Wind whips through this 59-site campground at the base of the Chugach Mountains, where paved roads and driveways make navigation easy despite the exposed location. Dense trees and bushes separate most sites, creating privacy even when the campground fills to capacity on summer weekends.
The sound of flowing water defines much of the camping experience here. Sites near Williwaw Creek provide constant water sounds, while the nearby salmon viewing area becomes active later in summer. Tanya B. warns campers to "be prepared for WIND. I mean big wind. Bring extra stakes if you are tent camping." The exposed valley location means weather changes quickly, with frequent rain and strong gusts common throughout the season.
Paved loop roads connect fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets across the campground. Pull-through sites accommodate RVs up to 145 feet, while tent campers find level spots with good drainage. The Trail of Blue Ice starts directly from the campground, providing glacier access without driving. Families use the smooth pavement for biking, and the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center sits 1.5 miles away via connecting trail.
Bear activity occurs regularly along the access road and within the campground boundaries. The thick vegetation that provides site privacy also limits visibility for wildlife encounters. Cell service remains unreliable for most carriers throughout the area. Reservations prove essential during peak season, as weekend spots fill quickly.
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel provides access to Whittier 6.7 miles east, while campers seeking alternatives can find spots at nearby Portage Valley just 0.4 miles away.
Description
Overview
Williwaw Campground, an idyllic area, sits beside Williwaw Creek near the town of Girdwood, Alaska. The campground boasts prime fishing, hiking and wildlife watching all within the Portage Valley. Next to the campground is the Williwaw Salmon Viewing Area, a top-notch spot for salmon viewing. In August, visitors can see these fish spawning in impressive numbers through the translucent waters. The area is a great place to view numerous glaciated valleys and the Portage Glacier. Over the past 80 years, the glacier calved large icebergs into Portage Lake, located just east of the campground.
Recreation
Wildlife viewing includes moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles and wolves. The Williwaw Nature Trail can be reached from the campground. It heads to the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, passes under the highway bridge and follows Williwaw Creek to a series of ponds. The trail then connects to the Trail of Blue Ice, which accesses the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. The Trail of Blue Ice is also popular among mountain bikers.
Facilities
Drinking water from hand pumps, vault toilets, picnic tables and a parking area are provided at Williwaw Campground. Campsites are nicely separated, but no electric hookups are available.
Natural Features
The campground sits in the Portage Valley of the eastern Kenai Peninsula in the Chugach National Forest. The Forest, spanning 5,361,803 acres is comprised of arid tundra wilderness, jagged mountains, deep fjords and glacier-fed rivers that surround the Prince William Sound.
Nearby Attractions
Consider visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Portage Glacier, the town of Whittier and Byron Glacier.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (907) 522-8368 or call (907) 288-3178 for general information.
Reservation Info
Reservations are made though Recreation.gov (1-877-444-6777) and recommended for summer camping. Fees are charged during the summer season. Reservations may be made up to180 days prior to your desired arrival date in the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day in September).
Location
Public CampgroundWilliwaw Campground is located in Alaska
Directions
From Anchorage go 55 miles south on Seward highway to Portage Glacier Road (milepost 78.9). The campground is located at mile 4.1 of the Portage Glacier Road.
Address
145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129
Girdwood, AK 99587
Coordinates
60.7866667 N
148.8775 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
