Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground
Closed — Closed for winter. The 2026 season operates May 23 through September 14 when the Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery train runs. Reservations required for both campground and train access.
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 proc
Regional Order No. 10-00-00-04-01 - Occupancy and Use - Alcohol
TONGASS and CHUGACH NATIONAL FORESTS Regional Office Juneau, Alaska Order No. 10-00-00-04-01REGIONAL ORDEROccupancy and Use
Regional Order No. R-10-96-01 - Forest Development Roads and Trails
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-96-1 7730EFFECTIVE 5/17/96 Page 10 of 117731.14 - EXHIBIT 01ORDER NO. R-10-96-01FOREST DEVELOPMENT ROADS AND TRAILSALASKA REGION
10-04-00-26-01 Winter Motorized Vehicle Closure
To prevent resource damage from snowmachine use in areas where inadequate snow conditions exist, some Kenai Peninsula areas of the Chugach National Forest are closed to snowmachine use areas.
10-04-00-24-05 - Developed Recreation Sites, Public Use Cabins Prohibitions
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the Chugach National Forest:Cutting any standing tree within 150 feet of a Public Use Cabin, Developed Recreation Site or Administrative Use Site.
10-04-00-17-09 Winter Motorized Vehicle Use
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on certain lands administered by the Forest Service within the Chugach National Forest:
10-04-04-12-08 Copper River Delta Winter Motor Vehicle Closure
The use of snowmachines (snowmobiles and all motorized over snow vehicles, including off highway vehicles) and the landing of, or the dropping or picking up of any materials, supplies, or persons by means of, helicopters that are utilized for t winter recreational activities is prohibited in the
10-04-00-05-01 - Winter Motor Vehicle Closure Prince William Sound
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (a), the following acts are prohibited on the Chugach National Forest:Certain motor vehicle use except for subsistence uses from December 1 through April 30 of each year:
10-04-00-04-03 - Motor Vehicle Closure Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Acquired Lands
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a) the operation of motor vehicles is prohibited in the following areas:
From Recreation.gov
The Glacier Discovery train provides access to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop and Group Camp from May 23th 2026 to September 14th 2026. Tickets for the train can be purchased from the [Alaska Railroad][1] website. [1]: http://alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train
About
Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground sits at the head of the beautiful Placer River Valley, accessible only via the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery train from Portage. The campground features two group sites nestled among cottonwood and alder trees that have grown since Spencer Glacier's retreat. Site A accommodates up to 15 guests, Site B up to 10 guests, or both can be reserved together for groups of up to 25 people. The sites share a common area with three picnic tables, a bear box, tarp poles, and a campfire ring. The area is renowned for packrafting, kayaking, and canoeing on Spencer Glacier Lake, where visitors can explore massive icebergs and witness glacier calving. A viewing area located a quarter-mile down the trail offers spectacular vistas of Spencer Glacier. The surrounding Kenai Mountains provide habitat for black and brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine, and moose, with mountain goats and marmots visible at higher elevations. In summer, the area offers hiking, rock climbing, and fishing, while winter brings backcountry skiers, snowmobilers, and ice climbers. To access the campground, drive south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway to the Portage Rail Depot at Milepost 80 and board the Glacier Discovery train. Reservations are required for both the campground and train tickets through the Alaska Railroad website.
Directions
Train access only. Drive south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway to Portage Rail Depot at Milepost 80. Board the Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery train to Spencer Whistle Stop. Train reservations required.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $65 |
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 | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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