campground?
Black Bear Campground currently lists MANAGEMENT (3), STANDARD NONELECTRIC (1).
Where is Black Bear Campground located?
Black Bear Campground is in Alaska near Girdwood. Coordinates: 60.7885, -148.8888.
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