Chugach State Park

About

Chugach State Park is one of the largest state parks in the United States, encompassing nearly 500,000 acres of pristine Alaskan wilderness immediately adjacent to Anchorage. The park features three developed campgrounds serving different areas: Bird Creek Campground along the scenic Seward Highway offers 24 wooded sites with views of Turnagain Arm and excellent salmon fishing; Eagle River Campground provides 57 sites plus overflow camping near the town of Eagle River with no RV size restrictions; and Eklutna Lake Campground offers 50 sites plus 15 overflow sites at Alaska's largest lake accessible by road. All campgrounds provide essential amenities including vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Sites are primarily first-come, first-served, though group areas and some facilities can be reserved through Reserve America. The park also offers public use cabins at several locations for those seeking enclosed accommodations. Activities abound throughout the park including hiking on over 30 maintained trails, salmon and Dolly Varden fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing for moose, Dall sheep, black bears, and more. The park's proximity to Anchorage makes it an ideal basecamp for exploring Alaska's backcountry while maintaining access to urban conveniences.

Directions

The park has multiple access points near Anchorage. Bird Creek Campground is at Mile 101 Seward Highway, about 20 miles southeast of Anchorage. Eagle River Campground is accessed from Glenn Highway Mile 12 via Hiland Road Exit, about 12 miles north of Anchorage. Eklutna Lake Campground is reached via Glenn Highway to Eklutna Turn-off at Mile 26.5.