Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping

Overview

Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping is a true wilderness experience, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park. Located in the southeastern part of the state, this campground is special due to its remote setting, surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes. The scenery is breathtaking, with vast expanses of untouched wilderness and an abundance of wildlife. One of the unique features of this campground is the opportunity to explore the park’s vast backcountry, with numerous hiking trails, fishing spots, and boating opportunities.

The setting of Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping is characterized by its rugged terrain, with steep mountains, glaciers, and valleys carved out by ancient rivers. The campground is situated near the shores of Glacier Bay, a stunning fjord with towering cliffs and floating icebergs. The area is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, eagles, and whales. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or just looking for a unique adventure, Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping is an unforgettable experience.

Location & Directions

To get to Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping, you’ll need to head to Gustavus, the nearest town, which is located about 10 miles from the park’s entrance. From Gustavus, take the Glacier Bay Highway (also known as the Gustavus Road) for about 10 miles, until you reach the park’s entrance station. The GPS coordinates for the entrance station are 58.4333° N, 135.7667° W. From there, follow the signs to the campground, which is located at 58.45° N, 135.8° W.

If you’re driving from Juneau, the state capital, take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry to Gustavus, which takes about 4 hours. From there, follow the directions above to get to the campground. Keep in mind that the road conditions can be rough, especially during the spring and fall, so make sure your vehicle is equipped with good tires and a spare.

The highway mile marker for the park’s entrance is around mile 10 on the Glacier Bay Highway. Be sure to fill up on gas and supplies in Gustavus before heading to the campground, as services are limited in the area.

Campground Details

Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping has a total of 10 campsites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The sites are all walk-in, with the nearest parking area about 100 yards away. There are no hookups available, but potable water is available at the park’s entrance station. The maximum RV length is 30 feet, but keep in mind that the road to the campground can be narrow and rough, so larger RVs may not be suitable.

The current fees for camping are $10 per night, with a maximum stay of 14 days. You can pay at the park’s entrance station, which is open from 8 am to 5 pm during the summer months. Check-in time is 12 pm, and check-out time is 11 am. The campground is open from May 1 to September 30, but be aware that the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the spring and fall.

Reservations are not available for this campground, but you can check the park’s website for up-to-date information on availability and any other important notices.

Facilities & Amenities

Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping has limited facilities, but the ones available are well-maintained and convenient. Potable water is available at the park’s entrance station, and there are vault toilets located throughout the campground. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table, and bear boxes are provided to store food and other scented items.

There is no boat launch or dump station at the campground, but you can launch your boat at the park’s boat launch, which is located near the entrance station. Firewood is available for purchase at the park’s entrance station, but be sure to follow the park’s firewood policy to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Other amenities in the area include a general store and a restaurant in Gustavus, which offer a limited selection of supplies and meals. Be sure to stock up on food and other essentials before heading to the campground, as services are limited in the area.

Facility Details

Water: potable water available at park entrance station
Restrooms: vault toilets throughout campground
Fire rings: available at each site
Picnic tables: available at each site
Bear boxes: provided at each site
Boat launch: available near park entrance station
Dump station: not available
Firewood: available for purchase at park entrance station

Hiking & Activities Nearby

Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping is surrounded by endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating. The park has over 700 miles of trails, ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the most popular trails in the area include the West Glacier Trail, which takes you through a stunning valley surrounded by towering mountains, and the Bartlett River Trail, which follows the river through a beautiful forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Other activities in the area include fishing, boating, and berry picking. The park is home to a wide variety of fish species, including salmon, trout, and halibut, and there are numerous fishing spots throughout the park. Boating is also a popular activity, with numerous lakes and rivers to explore, including Glacier Bay itself. And in the summer, the park is famous for its abundant berry patches, including blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries.

Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity in the park, with numerous opportunities to see bears, moose, eagles, and whales. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and the best time to see them is early in the morning or late in the evening, when they are most active.

Nearby Trails and Activities

West Glacier Trail: 10 miles, moderate difficulty
Bartlett River Trail: 15 miles, moderate difficulty
Fishing: numerous spots throughout park, including Glacier Bay and Bartlett River
Boating: numerous lakes and rivers, including Glacier Bay
Berry picking: numerous patches throughout park, including blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries
Wildlife viewing: numerous opportunities to see bears, moose, eagles, and whales

Fishing Opportunities

Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping is a fisherman’s paradise, with numerous opportunities to catch a wide variety of fish species. The park is home to salmon, trout, halibut, and numerous other species, and there are numerous fishing spots throughout the park. Some of the most popular fishing spots include Glacier Bay itself, as well as the numerous lakes and rivers that flow into the bay.

The best techniques for fishing in the park depend on the species you’re after, but some of the most popular methods include trolling, casting, and fly fishing. Be sure to check the park’s fishing regulations before you head out, as they can change from year to year. And don’t forget to bring your fishing license, which is required for all fishing in the park.

Some of the most popular fish species in the park include:

Salmon: king, sockeye, coho, and pink
Trout: rainbow, cutthroat, and brook
Halibut: found in Glacier Bay and surrounding waters
Other species: grayling, char, and whitefish

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping is during the summer months, from May to September. This is the peak tourist season, but it’s also the best time to see the park’s stunning natural beauty, with long days, warm weather, and abundant wildlife. However, be aware that the park can be crowded during this time, especially in July and August, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and make reservations for any activities or tours you want to do.

The weather in the park can be unpredictable, especially in the spring and fall, so be sure to pack layers and rain gear. Mosquitoes can also be a problem in the summer, so don’t forget to bring bug repellent and a net. And if you’re planning to hike or backpack, be sure to check the park’s trail conditions before you head out, as they can change quickly due to weather or other factors.

Some tips for avoiding crowds and making the most of your visit include:

Visit during the shoulder season, in May or September, when the park is less crowded
Plan ahead and make reservations for any activities or tours you want to do
Get up early and start your day before the crowds arrive
Take a hike or backpacking trip to get away from the crowds and see the park’s more remote areas

Wildlife & Bear Safety

Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, eagles, and whales. While it’s exciting to see these animals in their natural habitat, it’s also important to take precautions to stay safe. The park is home to both black and brown bears, as well as grizzly bears, so it’s essential to know how to identify them and what to do in case of an encounter.

Some tips for bear safety include:

Make noise while hiking or walking through the woods to avoid surprising bears
Keep a clean campsite and store food and other scented items in bear boxes
Be aware of your surroundings and watch for signs of bears, such as tracks or scat
Carry bear spray and know how to use it
Know what to do in case of a bear encounter, such as staying calm and giving the bear plenty of space

Other wildlife in the park includes moose, eagles, and whales, which can be seen throughout the park. However, it’s essential to keep a safe distance and not approach these animals, as they can be unpredictable and may defend themselves if they feel threatened.

What to Bring

When planning a trip to Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping, it’s essential to bring the right gear and supplies. Some essentials include:

Hiking boots and layers for changing weather conditions
Rain gear and a waterproof jacket
Bug repellent and a net
First aid kit and emergency shelter
Food and water, as well as a water filter or purification tablets
Bear spray and a bear box to store food and other scented items
Map and compass, as well as a GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app
Headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries
Fire starter and firewood, as well as a camp stove and cooking pot

It’s also a good idea to check the park’s website for any specific regulations or recommendations for gear and supplies. And don’t forget to follow the park’s firewood policy to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Nearby Attractions & Towns

The nearest town to Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping is Gustavus, which is located about 10 miles from the park’s entrance. Gustavus has a few shops and restaurants, as well as a general store and a gas station. Other nearby attractions include the town of Haines, which is located about 60 miles from the park’s entrance, and the city of Juneau, which is located about 100 miles from the park’s entrance.

Some other campgrounds in the area include the Bartlett Cove Campground, which is located near the park’s entrance, and the Gustavus Campground, which is located in the town of Gustavus. Both of these campgrounds offer similar amenities to Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping, but may have more services and activities available.

Some day trip ideas from Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping include:

Taking a boat tour of Glacier Bay
Hiking the West Glacier Trail or the Bartlett River Trail
Fishing in Glacier Bay or one of the park’s numerous lakes and rivers
Visiting the town of Gustavus or Haines
Taking a scenic drive to the nearby town of Juneau

Tips from Experienced Campers

Glacier Bay Backcountry Camping is a unique and challenging experience, but with the right gear and knowledge, it can be an unforgettable adventure. Some tips from experienced campers include:

Be prepared for changing weather conditions and bring layers and rain gear
Bring a bear box and store food and other scented items properly
Make noise while hiking or walking through the woods to avoid surprising bears
Be aware of your surroundings and watch for signs of wildlife
Bring a map and compass, as well as a GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app
Don’t forget to bring bug repellent and a net, as mosquitoes can be a problem in the summer

Some of the best campsites in the area include:

Site 1, which has a stunning view of Glacier Bay
Site 5, which is located near a beautiful lake and has plenty of opportunities for fishing and boating
Site 10, which is located in a secluded valley and has stunning views of the surrounding mountains

Cell service is limited in the area, but there is a payphone available at the park’s entrance station. Be aware that the park can be noisy, especially during the summer months, so it’s a good idea to bring earplugs or a white noise machine. And don’t forget to watch the sunrise and sunset, which can be truly spectacular in the park’s stunning natural setting.