Overview
Exit Glacier Campground is a unique and breathtaking destination located in the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska. This campground is special because of its stunning setting amidst majestic mountains, glaciers, and abundant wildlife. The campground is situated near the terminus of the Exit Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, offering breathtaking views and unparalleled hiking opportunities. The scenery is dominated by the surrounding mountains, including the Exit Glacier’s impressive terminal moraine, and the vast expanse of the Harding Icefield. The unique features of this campground include its proximity to the glacier, as well as its access to a variety of hiking trails, including the famous Exit Glacier/Harding Icefield Trail.
The campground’s scenery is characterized by its rugged and dramatic landscape, with towering mountains, glaciers, and wildflowers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and unparalleled hiking opportunities, Exit Glacier Campground is a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast.
Location & Directions
Exit Glacier Campground is located at GPS coordinates 60.1783° N, 149.6297° W, near the town of Seward, Alaska. The campground is situated at mile marker 3.7 on the Seward Highway (AK-1), approximately 125 miles south of Anchorage. To get to the campground from Anchorage, take the Seward Highway (AK-1) south and continue for approximately 120 miles. Turn left onto Exit Glacier Road and follow the signs to the campground.
The road conditions to the campground are generally good, but can be rough in some areas. The Seward Highway is a paved road, but Exit Glacier Road is a gravel road that can be rough and dusty. It’s recommended to check the road conditions before heading to the campground, especially during the spring and fall when the roads can be muddy and slippery. The nearest city is Seward, which offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, gas stations, and outdoor gear stores.
Campground Details
Exit Glacier Campground has a total of 12 campsites, including 7 tent-only sites, 4 RV sites, and 1 group site. The RV sites can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet in length, but there are no hookups available. The campground has a daily fee of $10 per night, and reservations can be made through recreation.gov. The campground is open from May 15 to September 15, and the check-in time is 1 pm, while the check-out time is 11 am.
The campground also has a self-registration station where campers can pay their fees and obtain a camping permit. It’s recommended to arrive early, as the campground can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. The campground has a 14-day stay limit, and generators are allowed, but must be turned off by 10 pm.
Site Types and Amenities
- Tent-only sites: 7 sites available, with picnic tables and fire rings
- RV sites: 4 sites available, with picnic tables and fire rings, but no hookups
- Group site: 1 site available, with picnic tables and fire rings, and can accommodate up to 20 people
- Max RV length: 40 feet
- Fees: $10 per night, with a 14-day stay limit
- Reservations: available through recreation.gov
Facilities & Amenities
Exit Glacier Campground has a variety of facilities and amenities, including potable water, vault toilets, and fire rings. The campground also has picnic tables and bear boxes, and firewood is available for purchase from the campground host. There is no dump station or boat launch at the campground, but there are several nearby lakes and rivers that offer boating and fishing opportunities.
The restrooms are vault toilets, and there are no showers or laundry facilities available. The water is potable, but it’s recommended to bring a water filter or purification tablets as a precaution. The fire rings are available at each campsite, and firewood can be purchased from the campground host. The bear boxes are available at each campsite, and are required for storing food and other scented items.
Facilities and Amenities List
- Potable water: available at the campground
- Vault toilets: available at the campground
- Fire rings: available at each campsite
- Picnic tables: available at each campsite
- Bear boxes: available at each campsite
- Firewood: available for purchase from the campground host
- Dump station: not available at the campground
- Boat launch: not available at the campground
Hiking & Activities Nearby
Exit Glacier Campground is surrounded by a variety of hiking trails, including the famous Exit Glacier/Harding Icefield Trail. This trail is a 4-mile round-trip hike that takes you to the toe of the Exit Glacier, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. There are also several other hiking trails in the area, including the Glacier Overlook Trail and the Harding Icefield Trail.
The area is also home to several lakes and rivers that offer fishing and boating opportunities. The nearby Exit Creek is a popular spot for fishing, and offers a variety of fish species, including salmon and trout. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
Hiking Trails and Activities List
- Exit Glacier/Harding Icefield Trail: 4-mile round-trip hike to the toe of the Exit Glacier
- Glacier Overlook Trail: 1-mile round-trip hike to a scenic overlook of the Exit Glacier
- Harding Icefield Trail: 8.2-mile round-trip hike to the Harding Icefield
- Fishing: available in the nearby lakes and rivers, including Exit Creek
- Boating: available in the nearby lakes and rivers, including Kenai Lake
- Berry picking: available in the surrounding areas, including blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries
- Wildlife viewing: available in the surrounding areas, including bears, moose, and eagles
Fishing Opportunities
The area surrounding Exit Glacier Campground offers a variety of fishing opportunities, including salmon, trout, and char. The nearby Exit Creek is a popular spot for fishing, and offers a variety of fish species, including sockeye salmon, coho salmon, and rainbow trout. The area is also home to several lakes and rivers that offer fishing opportunities, including Kenai Lake and the Kenai River.
The fishing regulations in the area are managed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and require a valid fishing license. The best techniques for fishing in the area include fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling. The area is also home to several fishing guides and charters that offer guided fishing trips and instruction.
Fishing Regulations and Techniques
- Fishing license: required for fishing in the area, available through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Fish species: including salmon, trout, and char
- Fishing techniques: including fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling
- Fishing guides and charters: available in the area, offering guided fishing trips and instruction
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Exit Glacier Campground is during the summer months, from May 15 to September 15. The peak season is from June to August, when the weather is warmest and the days are longest. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and the campground can fill up quickly.
The shoulder season, from May to June and September to October, is a great time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather is still mild, and the scenery is just as beautiful, but the days are shorter and the temperatures are cooler. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles, making it a great time for wildlife viewing.
The mosquito season in the area is from June to August, and can be intense. It’s recommended to bring insect repellent and wear protective clothing to avoid bites. The area is also home to a variety of other insects, including flies and bees, making it a good idea to bring a screened tent and insect repellent.
Seasonal Information
- Peak season: June to August, warmest weather and longest days
- Shoulder season: May to June and September to October, fewer crowds and lower prices
- Mosquito season: June to August, intense mosquito activity
- Wildlife viewing: May to October, variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles
Wildlife & Bear Safety
The area surrounding Exit Glacier Campground is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. The bears in the area are primarily black bears and brown bears, and can be aggressive if they feel threatened or if they are protecting their young. It’s recommended to take bear safety precautions, including storing food and other scented items in bear boxes, and making noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears.
The area is also home to moose, which can be aggressive if they feel threatened or if they are protecting their young. It’s recommended to keep a safe distance from moose, and to avoid approaching them. The area is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including eagles, wolves, and Dall sheep, making it a great place for wildlife viewing.
It’s recommended to bring bear spray and know how to use it, and to make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears. It’s also recommended to stay in groups, and to avoid hiking at dawn, dusk, or night when bears are most active. The area is also home to a variety of other hazards, including steep terrain, fast-moving water, and inclement weather, making it a good idea to bring a map, compass, and first aid kit.
Bear Safety Precautions
- Store food and other scented items in bear boxes
- Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears
- Keep a safe distance from bears and other wildlife
- Avoid approaching bears or other wildlife
- Bring bear spray and know how to use it
- Stay in groups and avoid hiking at dawn, dusk, or night
What to Bring
When visiting Exit Glacier Campground, it’s recommended to bring a variety of gear and supplies, including a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. The area can be cool and wet, even in the summer, so it’s a good idea to bring warm clothing and rain gear. It’s also recommended to bring insect repellent and bear spray, as well as a map, compass, and first aid kit.
The area is also home to a variety of other hazards, including steep terrain, fast-moving water, and inclement weather, making it a good idea to bring a variety of safety gear, including a helmet, harness, and rope. The campground has a firewood policy, and firewood is available for purchase from the campground host. However, it’s recommended to bring a portable stove and fuel, as well as a water filter or purification tablets, to ensure access to safe drinking water.
Gear and Supply List
- Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
- Warm clothing and rain gear
- Insect repellent and bear spray
- Map, compass, and first aid kit
- Portable stove and fuel
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Firewood (available for purchase from the campground host)
- Safety gear, including helmet, harness, and rope
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to Exit Glacier Campground is Seward, which is located approximately 10 miles away. Seward offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, gas stations, and outdoor gear stores. The town is also home to a variety of attractions, including the Alaska SeaLife Center and the Seward Museum.
There are also several other campgrounds in the area, including the Seward RV Park and the Kenai Fjords RV Resort. The area is also home to a variety of day trip ideas, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Kenai Fjords National Park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the famous Exit Glacier/Harding Icefield Trail, as well as boat tours and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Nearby Attractions and Towns List
- Seward: nearest town, approximately 10 miles away
- Alaska SeaLife Center: located in Seward, offers a variety of marine wildlife exhibits
- Seward Museum: located in Seward, offers a variety of exhibits on the history and culture of the area
- Seward RV Park: located in Seward, offers RV camping and amenities
- Kenai Fjords RV Resort: located near Seward, offers RV camping and amenities
- Kenai Fjords National Park: located near Seward, offers hiking trails, boat tours, and wildlife viewing opportunities
Tips from Experienced Campers
Exit Glacier Campground is a popular destination, and can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. It’s recommended to arrive early, and to have a backup plan in case the campground is full. The area can be cool and wet, even in the summer, so it’s a good idea to bring warm clothing and rain gear.
The campground has a variety of campsites, including tent-only sites and RV sites. The best campsites are those that are located near the glacier, and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles, making it a great place for wildlife viewing.
The cell service in the area is limited, and it’s recommended to bring a satellite phone or a two-way radio to stay in touch with family and friends. The area is also home to a variety of other hazards, including steep terrain, fast-moving water, and inclement weather, making it a good idea to bring a map, compass, and first aid kit.
The sunrise and sunset times in the area are early, and it’s recommended to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views. The area is also home to a variety of other attractions, including hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it a great place to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Experienced Camper Tips List
- Arrive early to secure a campsite
- Bring warm clothing and rain gear
- Bring a map, compass, and first aid kit
- Bring a satellite phone or two-way radio to stay in touch with family and friends
- Be prepared for wildlife encounters, including bears, moose, and eagles
- Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views
- Explore the area and enjoy the outdoors, including hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities