Bird Creek Campground

The feel

Bird Creek Campground sits along Turnagain Arm, about 20 miles southeast of Anchorage, just east of the Bird Creek Bridge on the Seward Highway at Mile 101. The campground is perched on the tidal edge of the arm, and its wooded campsites each have a fire ring and a picnic table. It is a favorite jump-off for salmon anglers and for cyclists on the coastal bike trail.

The day-use parking lot gives access to the Indian to Girdwood trail, and the Beluga and Boretide public use cabins sit on the grounds for anyone who would rather have a roof. A paved trail runs along the arm to Girdwood, 13.3 miles of it, and Bird Ridge is a steep 2.5-mile climb to a 3,400-foot summit.

What to expect

Layout and setting

22 to 28 wooded campsites. Firewood is not sold here, and the campground is ADA accessible.

Parking

A 40-site overflow camping area sits in a parking lot at this location.

Fees and passes

Campsite and daily parking fees apply.

Hazards

Turnagain Arm has a bore tide on certain cycles.

Bathrooms and water

Vault toilets, outhouses, water and a water pump.

Season and access

May to September, with a 7-night camping limit and RVs limited to 35 feet.

Mingo says

Aim for the days after July 10, when salmon fishing opens and pinks and chums are common. Time your walks around the tide, since belugas appear at high tide and bald eagles forage at low tide.

Before you go

• Budget $20 a night for the campsite, plus the daily parking fee.
• Campsites are first come, first served with no online booking. Reserve the Beluga and Boretide cabins, which carry a 3-night stay limit.
• Keep food in the bear-aware storage.
• Call State Parks at 907-269-8400 with questions, or ask the hosts on site.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.