Overview
Williwaw Campground is a hidden gem located in the heart of Alaska’s stunning wilderness, offering breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots. Nestled in a lush forest of spruce and aspen trees, this campground is situated near the confluence of the Williwaw Creek and the Chugach Mountains, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere for campers. With its unique blend of rugged terrain and picturesque landscapes, Williwaw Campground is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic Alaskan experience.
The campground’s setting is characterized by towering trees, rolling hills, and meandering streams, creating a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature. The surrounding mountains offer a dramatic backdrop, with peaks reaching elevations of over 4,000 feet. The area is also home to an array of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and bald eagles, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
Location & Directions
To reach Williwaw Campground, take the Seward Highway (AK-1) from Anchorage, approximately 60 miles south. The campground is located at mile marker 106, near the town of Indian. The GPS coordinates for the campground are 60.7833° N, 149.4667° W. From the highway, turn east onto Williwaw Creek Road and follow the signs to the campground, which is about 2 miles from the highway.
The road to the campground is paved and well-maintained, making it accessible for RVs and trailers. However, be aware that the road can be narrow and winding, and may require caution when navigating with larger vehicles. The driving distance from Anchorage is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Campground Details
Williwaw Campground has a total of 60 campsites, including 30 RV sites, 20 tent sites, and 10 walk-in sites. The RV sites are equipped with electric hookups, while the tent and walk-in sites are primitive. The maximum RV length is 40 feet, and the campground has a dump station and potable water available. The current fee for camping is $20 per night for RV sites and $15 per night for tent and walk-in sites.
Reservations can be made through reserve.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. The campground is open from May 15 to September 15, and check-in time is 2 pm, while check-out time is 12 pm. Be aware that the campground can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so it’s recommended to make reservations in advance.
The campground also has a host on site during the summer months, who can provide information and assistance with camping and outdoor activities.
Campsite Types
- RV sites: 30 sites with electric hookups, max RV length 40 feet
- Tent sites: 20 primitive sites, no hookups
- Walk-in sites: 10 primitive sites, no hookups, accessible via a short hike
Facilities & Amenities
Williwaw Campground has a range of facilities and amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The campground has potable water available at the entrance, as well as a hand pump for filling water containers. The restrooms are vault-style, but well-maintained and clean. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table, and bear boxes are provided for food storage.
The campground also has a boat launch and a day-use area, which is perfect for picnics and barbecues. Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host, and there is a dump station on site for RVs. The campground is also equipped with a phone and a payphone, in case of emergencies.
Amenities
- Potable water
- Hand pump for filling water containers
- Vault-style restrooms
- Fire rings and picnic tables at each campsite
- Bear boxes for food storage
- Boat launch
- Dump station
- Firewood available for purchase
- Phone and payphone
Hiking & Activities Nearby
Williwaw Campground is surrounded by a range of hiking trails, offering something for every skill level and interest. The nearby Williwaw Creek Trail is a 2-mile hike that takes you through a lush forest and along the creek, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The more challenging Flattop Mountain Trail is a 3.5-mile hike that takes you to the summit of Flattop Mountain, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The campground is also close to several fishing spots, including the Williwaw Creek and the nearby Eklutna Lake. The lake is stocked with trout and grayling, and offers excellent fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers. The area is also popular for boating, kayaking, and canoeing, with several access points to the lake and surrounding waters.
In addition to hiking and fishing, the area around Williwaw Campground is also great for berry picking, with an abundance of wild blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries. The campground is also a great base for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of moose, black bears, and bald eagles.
Nearby Trails
- Williwaw Creek Trail: 2 miles, easy to moderate
- Flattop Mountain Trail: 3.5 miles, moderate to challenging
- Eklutna Lake Trail: 1.5 miles, easy
Fishing Opportunities
The area around Williwaw Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities, with several nearby lakes and streams stocked with trout, grayling, and salmon. The Williwaw Creek is a popular spot for fishing, with a healthy population of trout and grayling. The nearby Eklutna Lake is also stocked with trout and offers excellent fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers.
The best techniques for fishing in the area include fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling. Be aware that fishing regulations are in place to protect the local fish populations, and it’s essential to obtain a valid Alaska fishing license before fishing. The local fish and wildlife service also provides information on fishing regulations, catch limits, and closed areas.
Fishing Regulations
- Alaska fishing license required
- Catch limits and closed areas apply
- Check with local fish and wildlife service for up-to-date information
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Williwaw Campground is from May 15 to September 15, 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 hiking trails are at their best. However, be aware that the campground can be busy during peak season, and it’s recommended to make reservations in advance.
The area is also known for its mosquitoes, which can be a nuisance during the summer months. Be sure to bring insect repellent and take necessary precautions to avoid bug bites. The weather in the area can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and precipitation, so it’s essential to be prepared with layers and rain gear.
Weather Patterns
- Warm and dry from May to September
- Peak season from June to August
- Mosquitoes present during summer months
- Unpredictable weather, with sudden changes in temperature and precipitation
Wildlife & Bear Safety
The area around Williwaw Campground is home to a range of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and bald eagles. It’s essential to take necessary precautions to avoid encounters with wildlife, especially bears. Be sure to store food and trash properly, using bear-resistant containers or hanging them from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet out from the trunk.
When hiking, make noise to avoid surprising bears, and stay in groups whenever possible. Be aware of your surroundings, and watch for signs of bears, such as tracks, scat, or digging. If you encounter a bear, stay calm and follow proper bear safety protocols, which include speaking calmly, giving the bear space, and avoiding eye contact.
It’s also recommended to carry bear spray with you when hiking or walking in the area, and to know how to use it properly. The local park rangers and camp hosts can provide information and guidance on bear safety and wildlife viewing.
Bear Safety Tips
- Store food and trash properly
- Make noise when hiking to avoid surprising bears
- Stay in groups whenever possible
- Be aware of your surroundings, and watch for signs of bears
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it properly
What to Bring
When visiting Williwaw Campground, it’s essential to be prepared with the right gear and equipment. Be sure to bring:
- Layers for changing weather conditions
- Rain gear, including a jacket and pants
- Insect repellent and bug netting
- Bear-resistant containers or hang bags for food and trash
- Bear spray and know how to use it properly
- Map and compass or GPS device
- First aid kit and emergency shelter
- Fire starters, including matches, lighters, or a fire starter kit
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Food and cooking gear, including a camp stove and fuel
It’s also recommended to bring a portable toilet, as the campground’s restrooms may be closed or unavailable during certain times of the year.
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to Williwaw Campground is Indian, which is about 2 miles from the campground. Indian has a few shops, restaurants, and gas stations, but it’s recommended to stock up on supplies in Anchorage before heading to the campground. The town of Girdwood is also nearby, which has a range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and a ski resort.
Other campgrounds in the area include the Eklutna Lake Campground and the Flattop Mountain Campground, which offer similar facilities and amenities to Williwaw Campground. The area is also home to several day-use areas, including the Eklutna Lake Day-Use Area and the Flattop Mountain Day-Use Area, which offer picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
Nearby Towns
- Indian: 2 miles from the campground, limited amenities
- Girdwood: 10 miles from the campground, range of amenities
Tips from Experienced Campers
Experienced campers recommend arriving at the campground early to secure a spot, especially during peak season. It’s also recommended to bring a map and compass or GPS device, as cell service can be limited in the area. Be sure to follow proper bear safety protocols, and store food and trash properly to avoid attracting wildlife.
The best campsites are those that are located near the creek, which offer stunning views and easy access to hiking trails. The camp host can provide information and guidance on the best campsites and hiking trails, as well as offer tips and recommendations for making the most of your stay.
Be aware that the campground can be noisy, especially during peak season, so it’s recommended to bring earplugs or a white noise machine. The sunrise and sunset times are also worth noting, with the sun rising around 4:30 am and setting around 10:30 pm during the summer months.
Overall, Williwaw Campground is a hidden gem in the Alaskan wilderness, offering stunning scenery, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots. With its range of facilities and amenities, it’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic Alaskan experience.