Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground
Chugach National Forest
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.
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.
Notifications and Alerts
Need to Know
Train transportation is required to reach the Spencer Whistlestop. To check schedules and to book train tickets visit the Alaska Railroad website.
Pets are allowed. They must be leashed or restrained in developed recreation areas and you must clean up after your pet. Pets are only permitted onboard the Train in the baggage car, and must be in an air-line approved kennel. Kennels can be left at Spencer Whistlestop for the duration of your stay. Please contact the Alaska Railroad for more information.
Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside the bear box and remove all food from area after eating.
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
These campsites are not available at any time during the year on a first-come, first-served basis. A reservation is always required.
For more information on Chugach National Forest, click here .
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.
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.
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.
Contact Information
Mailing
145 Forest Station Road P.O. Box 129 Girdwood AK 99587
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: (907) 783-3242
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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.
Available Campsites
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