Overview
Bartlett Cove Campground, located within the stunning Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts. This campground offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and unparalleled access to some of Alaska’s most breathtaking hiking trails and waterways. Surrounded by towering mountains, majestic glaciers, and pristine forests, Bartlett Cove Campground is an ideal destination for those seeking an immersive Alaskan wilderness experience. The campground’s setting, nestled in a tranquil cove, provides a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and connecting with nature. One of the unique features of this campground is its proximity to the Fairweather Mountains, which offer some of the most spectacular hiking opportunities in the state.
The campground’s scenery is characterized by its lush vegetation, including spruce and hemlock trees, and an array of wildflowers that bloom during the summer months. The sounds of nature, from the calls of eagles and ravens to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore, create a symphony of sounds that will leave you in awe. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, Bartlett Cove Campground is a must-visit destination for any Alaska traveler.
Location & Directions
To reach Bartlett Cove Campground, travelers can follow these directions: from the town of Gustavus, head east on Bartlett Cove Road for approximately 10 miles. The campground will be on your left, just past the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve visitor center. The GPS coordinates for the campground are 58.4553° N, 135.8903° W. If you’re driving from Juneau, take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry to Gustavus, then follow the aforementioned directions. Please note that the road to the campground is paved and well-maintained, but it can be narrow and winding in some areas.
It’s essential to check the road conditions before embarking on your journey, especially during the spring and fall months when weather can be unpredictable. The nearest highway mile marker is mile 10 on the Bartlett Cove Road. For those relying on public transportation, the Glacier Bay Lodge shuttle service is available from the Gustavus airport and can drop you off at the campground.
Important Coordinates and Directions
- GPS coordinates: 58.4553° N, 135.8903° W
- Highway mile marker: mile 10 on the Bartlett Cove Road
- Driving directions from Gustavus: head east on Bartlett Cove Road for approximately 10 miles
- Driving directions from Juneau: take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry to Gustavus, then follow the aforementioned directions
Campground Details
Bartlett Cove Campground offers a total of 27 campsites, including 11 walk-in sites and 16 drive-in sites. The campground can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers, with a maximum RV length of 35 feet. Please note that there are no hookups available, but potable water and vault toilets are provided. The current fee for camping is $10 per night, and reservations can be made through reserve.gov. It’s recommended to book your site in advance, especially during peak season. Check-in time is 12 pm, and check-out time is 11 am. The campground is open from May 1st to September 30th, with the peak season being June 1st to August 31st.
For those planning to visit during the off-season, please be aware that some facilities and amenities may be limited or unavailable. It’s always a good idea to check with the park’s website or contact the visitor center for up-to-date information before your trip.
Campground Fees and Reservations
- Current fee: $10 per night
- Reservations: reserve.gov
- Check-in time: 12 pm
- Check-out time: 11 am
- Season open dates: May 1st to September 30th
- Peak season: June 1st to August 31st
Facilities & Amenities
Bartlett Cove Campground provides a range of facilities and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Potable water is available at the campground’s water station, and vault toilets are conveniently located throughout the campground. Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, perfect for cooking and dining under the stars. Bear boxes are also provided to store food and other scented items, helping to maintain a safe and clean environment for both humans and wildlife.
For those interested in exploring the surrounding waters, a boat launch is available near the campground. However, please be aware that the launch is only suitable for small boats and kayaks. Firewood is available for purchase at the park’s visitor center, and a dump station is located near the campground for RVs and trailers. It’s essential to follow the park’s rules and regulations regarding firewood collection and disposal to help preserve the environment.
Facilities and Amenities
- Potable water: available at the water station
- Vault toilets: conveniently located throughout the campground
- Fire rings: provided at each campsite
- Picnic tables: provided at each campsite
- Bear boxes: provided to store food and other scented items
- Boat launch: available near the campground for small boats and kayaks
- Firewood availability: available for purchase at the park’s visitor center
- Dump station: located near the campground for RVs and trailers
Hiking & Activities Nearby
Bartlett Cove Campground is surrounded by an array of hiking trails, offering something for every skill level and interest. The Barlett River Trail, a 3.5-mile trail, takes you through a lush forest and along the river, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Forest Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile trail, is a great option for families and those looking for a more leisurely hike. For the more adventurous, the Glacier Bay Trail, a 4.5-mile trail, offers breathtaking views of the glacier and surrounding landscape.
In addition to hiking, the campground offers a range of other activities, including fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Bartlett River is renowned for its salmon and trout fishing, and the surrounding waters are home to a variety of marine life, including whales, sea lions, and sea otters. Berry picking is also a popular activity in the area, with a variety of wild berries, including blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries, available for picking during the summer months.
Nearby Trails and Activities
- Barlett River Trail: 3.5 miles, moderate difficulty
- Forest Loop Trail: 1.5 miles, easy difficulty
- Glacier Bay Trail: 4.5 miles, challenging difficulty
- Fishing: available in the nearby Bartlett River and surrounding waters
- Boating: available in the surrounding waters, with a boat launch near the campground
- Wildlife viewing: opportunities to see whales, sea lions, sea otters, and a variety of bird species
- Berry picking: available during the summer months, with a variety of wild berries
Fishing Opportunities
The waters surrounding Bartlett Cove Campground offer some of the best fishing in Alaska, with a variety of species available, including salmon, trout, halibut, and lingcod. The nearby Bartlett River is renowned for its salmon and trout fishing, with both species abundant during the summer months. The surrounding waters are also home to a variety of marine life, including whales, sea lions, and sea otters.
Before you head out to fish, be sure to check the local regulations and obtain any necessary permits. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game provides up-to-date information on fishing regulations, including bag limits, size restrictions, and closed areas. It’s also essential to practice catch-and-release fishing and handle fish gently to help conserve the local fish populations.
For those new to fishing in Alaska, it’s recommended to hire a guide or join a fishing charter to gain a better understanding of the local fishing techniques and regulations. The park’s visitor center also offers a range of fishing-related resources, including maps, guides, and equipment rentals.
Fishing Regulations and Tips
- Species: salmon, trout, halibut, lingcod
- Regulations: check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for up-to-date information
- Permits: obtain any necessary permits before fishing
- Catch-and-release fishing: practice catch-and-release fishing to help conserve local fish populations
- Fishing guides and charters: available for hire to gain a better understanding of local fishing techniques and regulations
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bartlett Cove Campground is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry, and the days are long. However, this is also the peak tourist season, and the campground can be busy. For those looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season, from May to June or September to October, when the weather is still mild and the campground is less crowded.
It’s essential to be prepared for Alaska’s unpredictable weather, with layers, rain gear, and bug protection. Mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent during the summer months, so be sure to bring insect repellent and take necessary precautions. The park’s visitor center offers a range of resources and information on the local weather and climate, including forecasts, trail conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Weather and Climate
- Peak season: June to September
- Shoulder season: May to June or September to October
- Weather: warm and dry during the summer months, cool and wet during the spring and fall
- Mosquito season: prevalent during the summer months, with insect repellent and precautions recommended
Wildlife & Bear Safety
Bartlett Cove Campground is located in an area with a high concentration of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. It’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Bears, including black bears and brown bears, are common in the area, and it’s crucial to store food and other scented items in bear-proof containers or hang them from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet out from the trunk.
When hiking or walking through the campground, make noise to avoid surprising bears, and stay in groups whenever possible. If you encounter a bear, remain calm and follow the park’s bear safety guidelines, which include giving the bear a clear path to leave and avoiding direct eye contact. Bear spray is also recommended, and it’s essential to know how to use it properly.
Moose and eagles are also common in the area, and it’s essential to keep a safe distance and not approach them. The park’s visitor center offers a range of resources and information on wildlife safety, including bear safety guidelines, wildlife viewing tips, and emergency procedures.
Wildlife Safety Tips
- Bears: store food and other scented items in bear-proof containers or hang them from a tree
- Bears: make noise when hiking or walking through the campground, and stay in groups
- Bears: remain calm and follow the park’s bear safety guidelines if you encounter a bear
- Bear spray: recommended, and know how to use it properly
- Moose and eagles: keep a safe distance and do not approach them
What to Bring
When planning your trip to Bartlett Cove Campground, it’s essential to pack the right gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Here’s a list of essentials to bring:
- Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
- Cooking gear, including a camp stove and pot
- Food and water, with a water filter or purification tablets
- Clothing, including layers, rain gear, and bug protection
- First aid kit, with basic medical supplies and any personal medications
- Map and compass, with a GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app
- Headlamp or flashlight, with extra batteries
- Bear spray, with knowledge of how to use it properly
- Firewood, with a fire starter and kindling
It’s also recommended to bring a portable toilet, as the campground’s vault toilets may be limited during peak season. The park’s visitor center offers a range of resources and information on camping gear, including recommendations, rentals, and purchases.
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to Bartlett Cove Campground is Gustavus, which offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, gas stations, and shops. The town is also home to the Gustavus Airport, which provides access to Juneau and other nearby destinations. For those looking to explore other campgrounds in the area, the Glacier Bay Lodge Campground and the Chilkoot Lake Campground are both within a short drive.
Other nearby attractions include the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Visitor Center, which offers a range of resources and information on the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. The Glacier Bay Lodge is also a great place to visit, with its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. For those looking for a day trip, consider visiting the Chilkoot Trail, a 33-mile trail that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in Alaska.
Nearby Attractions and Towns
- Gustavus: nearest town, with restaurants, gas stations, and shops
- Gustavus Airport: provides access to Juneau and other nearby destinations
- Glacier Bay Lodge Campground: nearby campground, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers
- Chilkoot Lake Campground: nearby campground, with access to the Chilkoot Trail
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Visitor Center: offers a range of resources and information on the park’s history, geology, and wildlife
- Glacier Bay Lodge: offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers
- Chilkoot Trail: 33-mile trail, with stunning scenery and access to the Chilkoot Lake
Tips from Experienced Campers
For those looking to make the most of their stay at Bartlett Cove Campground, here are some tips from experienced campers:
- Book your campsite in advance, especially during peak season
- Bring a portable toilet, as the campground’s vault toilets may be limited during peak season
- Make sure to store food and other scented items in bear-proof containers or hang them from a tree
- Bring a map and compass, with a GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app
- Be prepared for Alaska’s unpredictable weather, with layers, rain gear, and bug protection
- Take advantage of the park’s resources and information, including the visitor center and ranger programs
- Consider hiring a guide or joining a guided tour to gain a better understanding