Williwaw Campground

145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129
GIRDWOOD, AK 99587

Notice

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Williwaw Campground is located roughly 3 miles from a potential Portage Lake landslide. Although a landslide is not currently imminent, a sudden collapse into the water could trigger a tsunami that could significantly impact the campground. Because landslides can occur without warning, all Portage Valley recreationists should remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate the Valley immediately. For more details and safety information, visit the Chugach National Forest Geologic Hazards web page.

Jun 2, 2026 – Jun 3, 2027

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.

Camp site features

Across 19 camp sites:

Longest RV: 145 ft
Largest party: 12 people

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

160 reviews

5 stars

123

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Nichola P

Loop:Will

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Beautiful, scenic spot. Lovely well maintained campground with lots of walks you can do. Great to hear the owls at night while sitting round the campfire.

mike h

Loop:Will

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great campground. Paved spots, clean, great views. Had moose walk right through our campsite

Sara P

Loop:Will

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Contrary to the listing, there are NO bear lockers available to tent campers!! There was an old set of bear lockers on the other side of the campground but it’s unclear who they were for considering how far of a walk they were from our site.

Annette T

Loop:Dbls

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Quiet and beautiful. Lots of trails and easy to park our motor home.

Martyn B

Loop:Will

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Always a good stay

Daisy C

Loop:Will