Tenderfoot Creek

Star4.38
83 reviews
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Family FriendlySummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,296 ft

Price

$23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open May 30th to Sep...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Seward Ranger District 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
Tenderfoot Creek
$23.00 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season fees during May 30th to September 9th are $23/day for Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites.
Standard Site Fee$23.00
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)288-3178
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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 83 reviews

42 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanlakesites

Some mention

noiseunlevelroad noise

"Overall, Tenderfoot Creek Campground is highly rated, with positive feedback about its cleanliness, stunning mountain and lake views, and well-spaced campsites. Some visitors noted issues like road noise and unlevel sites, but these were generally considered minor inconveniences."

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Campground Map

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

Tenderfoot Creek

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

Driving directionsFrom Anchorage, go south on Seward Highway approximately 81 miles to Summit Lake. Turn at milepost 46 before Summit Lake Lodge.
Primarily accessible via the Seward Highway. Roads are paved and suitable for RVs and standard vehicles alike. However, users mention limited parking at the boat ramp.
Nearby places
Anchorage (81 miles, approximately 1.5-hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including firewood, are available onsite or through Summit Lake Lodge nearby
Seward provides broader options for camping supplies and groceries.

Best Time to Camp at Tenderfoot Creek

Perched high in a mountain pass, Summit Lake offers a refreshing escape from summer heat, with daytime temperatures climbing to a pleasant 80°F before giving way to crisp, star-filled evenings that call for cozy campfire gatherings. Autumn transforms the landscape into a golden paradise, drawing savvy campers who appreciate bug-free adventures and spectacular fall colors. When winter blankets the mountains in deep powder, the area becomes a backcountry skier's playground, offering pristine slopes and endless adventure for those willing to embrace the cold.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: warm days (~80°F), popular for swimming, kayaking and fishing.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall praised for fishing and crisp evenings; reviewers note excellent fall fishing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late-spring opening (May 30) limits full spring season activity; quieter but fewer services.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 30–Sept 9; winter season not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 30th to September 9th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 30th to September 9th.
  • Current Alerts: Potential seasonal alerts include road noise and wildlife activity.

About Tenderfoot Creek

Escape to Tenderfoot Creek Campground, where pristine mountain vistas meet the crystal-clear waters of Summit Lake. This hidden gem offers adventurers the perfect basecamp for fishing expeditions, peaceful paddle sessions, and trail explorations through Alaska's untamed wilderness. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, gliding across mirror-like waters in your kayak, or simply savoring the tranquility of this well-maintained mountain retreat, you'll discover why visitors return year after year to this harmonious blend of comfort and wilderness.
Tenderfoot Creek Campground offers camping options suitable for tents, RVs, and group camping.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Tenderfoot Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, biking, and wildlife viewing. The scenic Summit Lake provides an ideal setting for water-based activities, and the surrounding area is perfect for exploring trails and enjoying the wilderness.
HikingThe Summit Lake Trail connects with the Resurrection Pass Trail, a 39-mile hiking and biking trail that climbs 2,100 feet and offers excellent scenic views. "Summit trail is close by if you desire a medium level hike," one reviewer shared.
FishingSummit Lake is stocked with Dolly Varden and Rainbow trout. "Fishing in the fall time is awesome," one camper remarked. Another review suggested bringing a canoe for fishing due to the shallow waters near the shore.
SwimmingThe lake offers swimming opportunities, especially during warmer weather. One camper shared, "We spent most of the 80-degree weather swimming in the lake and floating in a raft."
BikingThe Resurrection Pass Trail, accessible from Summit Lake Trail, is suitable for biking and offers a challenging ascent with rewarding views.
BoatingThe campground features a boat ramp suitable for non-motorized boats like kayaks and canoes. Visitors have enjoyed kayaking and exploring the entire lake. "We enjoyed taking our kayaks out on the lake and exploring one end to the other," a camper said.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes loons, bald eagles, moose, bears, mountain goats, lynx, and wolves. Campers often experience close encounters with the local fauna. "Campers may experience morning wakeup calls from loons or view bald eagles fishing in the clear waters," according to the campground overview.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon hazards include wildlife such as bears and squirrels, which are attracted to food. Bugs can be prevalent, especially black flies and mosquitoes during summer.
Active AlertsPotential seasonal alerts include road noise and wildlife activity.

Weather at Tenderfoot Creek

Reviews

4.4
83 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Tenderfoot Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Tenderfoot Creek Campground is highly rated, with positive feedback about its cleanliness, stunning mountain and lake views, and well-spaced campsites. Some visitors noted issues like road noise and unlevel sites, but these were generally considered minor inconveniences.
Review Summaries
Based on 83 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciated the clean facilities, beautiful scenery, and variety of activities available. "The facilities are clean, and the sites are spaced very well apart," one reviewer noted. "The lake...
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Based on 83 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors mentioned road noise from the Seward Highway and issues with unlevel campsites. "There is a lot of road noise from the Seward Highway," one reviewer said. Others noted the presence of...
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Based on 83 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing leveling blocks for RVs, packing warm clothing due to the area's cooler temperatures, and purchasing firewood onsite as availability can be inconsistent. Bringing bug spray...
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Based on 83 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Feedback indicates that summer is the most popular season, with many visitors enjoying the lake and warm weather. However, some noted an increase in bugs and road noise during this time. Fall offers...
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Based on 83 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake is beautiful as usual, and the weather was perfect," a camper shared. "The sites are clean and fairly spacious," another commented. "The camp hosts for 2020 were wonderful people," a...
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Based on 83 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #27: A pull-through site near the road with limited privacy. Site #30: A large tent site with close lake access. Site #004: Described as quiet and clean, with lake access.
Based on 83 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews did not provide specific feedback on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 83 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related policies and experiences were not addressed by user reviews.
Based on 83 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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