How much does camping cost at Spencer Bench Cabin?

Camping fees at Spencer Bench Cabin are $85/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Spencer Bench Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Spencer Bench Cabin accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Spencer Bench Cabin before I book?

Yes! Spencer Bench Cabin has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Spencer Bench Cabin?

Spencer Bench Cabin is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Spencer Bench Cabin?

Spencer Bench Cabin does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Spencer Bench Cabin have?

Spencer Bench Cabin has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Spencer Bench Cabin?

Yes, pets are allowed at Spencer Bench Cabin. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Spencer Bench Cabin?

Spencer Bench Cabin offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Spencer Bench Cabin?

Popular activities at Spencer Bench Cabin include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Spencer Bench Cabin

2 reviews

145 Forest Station Rd. PO Box 129

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Alaska

Quick Facts

1,900 ft

Price

$85/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Glacier Ranger District - Chugach National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,900 ft

Price

$85/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Glacier Ranger District - Chugach National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Spencer Bench Cabin

$85.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $85.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

WINTER 907-783-3242 SUMMER 800-544-0552.

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

145 Forest Station Rd. PO Box 129

Spencer Bench Cabin

145 Forest Station Rd. PO Box 129

Nearby places

Driving directionsTo catch the train (reservations required) into the Spencer Whistle Stop, drive south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway to the Portage Rail Depot (Milepost 80) and check in at the Train station. In the winter months there are 2 snowmachine parking lots at Seward Highway Milepost 78 where snowmachines can access the Cabin by heading up the Placer River Valley. Note: Over snow access is condition dependent. Please call the Glacier Ranger District office (907-783-3242) for info on access via snowmachine.

Weather at Spencer Bench Cabin

Current alerts(8)

! USERS MUST SUPPLY THEIR OWN HEATING OIL ! 1-2 gallon(s) a day is the recommended amount but plan appropriately for cooler temps in Winter, Spring and Fall.
Access to the Spencer Bench Cabin outside of the Alaska Railroad operating season can be extremely difficult. Boating up the Placer River is possible, but the river is very shallow in places. Extensive wetlands make cross-country travel nearly impossible.
Forest Order (10-04-00-14-47) limits occupying/renting a public use rental cabin for more than seven consecutive days by any group or person.
Pets are allowed at the cabin. They must be leashed or restrained in developed recreation areas and you must clean up after your pet. Pets are only permitted onboard the Train in the baggage car, and must be in an air-line approved kennel.

Best Time to Camp at Spencer Bench Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather, long daylight, and full access to trails and the lake: daytime highs typically range from about 45–65°F (7–18°C) with cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–7°C). Wildflowers and alpine meadows are at their peak in late June–July, making hiking, fishing, boating on Spencer Lake, glacier viewpoints, and wildlife viewing ideal. Access and services are easiest then (June 1–Sept 15 reservations via the Alaska Railroad), so expect the busiest conditions in Peak months: July, August, June, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season: summer with mild temps, long daylight and full trail/lake access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Spencer Bench Cabin

Spencer Bench Cabin sits in the foothills of Chugach National Forest near Girdwood, operated by the Glacier Ranger District. This remote rental offers exceptional views of Spencer Glacier and the Placer River Valley, with access to Spencer Lake for boating and fishing. The sturdy, well-maintained cabin serves as a base for hiking alpine trails, wildlife viewing, and exploring glacier viewpoints during the summer months when wildflowers blanket the meadows.

Spencer Bench Cabin is a unique backcountry lodging option located in a remote area. It is accessible via trail, train, or other means of transportation.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather, long daylight, and full access to trails and the lake: daytime highs typically range from about 45–65°F (7–18°C) with cool nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–7°C). Wildflowers and alpine meadows are at their peak in late June–July, making hiking, fishing, boating on Spencer Lake, glacier viewpoints, and wildlife viewing ideal. Access and services are easiest then (June 1–Sept 15 reservations via the Alaska Railroad), so expect the busiest conditions in Peak months: July, August, June, September

Elevation1900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin overlooks Spencer Glacier and the lake it feeds below. The Placer River Valley spreads out from the base of the mountains, carved by ice over thousands of years. Alpine meadows surround the site, blooming with lupine, fireweed, and forget-me-nots in late June and July. Snow patches hold on shaded slopes well into summer. Black bears, brown bears, wolves, moose, and mountain goats all use this terrain. The landscape shifts with weather and light throughout the day.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin is designed for overnight stays and offers basic lodging accommodations, including wooden bunks and a kerosene heater. Fuel for heating must be supplied by guests.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural and educational programs are not available or mentioned for this campground.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 3 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin can sleep 6-8 people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations for summer (June 1st - September 15th) can be made through the Alaska Railroad website or by calling 800-544-0552. For the rest of the year, reservations are available on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned. The cabin is accessed via challenging trails or by train, jet boat, or float plane, making it difficult for individuals with mobility limitations.

Site SizeThe cabin can accommodate six to eight people. The interior includes wooden bunks and a table with benches.

PrivacyThe cabin is in a remote, elevated area at the end of Spencer Bench Trail, offering significant privacy and seclusion.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors planning a winter stay should be experienced in backcountry travel and prepare for avalanche conditions.

Need help booking Spencer Bench Cabin?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Electricity, water, toilet paper, and fuel (kerosene) for the heater are not provided. Guests are responsible for supplying their own drinking water, kerosene for heater (Typically 1 gallon/ day is sufficient), a cook stove, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, mattresses, toilet paper, garbage bags, cookware, dishes and utensils.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Spencer Bench Cabin

The Spencer Bench Cabin provides opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy hiking, climbing, wildlife viewing, skiing, snowmobiling, and other recreational activities depending on the season.

Hiking4.0/5

Spencer Bench Trail and alpine trails with glacier and valley viewpoints noted.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Area hosts black/brown bears, wolves, moose, lynx, wolverines and many birds.

Climbing3.0/5

Climbing is listed among available activities but specifics of routes/quality absent.

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing available in Spencer Lake and Placer River but species/details not provided.

Boating3.0/5

Boating access to Spencer Lake via jet boat/float plane; lake boating possible.

Winter Activities3.0/5

Skiing and snowmobiling mentioned but winter access is challenging and avalanche risk noted.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, elevated cabin with significant privacy implies low light and strong stargazing potential.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Spencer Bench Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users describe Spencer Bench Cabin as a well-maintained and scenic destination, ideal for advanced outdoor enthusiasts. They appreciate the breathtaking views, sturdy cabin construction, and abundant outdoor activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the cabin's exceptional views of Spencer Glacier and the Placer River Valley, its sturdy and well-maintained construction, and the opportunities for hiking and sightseeing.

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant negative feedback was observed in the reviews provided, although one user noted that the top bunks in the cabin are slightly smaller and less comfortable for two people.

Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews focus on the Spencer Bench Cabin itself, with users praising its construction and views. No specific issues with the site were noted.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend booking early, particularly during the summer season when reservations sell out quickly. Bringing adequate supplies, including kerosene, drinking water, and bedding, is strongly...

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight the cabin's accessibility challenges during winter due to snow and avalanche risks but commend the summer accessibility via train. Both winter and summer visitors are impressed with...

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

Mark Underwood: "Hiked up here in early July and spent two nights in the cabin. It's a sturdily built, well-kept place, with a fantastic view of the glacier." Kay: "We hiked the 3 miles up to the...

Based on 2 reviews