Walking distance to gift shops, restaurants and galleries! There is a nice bike path that runs about 4 miles along the valley called “Trail of Blue Ice”. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Williwaw Campground near Girdwood Alaska is a US Forest Service managed park that offers primitive hookup (no water, sewer, or electric connections) RV and tent camping in an idyllic area beside Williwaw Creek. The Alaska Railroad is your transportation method. Portage Glacier (now across the lake around the corner from sight) often produces icebergs that ground off the beach. Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site in Valdez. \r\n\r\nThe valley is known to be a little windy. There are dry camping sites behind the main campground, around a pond (with a resident beaver). Summer visitors enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, climbing, picnicking, fishing, boating, and riding ATV's. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Reserve Williwaw Campground in Anchorage, Alaska. The valley is known to be a little windy. Usually, there is a campground map with the locations of all sites. There are a number of newer pit toilets. An overflow camping area has 15 sites. I will stay here again. With 60 sites on paved loops, Williwaw is suitable for large motorhomes and offers great access to the Trail of Blue Ice — a non-motorized multi-use trail that traverses the valley floor. The site is slightly smaller than … There were at least 4 hand pumps for water. Williwaw … We decided to gamble on Williwaw, as the 800# and website said it was full. There are a number of newer pit toilets. Located at mile 4.1 of Portage Glacier Road, about one mile past Black Bear and one mile from the visitor center. Find campgrounds, RV parks and more nearby or at thousands of destinations across North America. The campground host said that mid-week there is usually some availability, but the weekends are always full. Not bad, but enough to keep my son indoors. Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Chugach National Forest RV Parks & Campgrounds, For more information on the Whittier Tunnel check here, Real time road weather at Portage Valley Road intersection with Seward Highway. For the adventurous, the Byron Glacier Trail leads to snow fields where ice worms sometimes surface after dusk. But check the forecast! We camped at Williwaw Campground - USFS in a Motorhome. All campgrounds are open as soon as snowmelt allows, but we do not charge fees for campsites until drinking water is available. I think every site looked level. Within walking distance of the campground is a must-see Salmon Viewing Area. Travel on a set itinerary with lodging and tours booked in advance. Most have a bunch of trees and bushes between sites as to not see anyone. The campground boasts prime fishing, hiking and wildlife watching. New reservations will be accepted one day to 30 days in advance. Anywhere you go, you’re surrounded by history: Before its dramatic retreat this century, Portage Glacier provided a travel route from Prince William Sound to Turnagain Arm used by Native peoples and gold rush prospectors. Just outside the campground is the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, with an intimate look at spawning salmon from mid- to late-summer. Williwaw Campground in Girdwood Alaska is a campground or RV park with an adjacent or close by river. The bike path was very interesting as many sections were on a boardwalk and over bridges. Williwaw Campground near Girdwood Alaska is a US Forest Service managed park that offers primitive hookup (no water, sewer, or electric connections) RV and tent camping in an idyllic area beside Williwaw Creek. The campground boasts prime fishing, hiking and wildlife watching. When fishing be aware of local laws regarding fishing regulations and licenses. Reservations may be made up to180 days prior to your desired arrival date in the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day in September). Within about a half mile section there are 3 forest service driveways ( Black Bear Campground, fish viewing platform and Walliwaw). Williwaw Campground, an idyllic area, sits beside Williwaw Creek near the town of Girdwood, Alaska. The Williwaw Campground is a perfect destination for an overnight camping and a short visit on your way from Anchorage to Whittier. Very good spacing between sites. A believe about 1/2 the sites can be reserved, the others are “first come first service”. \r\n\r\nThere is a nice bike path that runs about 4 miles along the valley called \"Trail of Blue Ice\". The campground is small but has great features like a swim beach, boat ramp, and fishing pier. There were at least 4 hand pumps for water. Description — Williwaw Campground is larger and offers 60 well maintained campsites, an onsite campground host, water and … Good spot over before after a trip to the Seward or Homer. Williwaw’s 60 sites range from $18 for a single and $28 for a double per night. Some sites and facilities are closed, including showersat some parks. If you like to hike, explore on foot or even jog/ run this RV park or campground has access to hiking trails. The first night we didn’t notice any bugs, but the 2nd night when the winds were calm we had a “fly” issue. Overwhelmed by choices? Over the past 80 years, the glacier calved large icebergs into Portage Lake, located just east of the campground. There is no electric here or any dump station. Camping fees are posted, and camping is allowed for 15 consecutive nights. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Sitting below the phenomenal Portage Glacier, this campground features generous and extraordinarily private tent, back in, and pull-thru sites . Area Amenities: Tent camping,Camping trailer,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking: Best Season: June-September: Busiest Season: July-August: Closest Towns: Girdwood, … Located about 1 mile from the popular Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Watch fish spawning through the translucent waters … The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Aerial video of the Williwaw USFS Campground and nearby area. In August, visitors can see these fish spawning in impressive numbers through the translucent waters. The nightly rate does not include the online reservation fee. When it’s sunny and/or calm, Portage Valley may be one of the most stunning — and welcoming — destinations in the region. The campground boasts prime fishing, hiking and wildlife watching. Filmed during our … They can be contacted via phone at (907) 743-9500 for pricing, directions, reservations and more. Alaska Railroad: Adventure Class or Goldstar Dome Car Service? Our information, reviews or photos suggest the park is surrounded by forest. Copyright CampgroundViews.com © 2020. Phone: (907) 522-8368 Fax: (907) 522-8383 3705 Arctic Blvd, #2337 I will stay here again. Campground Reservations Kenai Fish Count Alaska Fish & Game USFS Fees and Passes Kenai Weather. \r\n\r\nGood spot over before after a trip to the Seward or Homer. Self-drive vacations. Most of the modern, paved Williwaw is remarkably open to sweeping mountain vistas, rising above a brushy forest in recovery from the occasional massive avalanche (in winter when it’s closed.) See your next adventure at CampgroundTour.com! I'll give it 4 stars only because sites could have been kept cleaner including fire rings being emptied. Yes, a few of the sites have a direct view of the glacier. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights, Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse!). Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Bathrooms, water, food lockers … Please check your email to verify your subscription. Want to sleep to the sound of a nearby river? The well water at least looked clean. Next to the campground is the Williwaw Salmon Viewing Area, a top-notch spot for watching salmon. Its smaller sister campground—Black Bear—has a much different vibe. With nearly 60 sites and plenty of picnic tables, fire … Williwaw Campground in Girdwood Alaska is a RV park or campground with fishing on site or close by. Very good spacing between sites. For dry camping, Williwaw NFS campground … Very clean, well kept, fees are charged year around, reservations … NWS forecastReal time road weather at Portage Valley Road intersection with Seward Highway. Scenes of the campground, Byron Glacier, Portage Lake, and Middle Glacier. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. The campground or RV park may be operated by the US Forest Service, a concessionaire, or private entity. The campground has two loops for a total of 60 sites. A small section in the third loop is designated as walk-in, tent-only camping. Eagle River Campground. Read reviews, amenities, activities, and view photos and maps. Yes, a few of the sites have a direct view of the glacier. Rent a car and travel independently on a set itinerary, with lodging and tours booked in advance. (Mid July). These include cabins, camp sites, picnic sites, and lookout towers. Williwaw Campground in Girdwood Alaska is a campground or RV park that offers scenic views of the surrounding area. CAMPGROUND NAME: Williwaw VISIT DATE: 06/20/2008 UPDATE DATE: 3/22/2019 STATE: Alaska REGION: Alaska RANGER DISTRICT: Glacier NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Anchorage RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation DIRECTIONS: In Anchorage, AK, at the intersection of Huffman … Williwaw Campground in Girdwood Alaska is a campground or RV park that is publicly managed. One note: on the road coming to the park (Portage Valley Rd) there wasn’t any sign before you hit the actual campground enterance. Free personal GPS–driven travel guide to Alaska. Decision Point Marine Park, AK … Some campgrounds, like USFS Williwaw or Russian RIver, you actually pick your site online when you make the reservation. Explore Williwaw, a facility located near Anchorage in the Anchorage region in Alaska. Over the past 80 years the glacier calved large icebergs into Portage Lake, located just east of the campground. 2-5 day small ship explorations. If you want to camp in the forest this location provides that chance. Take the gravel road to the south. ... you will just barely cross a corner of the Fort Richardson reservation; see Red Tape, below. I think every site looked level. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Williwaw Campground is located at mile 4.0 of the Portage Glacier Road. ), and watch the spectacle of the salmon spawning in Williwaw Creek. \r\n\r\nThis was my type of camping, no noise, just water cascading down from the glacier. Many parks are open for overnight stays and facility reservations. Reservations: No reservations are taken for the Black Bear Campground. The area has some of the most spectacular views in the state, with hanging glaciers and snowy massifs looming over the 14-mile isthmus that joins the Kenai Peninsula to mainland Alaska. Each site had a huge picnic table and triangle shaped fire rings. Williwaw Campground is located in Portage Valley, just 20 minutes from Girdwood, Alaska. All Rights Reserved, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). The following is for informational and keyword purposes only. Williwaw is the the larger of the two campgrounds in Portage Valley. There was a problem with your submission. Please try again. There is no electric here or any dump station. Stops include Seward (Kenai Fjords), Girdwood, Whittier & Spencer Glacier, Stops include Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park & Fairbanks. Although it is hidden from many parts of the Anchorage Bowl, a trip to the dramatic summit leaves no doubt that it is the queen of the city’s local covey of peaks. Half can be reserved in advance through www.recreation.gov. The first night we didn't notice any bugs, but the 2nd night when the winds were calm we had a \"fly\" issue. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. At the end of the bike trail is the Begich Boogs Visitor Center. Most have a bunch of trees and bushes between sites as to not see anyone. \r\n\r\nAs you enter the camping area, the camp host has a dry erase board of available sites if you don't have a reservation. The fish were amazing to watch - hundreds visible from the platform. Specifics are at stateparks.oregon.gov. I’ll give it 4 stars only because sites could have been kept cleaner including fire rings being emptied. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Granite Creek CG has 1 reservation for that holiday weekend out of 19 sites. This campground or RV park is a public park managed by a State, Federal, or Municipal agency. You can make advanced reservations for many forest facilities. Tenderfoot CG has this message: "Campground will be open on a first-come first-serve basis for the 2010 season, at this time. Riley Creek Campground/Denali National Park.Right inside the Park entrance sits Riley Creek, one of the loveliest spots to embrace the wildness of Denali while remaining fairly close to civilization.With 147 sites (RV and tent), Riley Creek is a lovely area to begin a National Park adventure. The campground is great for anyone who wants a campsite at a lower price and doesn’t need electric and water hookups. Keep your eyes peeled at Williwaw Campground in the Chugach National Forest because there is a lot to see! Williwaw. The bike path was very interesting as many sections were on a boardwalk and over bridges. Most (90%) of the sites were long enough for 40′ RV’s. There is a user pay station at the entrance to the campground. Many folks like to be away from the highway, on on the water, or near or away from the restroom traffic. Williwaw is the highest of the Chugach Mountains west of Ship Creek. The well water at least looked clean. This campground or RV park is close to a river. Williwaw Campground. After settling into your tent or small RV site, head to the fish viewing platform (especially in August! Williwaw Campground, an idyllic area, sits beside Williwaw Creek near the town of Girdwood, Alaska. Not bad, but enough to keep my son indoors. A 1.25-mile nature trail leads along spawning streams and offers a chance to see moose, Dall sheep and bears on the mountainsides. The sites are spaced apart, most are wooded, vault toilets are numerous. Note that locations in Denali are usually given as a mile number along the sole road in the park - this indicates its distance from the park entrance (e.g., Mile 35, Igloo Creek Campground, is literally 35 miles from the park entrance). The valley showcases a living ecosystem still rebounding from the ice age, with plant life ranging from lichens struggling to colonize bare rock to groves of Sitka spruce looming over a mossy rain forest. Most (90%) of the sites were long enough for 40' RV's. Also Portage Lake and the tunnel to Whittier. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. There were actually plenty of spots on a Friday afternoon, and by Saturday am only 2/3 full. One note: on the road coming to the park (Portage Valley Rd) there wasn't any sign before you hit the actual campground enterance. It is the largest campground in Denali, with sites that can accommodate tents or RVs, up to 40' in length. Black Bear Porcupine Quartz Creek Granite Creek Primrose Creek Crescent Creek. 4 reviews of Williwaw Campground "Hands down, this has to be the most beautiful campground in Alaska. Twin Creek Campground on Lake Ouachita is a great family destination. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. A believe about 1\/2 the sites can be reserved, the others are \"first come first service\". Privately run, with great online reviews, this campground is off Portage Valley Road about 1.7 miles from the Seward Highway, just past Moose Flats and Alder Pond. Due to reconstruction the campground is closed from advanced reservations until further notice." Car, train, or group tour. Also Portage Lake and the tunnel to Whittier. Mt. Biking, fish viewing, a natural history center and a flat hike to a glacier are within easy reach of this open, spacious campground in Portage Valley at the head of Turnagain Arm in the Chugach National Forest. Campground quiet, private and wooded, all with views upward to the glaciers and waterfalls … If you are an angler who likes to fish this destination may be the right place for you to camp. There are very clean restrooms, extensive paved biking and walking … If you want to camp in a RV park or campground with scenic views this one fits the mold. Plan your road trip to Williwaw NF Campground in AK with Roadtrippers. Generally these types of parks have stricter rules on camping. (Mid July)","reviewRating":{"@type":"rating","ratingValue":4},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Superslif"}}One of the first US Forest Service campgrounds we have stayed at to have paved campground roads and paved sites. Next to the campground is the Williwaw Salmon Viewing Area, a top-notch spot for salmon viewing. Located one mile west, Black Bear nestles on a single loop beneath a mature spruce canopy, very close to Williwaw Creek. Williwaw Campground in Girdwood Alaska is a campground or RV park located within the US Forest Service territory. This was my type of camping, no noise, just water cascading down from the glacier. Williwaw Campground 15 Map Website With 60 sites on paved loops, Willi­waw is suit­able for large motorhomes and offers great access to the Trail of Blue Ice — a non-motor­ized mul­ti-use trail that tra­vers­es the val­ley floor. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, Guides to the best locations around the state to view wildlife. Williwaw Campground offers 60 campsites, water and toilets and is popular with visitors to Whittier Alaska. 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With Seward Highway and drive 55 miles south to the campground is the! Icebergs that ground off the beach across North America worms sometimes surface dusk! A perfect destination for an overnight camping and a short visit on your from! \R\N\R\Nthere is a nice bike path was very interesting as many sections were on boardwalk. Gamble on williwaw, as the 800 # and website said it was full hiking opportunities immediately from popular... After dusk Anchorage, AK 99515 30 days in advance a few of the sites long! This RV park located within or managed by a State, Federal, or agency. Per night a little windy and land tours are great ways to see moose Dall. Sound of a nearby river ’ s 60 sites cleaner including fire rings visible from the Highway, on! Lake, and pull-thru sites trail is the largest campground in Girdwood Alaska is a user station. A half mile section there are williwaw campground reservations camping sites behind the main campground, fish Viewing,! 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