Ptarmigan Creek

Star4.24
34 reviews
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Fishing

Quick Facts

470 ft

Price

$19/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Ptarmigan Creek
$19.00 - $19.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric campsites are available at $19 per night during the peak season between May 23 and September 13, 2025. Additional reservation...
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Standard Site Fee$19.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(907) 522-8368
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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 34 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleanlake

Some mention

noisesmallcell service

"Ptarmigan Creek Campground is praised for its peaceful and natural setting, clean facilities, and proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities. However, some users noted issues like small site sizes and occasional noise from nearby road construction."

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Campground Map

Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA

Ptarmigan Creek

Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA

Driving directionsFrom Anchorage, go south on Seward Highway to Crown Point, approximately 100 miles. The campground is located at Milepost 23.1.
The campground is accessible via the Seward Highway, which is a paved major road. Seasonal roadwork and construction may occur during summer months, as mentioned in user reviews.
Nearby places
Seward (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes), Moose Pass (approximately 6 miles, 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, are available in Seward around 20 miles away. Moose Pass, 6 miles away, may offer limited supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Ptarmigan Creek

Experience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformations at Ptarmigan Creek. Summer brings mild temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures, though savvy visitors come prepared for the infamous Alaskan mosquitoes that thrive during warmer months. As autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, the bugs retreat and crisp air settles in. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-laden wonderland, where temperatures plunge and the forest takes on a magical, frozen stillness that attracts hardy cold-weather enthusiasts.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: mild summer weather; hiking and fishing are in full swing per reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Late Aug–early Sept red salmon spawning makes fall a special season for viewing and fishing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23 (late spring); variable weather and insect season mean mixed spring experiences.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Sept 13; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 to September 13, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season starts May 23, 2025, and ends September 13, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: User reviews mention road construction noise during summer months and issues with potable water quality.

About Ptarmigan Creek

Tucked away in the heart of Chugach National Forest, Ptarmigan Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Alaska's pristine wilderness. This peaceful retreat on the Kenai Peninsula invites you to wake up to towering mountain vistas and fall asleep to the gentle murmur of Ptarmigan Creek. Each wooded campsite provides a private sanctuary among the trees, while nearby trails beckon hikers and anglers to explore the surrounding backcountry. Despite its secluded feel, you'll find all the essential amenities needed for a comfortable stay in this natural paradise.
Ptarmigan Creek offers standard nonelectric campsites suitable for tents and small trailers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Ptarmigan Creek Campground is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. From late August to early September, the creek becomes a hotspot for viewing red salmon spawning. The Ptarmigan Lake Trail provides scenic hiking opportunities, and fishing for Dolly Varden and rainbow trout is popular.
HikingThe Ptarmigan Lake Trail is a highlight, offering a hiking experience through meadows, brush, and forest to the turquoise Ptarmigan Lake. Users praised the trail for its beauty and accessibility from the campground.
FishingFishing is a major attraction at Ptarmigan Creek, with Dolly Varden and rainbow trout being common catches. The fish viewing platform provides an excellent spot to observe red salmon spawning during late summer.
BikingMiles of biking trails are available in the area, though specific trail details are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant, with moose, brown and black bears, sheep, and goats commonly observed. The campground's natural surroundings enhance the experience.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife hazards include bears and mosquitoes. Bring sufficient insect repellent and take precautions for wildlife safety.
Active AlertsUser reviews mention road construction noise during summer months and issues with potable water quality.

Weather at Ptarmigan Creek

Reviews

4.2
34 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Ptarmigan Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Ptarmigan Creek Campground is praised for its peaceful and natural setting, clean facilities, and proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities. However, some users noted issues like small site sizes and occasional noise from nearby road construction.
Review Summaries
Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently highlight the campground's tranquility, privacy, cleanliness, and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Users appreciated the proximity to the Ptarmigan Lake Trail and the...
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Based on 34 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the small size of some campsites, lack of a campground host to address issues, and occasional noise from nearby road work. Cell service is described as spotty, and some...
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Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest bringing ample water, as the water pump quality is questionable, and a bug shelter to combat mosquitoes and black flies. It’s recommended to confirm site sizes for your specific camping...
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Based on 34 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during summer months when activities like hiking and fishing are in full swing. Fall offers a unique experience with red salmon spawning, but reviews do not mention winter...
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Based on 34 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campsites always seem well maintained and clean. We can’t wait to come back for another weekend trip." - Shelby B. "The campground is beautiful. The trails are great. I’ve been coming to...
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Based on 34 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 was noted as too small for a 19 ft. trailer, while other sites like #5 were praised for their privacy and cleanliness. Site #12 received high ratings for its proximity to the Ptarmigan Lake...
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Based on 34 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Based on 34 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically discuss experiences related to pets at the campground.
Based on 34 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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