Black Bear Campground
Currently closed for the season. Typically operates mid-May through September 30. First-come, first-served only with no advance reservations. Payment at on-site pay station or via Recreation.gov mobile app Scan and Pay feature.
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:11AM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK
A strong frontal system with an atmospheric river of moisture will bring periods of moderate to heavy rain and gusty southeasterly winds through Turnagain Arm and across portions of the eastern Kenai Peninsula. The heaviest rain and strongest winds will likely occur between late Saturday night and Monday evening. Likely (70-80%) rainfall amounts and wind gusts: For Whittier: 3 to 5 inches of rain; wind gusts up to 35 mph. For Portage: 2 to 4 inches of rain; wind gusts up to 55 mph. For Girdwood: 1 to 2 inches of rain; wind gusts up to 35 mph. For Turnagain Arm: 1 to 2 inches of rain; wind gusts up to 55 mph. For Turnagain Pass, Hope, and south to Primrose: 1 to 2.5 inches of rain; wind gusts up to 35 mph. For Sterling Highway east of Sterling, including Cooper Landing: 1 to 2 inches of rain; wind gusts 30 to 45 mph, highest near Jean Lake. The combination of heavy rain and strong winds can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Heavy rain may also cause ponding of water on area roadways. use caution when travelling. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.
Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 9:56PM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK
A strong frontal system with an atmospheric river of moisture will bring periods of moderate to heavy rain and gusty southeasterly winds through Turnagain Arm and across portions of the eastern Kenai Peninsula. The heaviest rain and strongest winds will likely occur between late Saturday night and Monday evening. Likely (70-80%) rainfall amounts and wind gusts: For Whittier: 3 to 5 inches of rain; wind gusts up to 35 mph. For Portage: 2 to 4 inches of rain; wind gusts up to 55 mph. For Girdwood: 1 to 2 inches of rain; wind gusts up to 35 mph. For Turnagain Arm: 1 to 2 inches of rain; wind gusts up to 55 mph. For Turnagain Pass, Hope, and south to Primrose: 1 to 2.5 inches of rain; wind gusts up to 35 mph. For Sterling Highway west of Sterling, including Cooper Landing: 1 to 2 inches of rain; wind gusts 30 to 45 mph, highest near Jean Lake. The combination of heavy rain and strong winds can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Heavy rain may also cause ponding of water on area roadways. Use caution when travelling. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.
Regional Order No. 10-01 - Marijuana - Simple Possession
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on the Tongass and Chugach National Forests: Possessing, storing or transporting parts of a cannabis plant, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of such plant; including and not limited to…
About
Black Bear Campground sits in the scenic Portage Valley of the Chugach National Forest on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. This small 12-site campground caters to tent campers and is located along Williwaw Creek on the south side of Portage Glacier Road. Each site features a picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker for secure food storage. The campground provides vault toilets and a dumpster. RVs are not recommended due to site configuration. Wildlife viewing opportunities include moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles, and salmon during spawning season. The Trail of Blue Ice can be accessed from the campground, connecting to the Williwaw Nature Trail, Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, Moose Flats, Begich Boggs Visitor Center, and Byron Glacier Trail. Portage Creek offers Class II whitewater for kayaking and rafting, while Portage Lake provides opportunities for kayaking and packrafting near active glaciers.
Directions
At mile post 78.9 of the Seward Highway, turn onto Portage Highway. Drive 3.7 miles and Black Bear Campground will be on your right.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $19 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (907) 783-3242 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS - Black Bear Campground |
Availability
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!