Exit Glacier Campground

Overview

Tucked in spruce forest near the end of the road, Exit Glacier Campground is the park’s tiny, summer-only, walk-in, tent-only basecamp. With just 12 sites and no fees or reservations, it’s a simple, quiet place to sleep surrounded by rushing river sounds and mountain views.

Why Stay Here

If you want to wake up steps from Exit Glacier’s trail network without staying in town, this is the spot. It’s one of the closest public campgrounds to an active glacier, yet it keeps a low-key, primitive feel thanks to the small site count and walk-in setup.

Campsites and Setup

All camping is walk-in from the nearby parking area—no RVs or sleeping in vehicles. Sites are spaced out and tucked away, offering surprising privacy. A covered communal shelter serves as the required cooking and food-storage area, with room to prep and dine out of the weather. Vault toilets are provided, and a hand pump for water is typically available in season (status can vary—come prepared to treat or bring water).

Season and Access

The campground operates in summer, generally late May through mid-September, and it often fills by early evening in peak months (July–August). The Exit Glacier area is the only part of the park reached by road; outside summer, that road is commonly closed to vehicles due to snow. Seward is roughly a 15–20 minute drive for supplies.

Trails Right Nearby

From the nature center/parking area, short paths lead to multiple glacier viewpoints, while the Harding Icefield Trail launches a full-day climb to sweeping icefield vistas. Camping here lets you start early before day crowds reach the trailheads.

Wildlife and Safety

This is bear country. Cooking and food storage are restricted to the central shelter for good reason—never keep food or scented items in your tent. Expect bugs in summer; breezy conditions help, but repellent is still a smart move.

Practicalities

• Free; first-come, first-served with a 14-day limit
• Walk-in tent camping only; no vehicle camping or RVs
• Communal cooking/food-storage shelter; no camp cooking at sites
• Vault toilets; seasonal hand pump (check status; treat water if needed)
• No pets permitted in campsites
• No store, restaurant, gas, or WiFi on site; plan to be self-sufficient

Is It For You?

Choose this campground if you value proximity to Exit Glacier over frills. It’s minimal on amenities and maximum on location and quiet—perfect for hikers who want a simple base and an early start.