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Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — Girdwood · Alaska · Chugach National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Chugach National Forest |
| Location | Girdwood · Alaska · Chugach National Forest · 60.69880, -149.04287 · Map |
| Sites | 2 public sites counted from the federal listing — 2 group walk to |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 2 sites Water hookups at 0 of 2 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 2 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 2 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 02:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 2 sites, as reported |
| Amenities, as reported | Vault toiletsWater spigots |
| Phone | (907) 783-3242 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
Overview The Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground is located at the head of the beautiful Placer River Valley at the Spencer Whistlestop. The campsites are nestled among the cottonwood and alder that have grown in after Spencer Glacier’s retreat. This area known for packrafting, wildlife viewing, glacier viewing, and hiking. One can frequently see icebergs floating on Spencer Glacier Lake and might even be able to watch the glacier calving!
The two group campsites at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground are available for reservations in the summer months while the Glacier Discovery Train is running on the Alaska Railroad. During these months, train transportation is required to reach the Spencer Whistlestop. To book train tickets visit the Alaska Railroad website.
Recreation Spencer Glacier Lake offers amazing opportunities for packrafting, kayaking, or canoeing. All these options allow you to explore the amazing icebergs floating in the lake. It also allows you to get close to Spencer Glacier and amaze at it’s vast size. Please note, glacier calving can cause large, unpredictable waves on the lake, so it is recommended that you stay at least 500 yards away.
This area also offers other recreational opportunities including easy hiking, rock climbing, and fishing during the summer months. In the winter this area is popular with backcountry skiers, snowmobilers and ice climbers.
Facilities The Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground offers two group campsites. Campsite A can accommodate up to 15 guests and Campsite B can accommodate up to 10 guests or both sites can be book together to accommodate parties of up to 25 guests. The two campsites share a common area that has three picnic tables, a bear box, tarp poles, and a campfire ring. There is also a vault toilet located 100 yards from the common area, toilet paper is not supplied.
Natural Features The Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground is located at the head of Placer River Valley near the Placer River outflow from Spencer Glacier Lake and is surrounded by the beautiful Kenai Mountains. There is a viewing area for Spencer Glacier located ¼ mile down trail. Black and brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine, and moose inhabit the area. Mountain goats, marmots, arctic ground squirrels and spruce grouse may be spotted higher in the mountains around Spencer Glacier Lake. Crow berries and Salmon Berries are plentiful at higher elevations in the late summer, along with low-bush blueberries.
Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 783-3242. Nearby Attractions Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Campground is located off the road system and accessible by train only. To book train tickets visit the Alaska Railroad website.
Directions, from the listing
During Summer months train transportation is required to reach the Spencer Whistlestop. To 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.
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Trip Card — Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground
Girdwood · Alaska · Chugach National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Girdwood · Alaska · Chugach National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 2 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10300372 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.