Bartlett Cove Campground

4.64

13 reviews

PO Box 140, Gustavus, AK, 99826, USA

Family FriendlyScenic Views

Quick Facts

20 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

WiFi

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

20 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

WiFi

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Bartlett Cove Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping at Bartlett Cove Campground is free, as stated by the National Park Service. No fees are charged for the stay.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(907) 697-2627glba_administration@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 13 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacyclean

"The campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, privacy, scenic beauty, and well-maintained facilities. Several reviews highlight the natural and peaceful environment as major draws."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 140, Gustavus, AK, 99826, USA

Bartlett Cove Campground

PO Box 140, Gustavus, AK, 99826, USA

Driving directionsThe campground is located about 1/4 mile by trail from the main dock in Bartlett Cove. It has designated sites, a warming shelter, vault toilets, and bear-proof food caches. Wheelbarrows are available to help transport gear. Stop by the Visitor Information Station near the dock to obtain a free camping permit for the campground.

The campground is accessible only by trail from the Bartlett Cove dock. There is no vehicle access, making it ideal for tent campers. Gear transportation is aided by wheelbarrows provided on-site.

Nearby places

Gustavus is the nearest city with postal services and basic amenities

distance details are not explicitly provided.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are located in Gustavus. Specific proximity metrics are not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Bartlett Cove Campground

Embrace the authentic Southeast Alaska experience where misty mornings give way to dramatic cloud formations dancing across Glacier Bay. Winter brings crisp temperatures hovering between 28°F and 33°F, painting the landscape in ethereal frost while occasional rain showers create a symphony on the forest canopy. Summer transforms the campground into a vibrant basecamp, with extended daylight hours perfect for wildlife watching and kayaking adventures. The region's maritime climate means rain gear is essential year-round, but the ever-changing weather patterns create some of the most stunning atmospheric conditions you'll witness anywhere in Alaska.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Warmer months likely best for wildlife viewing and shore access; reviews skew positive overall.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Misty, cooler conditions likely reduce comfort and accessibility compared with summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring likely wet and cool but offers wildlife viewing; info is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Winter temps given (28–33°F); likely cold, wet, and of limited appeal for camping.

Planning Tips

About Bartlett Cove Campground

Nestled along the pristine shoreline of Glacier Bay, Bartlett Cove Campground offers an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience just a quarter-mile stroll from the historic dock. This National Park Service gem welcomes adventurers free of charge, providing thoughtfully designed amenities that blend seamlessly with the natural environment. Each campsite features bear-proof food storage lockers for peace of mind, while a cozy warming shelter stocked with firewood invites evening gatherings around the communal fire pit. With clean vault toilets and a walk-in design that preserves the area's tranquility, this campground serves as your gateway to one of Alaska's most spectacular marine wilderness areas.

Bartlett Cove Campground is a walk-in, tent-only campground, free for visitors and located in a scenic area near the shoreline. It is not reservable and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Historical Significance

Indigenous Heritage

Bartlett Cove stands as a testament to nature's resilience and renewal, anchoring Glacier Bay National Park's incredible story of glacial retreat and ecological rebirth. This protected haven preserves one of the world's most dramatic examples of plant succession, where life has reclaimed land once buried beneath thousands of feet of ice. The cove serves as both a scientific treasure trove for researchers studying climate change and biodiversity, and a spiritual sanctuary that continues to hold deep significance for the Huna Tlingit people, whose ancestors called this bay home before the glaciers advanced.

Weather and SeasonsEmbrace the authentic Southeast Alaska experience where misty mornings give way to dramatic cloud formations dancing across Glacier Bay. Winter brings crisp temperatures hovering between 28°F and 33°F, painting the landscape in ethereal frost while occasional rain showers create a symphony on the forest canopy. Summer transforms the campground into a vibrant basecamp, with extended daylight hours perfect for wildlife watching and kayaking adventures. The region's maritime climate means rain gear is essential year-round, but the ever-changing weather patterns create some of the most stunning atmospheric conditions you'll witness anywhere in Alaska.

ElevationPerched at sea level where the forest meets the tide, Bartlett Cove Campground offers the rare opportunity to fall asleep to the rhythmic lapping of Glacier Bay's waters just steps from your tent. This waterfront elevation provides unparalleled access to both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, allowing campers to explore tidal pools at low tide and venture into old-growth forests without gaining a single foot in elevation.

Natural Features and SceneryWake to the haunting calls of loons echoing across mist-shrouded waters, where dense Sitka spruce and western hemlock forests cascade down to meet the rocky shoreline. The campground's waterfront location offers front-row seats to nature's grand theater – watch humpback whales breach in the distance, sea otters play in the kelp beds, and bald eagles soar overhead. Morning light filters through the forest canopy, illuminating moss-draped trees and revealing hidden wildlife trails. As evening approaches, the setting sun paints Glacier Bay in shades of gold and purple, creating perfect conditions for photography and quiet contemplation.

Geological RegionSet within the crown jewel of Alaska's Inside Passage, Bartlett Cove Campground sits at the heart of Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve – a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing 3.3 million acres of dynamic glacial landscapes. This remarkable region tells Earth's story through exposed bedrock, advancing and retreating glaciers, and fjords carved by ancient ice. The park encompasses temperate rainforest, alpine tundra, and over 1,000 miles of coastline, creating one of the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems on the planet. Here, tectonic forces continue to shape the landscape, with the land rising nearly two inches per year as it rebounds from the weight of departed glaciers.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stays are limited to 14 days.

Groups

Group sites are not referenced in the information provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of designated walk-in tent sites. Wheelbarrows are provided for transporting gear.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come-first-served basis. As reservations are not required, visitors should obtain a free camping permit upon arrival at the Visitor Information Station near the dock.

Cancellation PolicyBartlett Cove Campground does not require reservations, as it is free and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Consequently, there is no cancellation policy.

AccessibilityWheelbarrows are provided to assist with transporting gear. Detailed information about access for individuals with disabilities is not available.

Site SizeThe sites are described as spacious and well-maintained, although no numeric dimensions are provided.

PrivacyReviews highlight the high level of privacy at the campsites. Aaron Pressel mentioned, 'Very clean, very private, excellent views.

Recommended SitesTent camping is ideal due to the lack of access for RVs and vehicles. Sites along the shoreline offer optimal views of Bartlett Cove.

Amenities available

Potable water

WiFi

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bartlett Cove Campground offers a serene environment that caters to tent campers who enjoy natural and scenic beauty. Activities are centered around enjoying the nearby shore and exploring the surrounding area.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, particularly with bears. Food storage lockers are provided to mitigate risks.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are provided to ensure safety and prevent wildlife interactions.

Fire PolicyFirewood is provided for use in the designated warming shelter and fire pit.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are based in Gustavus, which hosts medical facilities, police departments, and ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Water FeaturesThe campground is in close proximity to Bartlett Cove, offering shoreline access and views of Glacier Bay.

Weather at Bartlett Cove Campground

Reviews

4.6

13 reviews

Top-Rated

Bartlett Cove Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, privacy, scenic beauty, and well-maintained facilities. Several reviews highlight the natural and peaceful environment as major draws.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciate the 'clean and very modern' vault toilets, as noted by Jonas Henn. Others applaud the high level of privacy and natural beauty, with Aaron Pressel describing it as 'very...

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

One review by Chrissi St noted that the firewood provided could be 'rather wet.'

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own firewood if possible, as the provided firewood may be damp. Additionally, guests can shower at Glacier Bay Lodge for $5. Wheelbarrows are available to help...

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not explicitly distinguish between seasons, but the campground's appeal for its natural beauty and proximity to the shore may make it more popular in warmer months.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. Chrissi St: 'Nice campground with plenty of spaces. Food cache, toilet and firewood (rather wet) available. Bathrooms with warm water are located at the Ranger station and at the nearby Glacier...

Based on 13 reviews