52
Total Campsites
Campground
17
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About WILLIWAW CAMPGROUND
Overview Williwaw Campground, an idyllic area, sits beside Williwaw Creek near the town of Girdwood, Alaska. The campground boasts prime fishing, hiking and wildlife watching all within the Portage Valley. Next to the campground is the Williwaw Salmon Viewing Area, a top-notch spot for salmon viewing. In August, visitors can see these fish spawning in impressive numbers through the translucent waters. The area is a great place to view numerous glaciated valleys and the Portage Glacier. Over the past 80 years, the glacier calved large icebergs into Portage Lake, located just east of the campground. Recreation Wildlife viewing includes moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles and wolves. The Williwaw Nature Trail can be reached from the campground. It heads to the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, passes under the highway bridge and follows Williwaw Creek to a series of ponds. The trail then connects to the Trail of Blue Ice, which accesses the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. The Trail of Blue Ice is also popular among mountain bikers. Facilities Wildlife viewing includes moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles and wolves. The Williwaw Nature Trail can be reached from the campground. It heads to the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, passes under the highway bridge and follows Williwaw Creek to a series of ponds. The trail then connects to the Trail of Blue Ice, which accesses the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. The Trail of Blue Ice is also popular among mountain bikers. Natural Features The campground sits in the Portage Valley of the eastern Kenai Peninsula in the Chugach National Forest. The Forest, spanning 5,361,803 acres is comprised of arid tundra wilderness, jagged mountains, deep fjords and glacier-fed rivers that surround the Prince William Sound. contact_info For local information, please call (907) 522-8368 or call (907) 288-3178 for general information. Nearby Attractions Consider visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Portage Glacier, the town of Whittier and Byron Glacier.
- 52 total campsites listed.
- 17 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- Most common site type: management (33).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes WILLIWAW CAMPGROUND special
Williwaw Campground sits in the shadow of the Chugach Mountains along the banks of Williwaw Creek in Alaska's stunning Portage Valley, just a short drive from the town of Girdwood. This is a campground where glaciers, wildlife, and wild rivers converge, offering an experience that feels unmistakably Alaskan from the moment you arrive. The Portage Valley setting is nothing short of spectacular. Towering peaks still capped with snow well into summer rise above the dense spruce and alder forest surrounding camp. Williwaw Creek and the nearby Portage Creek provide productive fishing for pink and silver salmon during their seasonal runs, drawing both anglers and the occasional black bear. Moose are regular visitors to the campground, and the birding is excellent along the wetlands and creek corridors. Nearby attractions include Portage Glacier, the Begich Boggs Visitor Center, and trailheads leading to alpine lakes and glacier viewpoints. Williwaw offers around 60 sites, making it one of the larger campgrounds in the Chugach National Forest. Sites accommodate tents and RVs and include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to flush toilets and potable water. Reservations are strongly recommended for the short but intense Alaska camping season, which runs from late May through mid-September. July and August bring the longest daylight, the warmest temperatures, and the peak of salmon season, making them the most popular months to visit.
Campsite Inventory
52 sites to choose from
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
13
Reservable
0
Accessible
RV NONELECTRIC
4
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Site capacity
Double, Single
Check-in time
2:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM, 1:00 PM
Driveway entry
Back-In, Pull-Through
Driveway surface
Gravel
Max guests
12, 8
Max vehicle length (ft)
128, 130, 131, 144
Minimum guests
Yes
Site length (ft)
128, 131, 55, 56
Site width (ft)
15, 16, 18, 22
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Getting There
From Anchorage go 55 miles south on Seward highway to Portage Glacier Road (milepost 78.9). The campground is located at mile 4.1 of the Portage Glacier Road.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to WILLIWAW CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for WILLIWAW CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for WILLIWAW CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at WILLIWAW CAMPGROUND?
WILLIWAW CAMPGROUND currently lists MANAGEMENT (33), STANDARD NONELECTRIC (13), RV NONELECTRIC (6).
Where is WILLIWAW CAMPGROUND located?
WILLIWAW CAMPGROUND is in Alaska near GIRDWOOD. Coordinates: 60.7867, -148.8775.
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