Girdwood Campground is a small tent-only camping area in Girdwood, Alaska, located about 45 minutes south of Anchorage. It’s in the southern part of the state, surrounded by forests and mountains.
This campground is only open during the summer months, usually from late May to mid-September, depending on the weather. There are 18 tent sites, and no RVs or trailers are allowed.
📍 Girdwood Campground Location & Overview
Only 40 miles from Anchorage, Girdwood is easy to reach but feels like a remote slice of heaven. This tent-only campground offers 18 rustic sites carved into lush forest—no RVs, no trailers, just you and nature.
- 🏕️ Capacity: 18 tent sites
- 🚫 No RV or vehicle camping (Girdwood RV Park is nearby)
- 🌲 Spruce & cottonwood forest setting
- 🗓️ Season: Late May – Mid September (weather dependent)
- ⏳ Max Stay: 14 nights
First-come, first-served only, no online bookings. So, arrive early to snag your spot!
🛠️ Campground Amenities & 2025 Updates
While Girdwood Campground feels wild, it’s not without basics.
- 🔥 Fire rings & cooking pavilion
- 🚻 Port-a-potties
- 🧊 Bear-proof lockers
- 🚰 Drinking water: 1 block away at Glacier City Hall
- 🐾 Pets allowed (leashed!)
- 🧍 Accessible to most but not ADA-designated
🎯 Things to Do Near Girdwood Campground
You’re not just sleeping under the stars here, you’re diving into an Alaskan adventure playground.
- Winner Creek Trail: Fun for all ages; includes a hand tram!
- Crow Pass Trail: For serious hikers with epic glacier views
- North Face Trail: Steep, scenic, and selfie-worthy
Forest trails, dirt paths, and plenty of room to explore on two feet or two wheels.
- Take the tram to the top for jaw-dropping views
- In winter: skiing heaven ❄️
- In summer: wildflowers, trails & fine dining 🌸
Try Glacier Creek or nearby streams for salmon, trout, and peace of mind.
Spot bears, moose, eagles, and more just don’t feed the locals!
💻 Booking Info & Fees
Girdwood Campground operates entirely on a first-come, first-served basis.
- 📆 No advance reservations
- 💵 $20–$30/night (cash only; subject to change)
- 🪪 Some areas may require Alaska State Park passes
- ⏰ Peak season: July–August, arrive early in the day!
📊 2025 Girdwood Camping Market & Airbnb Data
Looking for alternative stays or planning around the crowd? Here’s the latest 2025 market snapshot:
Short-Term Rentals in Girdwood
- 🏠 220 active listings
- 💲 $2,896/month average revenue
- 📈 Top 10% earn $8,264+, while bottom 25% make ~$1,533
- 🛏️ Most common: 2-bedroom units (30.5%)
- 👨👩👧👦 Avg guest capacity: 5.1 people
Seasonal Stats
- Peak months: March, July, August
- 🏨 Avg revenue: $5,045
- 💼 Occupancy: 51.5%
- 💵 Avg Daily Rate (ADR): $305
- Slow months: Oct/Nov
- Revenue drops to ~$2,149
- ADR around $263
If Girdwood Campground is full, you can easily book an Airbnb nearby, but expect premium prices during peak months.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Girdwood for Camping (2025)
Late May – June
- Quieter, cooler temps
- Less mosquito action
July – August
- Warmest (60s–70s°F)
- High crowds, highest wildlife activity
- Epic hiking & events
September
- Fall colors
- Fewer people, colder nights
💡 2025 Note: Girdwood saw over 1,000 weekend visitors, adding to the town’s 2,500 residents. Expect packed trails and busy streets in mid-summer.
💡 Local Tips for Smart Campers
🐻 Bear Safety
- Use the provided lockers
- Keep scented items (toothpaste, gum) locked
- Hike in groups, make noise
🦟 Mosquito Season
- Bring DEET spray
- Wear long sleeves at dusk
🌧️ Must-Pack Gear
- Rain jacket
- Extra socks
- Headlamp (the sun sets late, but it does set!)
🛒 Supplies Nearby
- Girdwood Mercantile: groceries, ice, fuel
- Medical help: local EMS reported 0 injuries from 445 incidents in 2024, thanks to quick response upgrades
🛏️ Alternatives: Nearby Campgrounds & Lodging
No spot? No problem.
Nearby Campgrounds
- 🏕️ Bird Creek Campground
- 🏞️ Williwaw Campground (picnic tables, toilets, no hookups)
- 🛻 Portage Valley RV Park – just 13 miles away
Or go digital, grab a cozy Airbnb, and enjoy soft beds + hot showers.
👨👩👧👦 Family Camping in Girdwood
Kids will love it here.
- Easy trails like Winner Creek
- Fire pits = marshmallow time
- Tons of safe space to explore
Want family bonding? Girdwood delivers.
🌼 Summer Camping in Girdwood Hits Different
- 🌞 Up to 19 hours of daylight
- 🌸 Wildflowers in full bloom
- 🔥 Long evenings by the fire
- 📷 Insta-worthy views all day long
Alaska’s summer is not just a season, it’s an experience.
📘 Why Girdwood Ranks in Every Alaska Campground Guide
Compared to other campsites:
- ✅ Closer to Anchorage
- ✅ Pure nature, no distractions
- ✅ Vibrant local community (pop: 2,500 + 1K tourists/weekends)
- ✅ Surrounded by the best hiking in Southcentral Alaska
Girdwood isn’t just another campground; it’s the heartbeat of Alaskan camping culture.
❓ FAQs
18 rustic tent-only sites.
No, this site is strictly tents only. Try Girdwood RV Park or Portage Valley.
Not at the campground. Look into Airbnb or RV parks if that’s a must.
About 2,500 year-round residents, with 1,000+ weekend visitors in peak season.
Yes, 0 injuries reported among 445 fire/EMS incidents in 2024. Just follow wildlife safety rules!
