Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground

0 review

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Available for reserv...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens booking site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Available for reserv...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens booking site

Get Directions

Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(907) 783-3242

Best Time to Camp at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground

Summer visitors arrive aboard the Glacier Discovery Train, timing their adventures with the seasonal service that makes this remote destination accessible. When snow blankets the valley and the trains stop running, a different kind of adventurer takes over—backcountry skiers carving fresh tracks, snowmobilers exploring vast white expanses, and ice climbers scaling frozen waterfalls in the crystalline winter silence.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Available for reservations in the summer months while the Glacier Discovery Train (Alaska Railroad) is running.

About Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground

Accessible only by train, Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground offers an extraordinary wilderness experience at the edge of Spencer Glacier Lake. Here, where cottonwood and alder have reclaimed land once covered by ice, visitors discover a front-row seat to one of Alaska's most dramatic glacial landscapes, perfect for adventurers seeking packrafting, hiking, and wildlife encounters in true backcountry solitude.

Group-focused campground with two group sites that can be reserved during the summer train-operating season.

Weather and SeasonsSummer visitors arrive aboard the Glacier Discovery Train, timing their adventures with the seasonal service that makes this remote destination accessible. When snow blankets the valley and the trains stop running, a different kind of adventurer takes over—backcountry skiers carving fresh tracks, snowmobilers exploring vast white expanses, and ice climbers scaling frozen waterfalls in the crystalline winter silence.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Placer River flows cold and clear from Spencer Glacier Lake, its waters carrying the ancient story of ice and time. Surrounded by the towering Kenai Mountains, the campground sits in a landscape of constant transformation, where massive icebergs drift across the lake's surface and the glacier itself commands the horizon. A quarter-mile trail leads to a viewing area where the full majesty of this scene unfolds. The valley teems with life—black and brown bears fish the waters, moose browse the willows, mountain goats navigate impossible cliffs, and if you're fortunate, you might spot wolves, lynx, or the elusive wolverine. Marmots whistle from rocky outcrops while arctic ground squirrels scurry between burrows, and at higher elevations, berry-laden shrubs offer sweet rewards for those who climb.

Geological RegionSituated in the Kenai Mountains at the head of the Placer River Valley, where glacial meltwater begins its journey from Spencer Glacier Lake toward the sea.

Campsite details

Sites SizeCampsite A accommodates up to 15 guests; Campsite B accommodates up to 10 guests; both sites booked together accommodate up to 25 guests.

Sites PrivacyThe two campsites share a common area (three picnic tables, bear box, tarp poles, campfire ring) rather than fully private individual setups.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended CampsitesTwo group sites share a common area with three picnic tables, a bear box, tarp poles, and a campfire ring; Campsite A accommodates up to 15 guests, Campsite B up to 10 guests, or both together up to 25. A vault toilet is located about 100 yards from the common area.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsite A: up to 15 guests
Campsite B: up to 10 guests
both sites booked together: up to 25 guests.

Groups

Two reservable group campsites: Campsite A (up to 15 guests) and Campsite B (up to 10 guests). Both sites can be reserved together for parties up to 25 guests. Sites share a common area with three picnic tables, a bear box, tarp poles, and a campfire ring
vault toilet is about 100 yards away.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo group campsites (A and B) share a common area with three picnic tables, a bear box, tarp poles, and a campfire ring; vault toilet located ~100 yards from the common area.

Open and Closed SeasonAvailable for reservations in the summer months while the Glacier Discovery Train (Alaska Railroad) is running.

Reservation PlatformsCampsites are available for reservations in summer months while the Glacier Discovery Train is running; train tickets are booked via the Alaska Railroad website.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The area supports a range of summer and winter outdoor recreation, including watercraft use on Spencer Glacier Lake, hiking, climbing, and wildlife viewing. Glacier calving can create large waves; visitors are advised to keep a safe distance.

Hiking

Easy hiking available; a viewpoint for Spencer Glacier is located about 1/4 mile down trail from the campground.

Climbing

Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

Fishing

Fishing is available during the summer months.

Boating

Packrafting, kayaking, and canoeing on Spencer Glacier Lake to view icebergs and approach the glacier (visitors should remain at least 500 yards away from glacier calving).

Wildlife viewing

Frequent wildlife sightings include black and brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine, moose; higher elevations may have mountain goats, marmots, arctic ground squirrels, and spruce grouse. Berry picking (crow berries, salmon berries, low-bush blueberries) occurs at higher elevations in late summer.

Winter Activities

Backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, and ice climbing are popular in winter.

Water Sports

Packrafting, kayaking, and canoeing on Spencer Glacier Lake; note glacier calving and safety distance of at least 500 yards.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsGlacier calving can cause large, unpredictable waves on Spencer Glacier Lake; presence of large wildlife including black and brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine, and moose. Remote access (train required in summer) increases isolation.

Weather at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground

°F

Dec 11

Thursday

Mainly clear

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 50%

Wind: 5.3 mph

Mainly clear

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Proximity to water featuresAt the head of Placer River Valley near the Placer River outflow from Spencer Glacier Lake; icebergs frequently visible on the lake and a glacier viewing area is ~1/4 mile down trail.

HostThis location is unstaffed.

Campground Map

Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground

Driving directionsDuring summer months train transportation is required to reach the Spencer Whistlestop. Drive south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway to the Portage Rail Depot (Milepost 80) and check in at the train station; train reservations required (see Alaska Railroad).

Off the road system; accessible by Alaska Railroad train during summer months. Visitors must drive to the Portage Rail Depot (Milepost 80) on the Seward Highway to board the train.