Question about AK National and State Parks (Anchorage, Kenai: rent, camping)

[utvolsfan13]

I was looking at the webpages for some of the national and state parks in Alaska, particularly around Anchorage. There seems to be a lack of information about backcountry camping. I live near Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee. There are designated backcountry sites in that park, where you have to camp. In most Alaska parks, is backcountry camping pretty much allowed along any trails? When people decide to hike 20-30 mile trails, do they just pitch tent wherever? This may be a dumb question, but oh well. Thanks!

[Las Vegan Cajun]

Try the National Park Service website http://www.nps.gov/state/ak/

[Las Vegan Cajun]

Also the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/

[Rance]

There are some designated sites in alot of the parks, but usually near trail heads etc. Once you get 8 or 10 or 12 miles deep your pretty much on your own for sleeping spots.

[BudinAk]

The Kenai Fjords National Park (Seward, 120mi south of Anchorage) has several trails with camping spots provided, and also cabins available along the trails. (reservations required for cabins) More info here: http://www.kenai.fjords.national-park.com/
The Chugach National Forest from Anchorage to just about anywhere on the Kenai Peninsula (south of Anchorage) is pretty much open to camping anywhere in the forest. Nobody seems to mind as long as you maintain a clean campsite and take out all trash with you when you leave. More info:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/
As if that were not enough, the various pulloffs and rest stops along the highways here seem to be always full of campers and RV's. Although there are "official" campgrounds everywhere, it's not like you must use them. The hikers do indeed pitch a tent "where-ever", so long as it's not in somebody's backyard it seems to be ok. Hope this helps.

Bud

[mal_flisk]

A point to remember is that the parks in Alaska are not as heavily populated as parks outside. Bears are in their natural habitat, and there are fewer rangers per mile than in comparable parks outside. Make sure you let someone know where you plan on camping, and when you plan to return. The parks you might be thinking of are larger than some states, and unless you are a skilled camper with decent survival skills, it is easy to become a statistic.

Please enjoy your stay, and camp responsibly. My kids and I are not as skilled as some folks who populate this forum, which is why I limit our camping within 5 miles from the nearest road.

I have had survival training from the military, but consider myself as an amateur in that arena.

[Rance]

Excellent advice! I've had to rescue a few campers/boaters over the years. Just like making a flight plan...make a boating plan...and a camping or hiking plan. Give a competant person your plan info and schedule. Many places within the mountains a cell phone is useless. If someone has your schedule and you have not returned, they can be a life saver.
Make plenty of noise on the trail. 9 times out of 10 any bear will hear you coming and make an exit. You want to avoid surprising a bear at all costs.

[Liz1_06]

Another tip ~ when camping in the " wild " make sure you have your food a good distant from your camp site, and properly " contained " .... NO camping is Bear and other wildlife " PROOF " .... But taking the nessesary procautions can save your life... and gear....

Example ~ A few yrs back some boyscouts where camping in Wisconsin, 6 boys and 2 scout leaders. The scout masters properly took care of the food but one of the boys had snuck a candy bar in to the tent he and another boy were sharing. A black bear came in the camp and went directly for the boys tent; ripping it open and mauling the boy to death... The other boy survived and was quoted saying " we didn't think a hersey bar was that big of a deal " ....

[skibladnir]

Also if you do come around a corner and meet a bear head on..DO NOT look it directly in the eyes..they consider it to be a challenge.

[egriffin]

Hi! I used to live in Alaska and have been to Smokey National Park a lot as well, so maybe i can help. It is very different in Alaska than you are used to - basicaly camping is allowed in the back country wherever - there are some cabins you can rent if you reserve ahead of time. There are amazing trails around Anchorage, and especially down the Kenai peninsula. If you want true back country - Wrangell St. Elias is the way to go - no trails whatsoever - you have to do a drop in, but it is so worth it! Denali national Park only allows buses in the park, but you can hop in on a bus and get out wherever, with the proper permit, camp, hike, then go back to the road and hop a bus in... they leave about 5 seats open per bus for random campers.

Down the penisula - you can go to Homer, hop a ferry over to the park there and hike away on trails. We camped on a beach in front of a glacier!
I can go on forever - it is truly the most amazing place I have encountered thus far on my journies!!