Chugach State Park

Open — Open year-round. Public-use cabins and group camping facilities are reservable online throughout winter. Individual campground loops at Bird Creek, Eagle River, and Eklutna Lake operate seasonally, typically May through September.

About

Chugach State Park occupies much of the western end of the Chugach Mountain Range in Southcentral Alaska, encompassing approximately 495,000 acres of wilderness within minutes of Anchorage. The park's westernmost boundary lies just seven miles east of downtown Anchorage, making it one of the most accessible wilderness areas in the nation. Bounded by Knik Arm to the north, Turnagain Arm to the south, and Chugach National Forest to the east, the park features dramatic alpine terrain with peaks exceeding 8,000 feet, active glaciers, and classic U-shaped valleys carved by ancient ice. The park contains three developed campgrounds: Bird Creek Campground along Turnagain Arm, Eagle River Campground near the Eagle River Nature Center, and Eklutna Lake Campground at the state's longest lake. In addition to traditional campsites, the park offers 11 public-use cabins accessible year-round, group camping areas, and backcountry camping opportunities. Eklutna Lake stretches nearly seven miles long and serves as a popular destination for boating and fishing. With over 280 miles of trails, Chugach State Park provides year-round recreation including hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, rock and ice climbing, cross-country skiing, and snowmachining. The Eagle River Nature Center serves as an interpretive hub with year-round programs and access to the Crow Pass Trail, a segment of the historic Iditarod Trail. Wildlife is abundant, including moose, black and brown bears, Dall sheep, mountain goats, wolves, and spawning salmon. The park's proximity to Anchorage makes it a vital recreation resource for Alaska's largest population center.

Directions

Multiple access points throughout the park. From Anchorage, access via Seward Highway for Bird Creek Campground, Glenn Highway to Eagle River for Eagle River Campground, or Glenn Highway Exit 26 at Eklutna for Eklutna Lake Campground.

Nearby Campgrounds