Alaska Campgrounds Near Trails & Rivers
- In Alaska, campers need to take precautions against bears, especially in rivers where salmon migrate.Alaska landscape image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
Fishing and hiking are two activities favored by outdoorsmen. Having the two within easy access makes a camping trip that much more enjoyable. Camping seasons may be shortened somewhat in Alaska because of its extreme weather; however, there are still plenty of campgrounds scattered throughout the state. For those interested in both hiking and fishing, the Eagle River, Harris River and Russian River campgrounds allow visitors to do both. - The Eagle River Campground is located within Alaska's Chugach State Park just outside of Anchorage. There are 57 campsites available with an extra 10 overflow sites. The campground itself is open mainly from May to September, though weather conditions sometimes alter this timetable. Visitors can enjoy the Bull Rock and Bird Creek hiking trails or wander through Chugach State Park. Further hiking is available in the nearby Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. Fishermen will enjoy the proximity to Eagle River, as will adventure seekers who can paddle down its rapids in a kayak. The campground is roughly a five-minute drive from downtown Eagle River and is accessible to RVs.
Eagle River Campground
12.6 Glenn Highway
Eagle River, AK 99577
907-694-7982
dnr.alaska.gov - Located on Prince of Wales Island, the Harris River Campground is just over a 10-mile drive from the Hollis Ferry. The 24-site campground forms a single loop around a muskeg bog between Harris River and Hollis/Klawock Highway. It's a wide-open space that allows campers to clearly see Harris Peak and its surrounding mountains. Bear sightings are regular at the campground, so visitors need to ensure that all food is properly stored away. A wooden bridge spans the Harris River, giving campers access to a picnic area. Hikers can enjoy the nearby Muskeg, Trocadero and Harris River trails. Fishermen need to be aware of what fish they catch, as certain species are catch-and-release only. The nearest store and gas station is 12 miles away in Klawock.
Harris River Campground
P.O. BOX 500
Craig, AK 99921
907-826-3271
recreation.gov - Anyone interested in catching salmon should visit the Russian River Campground. The 82-site campground is located between the Russian and Kenai Rivers and it's where the two rivers meet that the campground's salmon fishing is at its best. The confluence of the Kenai and Russian Rivers is a resting place for salmon before they continue their long trek upstream to their breeding grounds. In keeping with the large salmon population, for hikers there's the two-and-a-half-mile long Anglers Trail. Sites are designed to accommodate RVs, and the campground has a playground to entertain young campers who aren't interested in fishing or hiking.
Russian River Campground
3705 Arctic Blvd. #2337
Anchorage, AK 99503
907-522-8368
recreation.gov
Eagle River Campground
Harris River Campground
Russian River Campground
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