2
Total Campsites
Campground
2
Reservable Sites
Check by phone
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Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground
Overview The Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground is located at the head of the beautiful Placer River Valley at the Spencer Whistlestop. The campsites are nestled among the cottonwood and alder that have grown in after Spencer Glacier’s retreat. This area known for packrafting, wildlife viewing, glacier viewing, and hiking. One can frequently see icebergs floating on Spencer Glacier Lake and might even be able to watch the glacier calving! The two group campsites at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground are available for reservations in the summer months while the Glacier Discovery Train is running on the Alaska Railroad. During these months, train transportation is required to reach the Spencer Whistlestop. To book train tickets visit the Alaska Railroad website. Recreation Spencer Glacier Lake offers amazing opportunities for packrafting, kayaking, or canoeing. All these options allow you to explore the amazing icebergs floating in the lake. It also allows you to get close to Spencer Glacier and amaze at it’s vast size. Please note, glacier calving can cause large, unpredictable waves on the lake, so it is recommended that you stay at least 500 yards away. This area also offers other recreational opportunities including easy hiking, rock climbing, and fishing during the summer months. In the winter this area is popular with backcountry skiers, snowmobilers and ice climbers. Facilities Spencer Glacier Lake offers amazing opportunities for packrafting, kayaking, or canoeing. All these options allow you to explore the amazing icebergs floating in the lake. It also allows you to get close to Spencer Glacier and amaze at it’s vast size. Please note, glacier calving can cause large, unpredictable waves on the lake, so it is recommended that you stay at least 500 yards away. This area also offers other recreational opportunities including easy hiking, rock climbing, and fishing during the summer months. In the winter this area is popular with backcountry skiers, snowmobilers and ice climbers. Natural Features The Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground is located at the head of Placer River Valley near the Placer River outflow from Spencer Glacier Lake and is surrounded by the beautiful Kenai Mountains. There is a viewing area for Spencer Glacier located ¼ mile down trail. Black and brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine, and moose inhabit the area. Mountain goats, marmots, arctic ground squirrels and spruce grouse may be spotted higher in the mountains around Spencer Glacier Lake. Crow berries and Salmon Berries are plentiful at higher elevations in the late summer, along with low-bush blueberries. Nearby Attractions Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Campground is located off the road system and accessible by train only. To book train tickets visit the Alaska Railroad website. contact_info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 783-3242.
- 2 total campsites listed.
- Most common site type: group walk to (2).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground special
Getting to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground is half the adventure. There are no roads here. The only way in is aboard the Alaska Railroad, which drops you at the Spencer Glacier whistle stop at the head of the Placer River Valley, surrounded by some of the most jaw-dropping glacial scenery in Southcentral Alaska. It is as close to a wilderness lodge experience as car-free camping gets, and it is utterly unforgettable. The campground is designed for groups and sits in a forested clearing with views toward Spencer Glacier and the ice-carved valley beyond. From camp, you can hike to the glacier face, paddle among icebergs on Spencer Lake, or simply sit and watch the light shift across one of the most dramatic landscapes on the continent. Black bears, moose, and bald eagles are regular neighbors, so proper food storage is essential. The season runs from late May through mid-September, tied to the Alaska Railroad's summer schedule. Reservations are required and should be made well in advance, as this unique train-access-only campground draws visitors from around the world. The railroad coordinates drop-off and pick-up times, so plan your stay around the schedule. Pack everything you need in and out, including water treatment supplies. This is backcountry group camping with a twist, and there is truly nothing else like it.
Campsite Inventory
2 sites to choose from
GROUP WALK TO
2
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
Check-in time
02:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
FOOD STORAGE LOCKER
Food Storage Locker
Hike In Distance to Site
1 mile, 1mile
Max guests
10, 15
Minimum guests
Yes
PICNIC TABLES
Picnic Tables
Pets allowed
Yes
Proximity to Water
N/A
Site Access
Hike In
VAULT TOILETS
Vault Toilets
WATER SPIGOT
Water Spigot
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
(907) 783-3242
N/A
Getting There
During Summer months train transportation is required to reach the Spencer Whistlestop. To catch the train ( reservations required ) into the Spencer Whistle Stop, drive south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway to the Portage Rail Depot (Milepost 80) and check in at the Train station.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground.
How do reservations work for Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground?
Reservation availability for Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground?
Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground currently lists GROUP WALK TO (2).
Where is Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground located?
Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground is in Alaska near Girdwood. Coordinates: 60.6988, -149.0429.
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