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Nestled in the center of Alaska, Seward Campgrounds is a magical destination for those looking for the ideal balance between comfort and wilderness on their camping trip.
RV enthusiasts and traditional campers alike will find an unmatched experience at these recreation areas, which are located along the captivating Resurrection Bay and shaded by the majestic Mt. Alice.
At the Seward waterfront campground, it's common to wake up to the melodic snorts of sea lions and the rhythmic rush of soaring eagles at the Seward parks. With stunning views of Resurrection Bay creating an almost surreal backdrop, the picturesque landscapes are a visual feast.
Every campsite, whether tucked away in spruce forests or placed thoughtfully close to salmon runs, tells a different tale of the splendor of the natural world.
Top 15 Best Seward Campgrounds and RV Parks in Alaska
The best campgrounds, or Seward campground and RV campground you would love to visit when you are in Seward town are as follows:
1. Seward Waterfront Park
A picturesque campground on Ballaine Blvd, offering breathtaking views of Resurrection Bay at the Resurrection South campground. Campers enjoy spacious sites and easy access to the ocean at the Spring Creek campground.
2. JJK Campsites
Located at Mile 1.5 Nash Rd, JJK Campsites provide an intimate retreat close to nature, creating a serene escape for campers.
3. KOA Seward
Situated at 31702 Herman Leirer Rd, KOA, Seward is a well-regarded campground providing campers with convenient access to Seward's treasures and clean restrooms.
READ ALSO: Encore Campgrounds
4. Moose Pass Campground
Nestled at 34984 Seward Hwy, this campground immerses visitors in the beauty of spruce forests and offers convenient access to nearby salmon runs.
5. Nash Bayfront Campground
Tucked away at 33957 Nash Road, this hidden gem offers waterfront bliss, making it an ideal place for a peaceful, soft, and scenic camping experience.
6. Stoney Creek RV Park
Located at 13760 Leslie Pl, Stoney Creek RV Park provides a tranquil camping experience by the creek, offering peace and seclusion near Seward wooded RV sites.
7. Orca Island Cabins
Found within Seward Military Resort (Military Only), these exclusive cabins offer a unique and private retreat for military personnel.
8. Thousand Trails Birch Bay
Situated in Blaine, WA, this top-rated RV park near Seward provides campers with a comprehensive, comfortable camping experience and a luxury RV park.
READ ALSO: Best Portable Hot Water Shower for Camping
9. Cultus Lake Thousand Trails RV Resort
Located in Cultus Lake, BC, this scenic RV resort has a variety of amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable stay for campers.
10. Friday Creek Campground
A highly rated campground located in Burlington, WA, providing a peaceful environment and quality facilities for campers to see sea otters.
11. Moose Crossing RV and Food Truck Park
Situated in Sterling, AK, this delightful spot offers a unique food truck experience, like those in military resorts, earning a high rating of 8.9 from campers.
12. Seaview RV Park
Located in Hope, AK, this highly-rated RV park boasts stunning views, laundry facilities, and a remarkable rating of 9.9, ensuring a memorable stay for campers.
13. Bertha Creek Campground
Found in Hope, AK, this nature-surrounded campsite is praised for its serene atmosphere, earning a commendable rating of 7.6.
14. Seward Military Resort
Exclusively for military personnel in Seward, AK, this resort provides a secure and comfortable retreat with a solid rating of 8.1.
15. Kenai Princess RV Park
Situated in Cooper Landing, AK, this top-rated RV park offers a stellar rating of 9.6, ensuring campers a memorable and enjoyable camping experience.
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Free Camping Near Seward
Seward still has good free camping grounds along the Seward highway for those who cannot afford to go to the costly ones around. So if you want to go camping in Seward but do not have the money, check these options below, choose the one you like, and visit:
1. Exit Glacier Road - Seward, Alaska
This is a beautiful spot and a great place along Exit Glacier Road, where anyone would love to camp. It offers free camping and shower facilities. That makes it the ideal starting point for discovering Seward's breathtaking scenery.
2. Moose Pass, located in Alaska
You will enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Moose Pass here. This camping is available for no cost. It also offers unrestricted access to the outdoors and brown bears.
3. Campground at Upper Skilak Lake, Cooper Landing, Alaska
You can easily locate this camp near Cooper Landing. This free campsite by Upper Skilak Lake will give you this peaceful sanctuary in the middle a wonderful wilderness.
4. Engineer Lake in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula Borough
You will discover the peace and quiet of Engineer Lake in this camp. You are free to camp in scattered locations on public land. You will also take the breathtaking views of the natural world.
5. Campground at Lower Skilak Lake, Cooper Landing, Alaska
Lower Skilak Lake Campground is a lovely location. It is close to Cooper Landing. It offers free camping in the stunning Alaskan scenery.
6. Sterling, Alaska's Kelly/Peterson Lakes
Here at this lake, you will be exposed to the organic beauty that is all over Kelly/Peterson Lakes. Of course, you can enjoy the quiet and soft seclusion of the Alaskan wilderness while you camp for free.
How to Find Free Camping
It can be difficult to find a free camp or an ideal location sometimes in the city of Seward or downtown Seward, especially when you are in an area you are not familiar with. Follow the following guide below to help you find a free camp near you:
1. Dispersed Camping
Venture outside established campgrounds on public lands, where dispersed camping is often allowed. Look for existing fire rings and lantern posts.
2. BLM (Bureau of Land Management)
Explore BLM lands, covering a significant portion of the U.S. skate park. These lands often permit dispersed camping for up to 14 days.
3. USFS (US Forestry Service)
The USFS manages national forests and grasslands, offering both developed campgrounds hot showers and dispersed camping sites.
4. NPS (National Park Service)
While dispersed camping is restricted in many national parks, some do allow it. Just verify the rules and regulations for each park.
5. WMA (Wildlife Management Area)
State-run areas are designated for various purposes, including camping. Rules vary by state, so check local regulations.
6. County Parks
County parks may offer free camping, with rules varying widely. Remote areas may have more camping-friendly policies.
7. City Parks
Some city and town parks allow RV camping, often providing amenities like dump stations and electricity to attract travelers.
Tips for Locating Free Camping Areas
- Use user-created content on Google Maps to find GPS coordinates and reviews from other campers.
- Contact district offices for detailed information on dispersed camping and free campgrounds.
- Ask locals and rangers for recommendations on hidden camping spots.
- Contribute to the camping community by sharing newfound free camping sites on platforms like freecampsites.net.
- Embark on your camping adventure near Seward, Alaska, and discover the beauty of the outdoors without spending a dime. Happy camping!
Can You Camp for Free in Alaska?
Back in Alaska about 40 years ago, there were tons of places where you could camp for free, and we couldn't even name them all. But things changed in the late 1980s when Alaska hit a rough patch with an oil bust recession.
Suddenly, all those places we used to camp without paying started to ask for money. They put up signs saying you needed a special pass from the state to park, play, or camp in the spots we loved.
Nowadays, all those free spots are gone. Places like Deep Creek, Ninilchik, and even the Homer Spit charge you for camping, launching your boat, and even just parking to take a walk.
And let me tell you, some of these fees are the priciest we've seen in all our travels, whether in the U.S. or other countries. What's even sadder is there are no discounts for veterans or families with disabled kids either.
Free Places for Tent Camping in Alaska
If you want a cool camping spot without many people around, head away from the main roads in Alaska. You'll find lots of free tent sites, and some even have basic facilities.
You can make this awesome by taking a bush plane to the wild parts of Alaska. It's like going to a whole different world, and it's not much more expensive than a week of RV camping in popular places.
For a real backcountry adventure, hire a plane to drop you off. No fees for camping!
Before, hiking and camping were free, but now, in most spots, you need a $50 Annual Day Use - Parking Pass. You can still find free spots, though, like along the Denali Highway or in the Wrangell St. Elias National Park along Nabesna Road. But in most places, especially if it's State of Alaska land, you might need a pass for parking near trailheads.
What to Know When Camping in Bear Country in Alaska
Being safe around bears isn't a sure thing, but knowing about them and acting right can really help. Some folks used to think bears were totally unpredictable, but Alaska's Department of Fish and Game biologists say that's not true.
According to John Hechtel, a biologist there, bears do things for a reason. When we don't get why, it seems like they're unpredictable. He's been studying bears and humans for 18 years, and he knows his stuff!
Hiking in Alaska is super cool! You can climb up mountains and check out awesome views – lakes, rivers, and a ton of trees everywhere. In the summer, bears are out looking for food, so it's important to be noisy. Sing or chat with friends if you're with them. If you're hiking alone, talk out loud.
Don't use headphones because you won't hear any weird sounds. And, just in case, carry bear spray in an easy-to-reach holster. It works on both brown and black bears. Safety first!
If you see a mama bear and her cubs, just step back slowly. Don't turn your back or stare at the bear. And please, don't stop to take pictures until you're far, far away for everyone's safety, including mine!