Is Black Bear Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Bear Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Black Bear Campground?

Black Bear Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Black Bear Campground?

Fire policies at Black Bear Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Black Bear Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Black Bear Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Black Bear Campground?

Black Bear Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Black Bear Campground

4.56

51 reviews

Top 24% in AKSummer

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Family Friendly

Featured in:Summer Camping Alaska Best Campgrounds Alaska Family-Friendly Campgrounds Alaska

Quick Facts

72 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

72 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Black Bear Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Black Bear Campground

60.7885, -148.8888

Weather at Black Bear Campground

Current alerts(2)

Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating.
For more information on Chugach National Forest, click here

Best Time to Camp at Black Bear Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, long daylight, and mild weather—ideal for hiking the Trail of Blue Ice, boating on glacier-fed lakes, and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-40s to mid-60s °F (7–18 °C), cool evenings, and frequent overcast or light rain, with long daylight hours that stretch activities. Visitor numbers are highest in July and August (day-trippers to nearby glaciers boost use), but the tradeoff is peak trail, boat, and wildlife-viewing conditions. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 24% in AK

Summer cited as best season: mild weather, long daylight, reliable access to trails/lakes.

Planning Tips

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Black Bear Campground

Black Bear Campground sits in a wooded, low-elevation area near a salmon-bearing creek and offers direct access to the Trail of Blue Ice and ranger-led hikes to Byron Glacier. Operated with vault toilets and picnic tables, this quiet campground attracts visitors seeking wildlife viewing, glacier exploration, and stream-side tent or RV camping. Summer brings mild temperatures, long daylight, and the best conditions for hiking and boating on nearby glacier-fed lakes.

This campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and requires visitors to arrive onsite to purchase and claim a site. Campsites are described as nicely separated; no electric hookups are available. Specific site type designations (tent, RV, primitive, group, cabins, glamping) are not stated.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, long daylight, and mild weather—ideal for hiking the Trail of Blue Ice, boating on glacier-fed lakes, and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-40s to mid-60s °F (7–18 °C), cool evenings, and frequent overcast or light rain, with long daylight hours that stretch activities. Visitor numbers are highest in July and August (day-trippers to nearby glaciers boost use), but the tradeoff is peak trail, boat, and wildlife-viewing conditions. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation72 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a quiet wooded area at 72 feet elevation, with a salmon-bearing creek running nearby. Sites sit among trees that provide decent separation and a traditional Alaskan feel. The Trail of Blue Ice starts close by, connecting to the Williwaw Nature Trail and Byron Glacier Trail. Portage Valley's glacier-fed lakes show up turquoise in summer. Moose frequent the area, and salmon runs draw both bears and visitors to the creek.

Programs & ActivitiesBegich Boggs Visitor Center (accessible from trails near the campground) provides educational interpretation about glaciers and Alaska.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNone for reservations — site assignment is first-come, first-served; payment may be completed on-site via the Recreation.gov mobile app Scan and Pay feature if available.

PrivacyCampsites are described as nicely separated.

Recommended SitesCampsites are nicely separated. Bear boxes are provided—use them to store food and scented items. No electric hookups are available; vault toilets and picnic tables are provided. Visitors should be prepared to arrive in person to claim sites and, if planning to use Scan and Pay, download the Recreation.gov mobile app prior to arrival.

Amenities available

Vault toilets, picnic tables, and bear boxes are provided. Campsites are described as nicely separated. There are no electric hookups. This is a first-come, first-served campground where visitors must arrive onsite to purchase and claim a site; guests may be able to pay using the Recreation.gov mobile app and Scan and Pay if service is available.

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Black Bear Campground

Recreation opportunities accessible from the campground include a long local trail (Trail of Blue Ice) with connections to multiple nearby trails, visitor center, viewing platforms, and glacier-related attractions. Portage Lake provides access for small watercraft activities.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to the Trail of Blue Ice and ranger-led hikes to Byron Glacier.

Boating4.0/5

Portage Lake access allows kayaking and packrafting from the valley head.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Reports of moose, brown/black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles nearby.

Water Sports4.0/5

Portage Lake provides access for kayaking and packrafting from the valley head.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Glaciers, creek, wildlife and woodland trails provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided at the campground for food and scent storage.

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).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

51 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Reviewers overwhelmingly rate Black Bear Campground very highly, describing it as a beautiful, quiet, wooded, and peaceful place. Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of the toilets, the primitive/traditional Alaskan feel, and the nearby stream and trails, making it a favorite spot for many visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 51 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers love the natural setting: a quiet, wooded, secluded campground with a beautiful stream/salmon-bearing creek and great walking trails, including access to the Trail of Blue Ice and ranger-led...

Based on 51 reviews

Common Concerns

Reviews provided are almost entirely positive and do not contain recurring complaints. The only mild negative mention is that rain dampened one family’s trip, which is weather-related rather than an...

Based on 51 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One detailed review states the campground has 12 sites and mentions that on a summer Saturday all sites were filled by 2:00 PM, indicating limited capacity and popularity at busy times. Another...

Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One reviewer notes that all 12 sites were occupied by 2:00 PM on a summer Saturday, suggesting campers arrive early to secure a spot. Those with RVs are advised to try Williwaw Campground first and...

Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Beautiful place, clean and smelly toilets, 😉👍” “$15 per camp site and their bathroom is the cleanest public bathroom I've ever been.” “It is secluded and a peaceful place… Cant wait to come back...

Based on 51 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Black Bear Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

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Nearby Campgrounds

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4.6

(51)

Black Bear Campground

Chugach National Forest

Black Bear Campground sits in Chugach National Forest along a small river, offering tent, RV, and primitive sites managed by the Forest Service. The campground is known for well-spaced sites separated by thick vegetation, creating a quiet, private atmosphere. Summer brings long daylight hours ideal for wildlife viewing and hiking, with bears, moose, and eagles active in the surrounding forest.

Black Bear Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Black Bear Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Black Bear Campground

Current alerts(2)

Best Time to Camp at Black Bear Campground

Planning Tips

About Black Bear Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Black Bear Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Black Bear Campground

Current alerts(2)

Best Time to Camp at Black Bear Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Black Bear Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews