Overview
Tenderfoot Creek Campground is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, offering a serene and scenic getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. Located near the stunning Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, this campground is surrounded by towering mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The campground’s unique feature is its proximity to the Tenderfoot Creek, which flows gently through the campsite, providing a soothing background noise and a source of fresh water. With its picturesque setting and abundant recreational opportunities, Tenderfoot Creek Campground is an ideal destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers.
The campground is situated in a lush forest of spruce and aspen trees, with wildflowers blooming in every color of the rainbow during the summer months. The surrounding mountains offer breathtaking views, and the nearby lakes and streams are teeming with fish and other aquatic life. Whether you’re looking to hike, fish, or simply relax in the great outdoors, Tenderfoot Creek Campground has something for everyone.
Location & Directions
To get to Tenderfoot Creek Campground, take the Glenn Highway (AK-1) from Anchorage, and turn onto the Nabesna Road at mile marker 105. From there, follow the Nabesna Road for approximately 45 miles, and turn left onto the Tenderfoot Creek Road. The campground is located at GPS coordinates 61.9553, -143.0153, and is accessible via a gravel road that is suitable for most vehicles.
Driving from Anchorage, the journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on road conditions and the number of stops you make along the way. Be sure to check the road conditions before you leave, as the Nabesna Road can be rough and may require a high-clearance vehicle. Additionally, be aware that cell phone service is limited in the area, so it’s a good idea to download maps and guides before you leave, and to let someone know your itinerary.
Campground Details
Tenderfoot Creek Campground has a total of 12 campsites, including 5 tent sites, 5 RV sites, and 2 walk-in sites. The RV sites have hookups for water and electricity, and can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length. The tent sites are located in a secluded area near the creek, and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The current fee for camping at Tenderfoot Creek Campground is $10 per night, and reservations can be made through reserve.gov. The campground is open from May 15th to September 15th, and check-in time is 2pm, while check-out time is 12pm. Be sure to arrive early, as the campground is first-come, first-served, and can fill up quickly during peak season.
It’s also worth noting that the campground has a 14-day stay limit, and pets are allowed, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Additionally, generators are allowed, but must be turned off by 10pm to minimize noise disturbance.
Site Types and Amenities
- Tent sites: 5 sites, located near the creek, with picnic tables and fire rings
- RV sites: 5 sites, with hookups for water and electricity, and can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length
- Walk-in sites: 2 sites, located in a secluded area, with picnic tables and fire rings
- Group site: 1 site, can accommodate up to 20 people, with picnic tables and fire rings
Facilities & Amenities
Tenderfoot Creek Campground has a range of facilities and amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The campground has potable water, which is available at the campground’s water pump, as well as vault toilets that are maintained regularly. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table, and bear boxes are provided to store food and other scented items.
Additionally, the campground has a boat launch, which provides access to the nearby lake, and a dump station, which is available for RVs. Firewood is also available for purchase at the campground, and there are several picnic areas throughout the campsite that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The campground also has a day-use area, which is perfect for picnics or BBQs, and a playground for kids. The day-use area is equipped with picnic tables, grills, and a vault toilet, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Hiking & Activities Nearby
Tenderfoot Creek Campground is surrounded by a range of hiking trails, including the Tenderfoot Creek Trail, which is a 3-mile hike that takes you through a lush forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is considered moderate, with an elevation gain of 500 feet, and takes around 2-3 hours to complete.
Other nearby trails include the Nabesna Trail, which is a 10-mile hike that takes you to the nearby lake, and the Caribou Creek Trail, which is a 5-mile hike that takes you through a scenic valley. The Nabesna Trail is considered difficult, with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet, and takes around 5-6 hours to complete. The Caribou Creek Trail is considered moderate, with an elevation gain of 500 feet, and takes around 3-4 hours to complete.
In addition to hiking, the campground offers a range of other activities, including fishing, boating, and berry picking. The nearby lake is stocked with trout, and the creek is home to a range of fish species, including salmon and grayling. The campground also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot for wildlife viewing and photography.
Fishing Opportunities
Tenderfoot Creek Campground is a fisherman’s paradise, with a range of fish species available in the nearby lake and creek. The lake is stocked with trout, and the creek is home to a range of fish species, including salmon, grayling, and char. The best time to fish is during the summer months, when the fish are most active, and the best techniques include fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling.
Be sure to check the fishing regulations before you head out, as they can change from year to year. Additionally, be aware that the creek and lake are home to a range of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles, so be sure to follow all safety precautions and regulations.
The nearby lake is also home to a range of other fish species, including pike, whitefish, and burbot. The lake is approximately 5 miles long and 2 miles wide, and has a maximum depth of 100 feet. The creek is approximately 10 miles long and flows into the nearby lake.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tenderfoot Creek Campground is during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is warm and dry, and the days are long. The peak season is from June to August, when the wildflowers are in bloom, and the fishing is at its best. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so be sure to arrive early to secure a campsite.
During the shoulder season, from May to June and September to October, the campground is less crowded, and the prices are lower. The weather can be cooler and wetter during this time, but the scenery is still stunning, and the wildlife is more active. Be sure to pack layers, as the temperature can drop significantly at night, and the wind can pick up during the day.
It’s also worth noting that the mosquito season is from June to August, so be sure to bring insect repellent and take necessary precautions to avoid getting bitten. The mosquitoes can be particularly bad during this time, so it’s a good idea to wear long sleeves and pants, and to stay in screened areas during peak mosquito hours.
Wildlife & Bear Safety
Tenderfoot Creek Campground is located in bear country, and it’s not uncommon to see black bears, brown bears, and even grizzly bears in the area. Be sure to follow all bear safety precautions, including storing food and scented items in bear boxes, and making noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears.
In addition to bears, the campground is also home to a range of other wildlife, including moose, eagles, and wolves. Be sure to keep a safe distance from all wildlife, and never approach or feed them. It’s also a good idea to carry bear spray with you at all times, and to know how to use it properly.
Be sure to check with park rangers or local authorities for up-to-date information on bear sightings and other wildlife activity in the area. It’s also a good idea to attend a bear safety seminar or workshop before you head out, to learn more about how to stay safe in bear country.
What to Bring
When packing for your trip to Tenderfoot Creek Campground, be sure to bring the following essentials:
- Clothing: layers for cooler weather, rain gear, and warm clothing for cold nights
- Footwear: hiking boots, sandals, and water shoes
- Gear: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and camping stove
- Food: non-perishable food items, and a cooler for perishable items
- Water: water bottles or hydration packs, and a water filter or purification tablets
- First aid kit: with essentials such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers
- Bear spray: and know how to use it properly
- Insect repellent: to protect against mosquitoes and other insects
- Map and compass: and know how to use them
- Headlamp or flashlight: and extra batteries
- Fire starters: such as matches, lighters, or firestarters
- Trash bags: and a small shovel for waste disposal
It’s also a good idea to bring a portable stove, as campfires may be restricted during certain times of the year. Be sure to check with park rangers or local authorities for up-to-date information on campfire restrictions and other regulations.
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to Tenderfoot Creek Campground is Slana, which is located approximately 10 miles away. Slana has a range of amenities, including a general store, a post office, and a restaurant. The town also has a range of accommodations, including hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.
Other nearby attractions include the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, which is located approximately 20 miles away, and the Nabesna Road, which is a scenic drive that takes you through a stunning valley. The park has a range of hiking trails, including the Nabesna Trail, which is a 10-mile hike that takes you to the nearby lake.
Additionally, the nearby town of Chitina has a range of amenities, including a general store, a post office, and a restaurant. The town also has a range of accommodations, including hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. Chitina is located approximately 30 miles away from the campground, and is accessible via the Glenn Highway.
Tips from Experienced Campers
Here are some tips from experienced campers to help you make the most of your stay at Tenderfoot Creek Campground:
- Arrive early to secure a campsite, as the campground can fill up quickly during peak season
- Bring layers, as the temperature can drop significantly at night, and the wind can pick up during the day
- Be prepared for mosquitoes, and bring insect repellent and take necessary precautions to avoid getting bitten
- Follow all bear safety precautions, including storing food and scented items in bear boxes, and making noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears
- Bring a portable stove, as campfires may be restricted during certain times of the year
- Be respectful of other campers, and keep noise levels down after 10pm
- Take advantage of the stunning scenery, and spend time exploring the surrounding mountains and valleys
- Bring a camera, and capture the stunning views and wildlife that the campground has to offer
Additionally, be aware that cell phone service is limited in the area, so be sure to download maps and guides before you leave, and to let someone know your itinerary. It’s also a good idea to bring a satellite phone or a two-way radio, in case of emergencies.
In terms of campsites, sites 1-3 are located near the creek, and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Sites 4-6 are located in a secluded area, and offer more privacy. Sites 7-10 are located near the day-use area, and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The group site is located in a secluded area, and can accommodate up to 20 people.