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Chugach/Tenderfoot Creek
Overview
Tenderfoot Creek Campground offers a quintessential Alaskan camping experience tucked within the vast Chugach National Forest. Located along the scenic shores of Summit Lake, this park provides a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the North. Unlike developed resorts, this location emphasizes a deep connection with nature, where the sounds of the wind through the hemlocks and the lap of water against the shore define the atmosphere. It is a place where time slows down, allowing RVers to appreciate the rugged grandeur of the Kenai Peninsula landscape.
Location & Surroundings
Situated approximately 80 miles south of Anchorage, the campground is easily accessible via the Seward Highway, a designated National Scenic Byway. The park sits at an elevation of 1,400 feet, surrounded by towering peaks and alpine meadows that burst with wildflowers during the summer months. The proximity to Summit Lake creates a stunning mirror-like reflection of the Chugach Mountains, offering some of the most photogenic vistas in the region. The surrounding wilderness is home to diverse wildlife, including moose, bears, and various bird species.
Amenities & Park Features
As a forest service site, the amenities at Tenderfoot Creek are designed to be functional and rustic. While there are no electric or water hookups, the park is well-equipped for self-contained RVs. Key features provided at the site include:
- Vault toilets and hand-pumped potable water stations.
- Individual campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.
- A convenient boat launch for easy access to Summit Lake.
The layout of the park encourages privacy, with many sites buffered by natural vegetation and mature trees, maintaining a sense of seclusion.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for visitors to this area. Anglers frequently visit to cast for Dolly Varden and rainbow trout in the cold mountain waters of the lake. For those who prefer land-based adventures, the nearby Devil's Creek Trail offers challenging terrain and rewarding views of the surrounding valleys. Photographers and nature lovers will find endless inspiration along the shoreline paths. Additionally, the drive to the nearby community of Moose Pass allows for local exploration within a short distance from your basecamp.
Who This Park Is Best For
Tenderfoot Creek is an ideal destination for dry campers and RVers who value solitude and scenery over luxury amenities. It is a perfect fit for outdoor enthusiasts who want to be steps away from hiking trails and fishing spots. Because the sites can accommodate a range of rig sizes, it is a popular choice for families and solo travelers alike who are prepared for a boondocking-style experience. If you are looking to escape the crowds of commercial parks and wake up to pristine mountain views, this is a must-visit location.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Kassia Dare
Stayed at site 28 & 29 for 4 days mid-week in July. Sites were plenty big enough for a large cabin tent. Bathroom were the best we’ve ever used in a campground. Freshly cleaned on Sunday. Checked on and resupplied twice a day. They use Pinesol so it was pleasantly fragranced for a restroom. We had a great time!
Kristine Kennedy
The campground is well maintained and the bathrooms are clean, the location next to the lake is beautiful. However... it is located near a busy highway, on a corner that has a rumble strip that many drivers seem to hit as they make the corner, despite the reduced speed limit. This makes sleeping with earplugs somewhat essential. 😵💫
David Neale
Great campground. Good private sites and plenty have lake views. The host we had clearly takes great pride in the site. Toilets were the cleanest we've seen whilst touring Alaska. Slight downside is that there's some road noise from the highway on the other side of the lake.
Allan Pickett
A popular campground that you can reserve online. Fishing in the fall time is awesome that is stocked by fish & game. This campground provides no electricity, water, or sewer. What rv campers call dry camping. Traffic across the lake can be heard day and night but is not too loud. City slickers may sleep better with a little background noise. We have a 31 foot motorhome and I believe we could fit in any space here. Some spots are more level than others so bring something to level up if that's important to you. There are a few bathrooms here and a camp host during camping season. Won't quote fees since those may change from year to year, one can usually expect a 12 to 14 dollars a day with some campgrounds having a 3 day maximum stay. The website states that the camping season is over and no longer takes reservations but the campground is still open. No fees, no service is usually posted on the bulletin board like it is today. If you are a fall time camper the camping spots are pretty clean as everyone picks up after themselves. Just over an hour and a half from Anchorage the drive back home after a weekend of playing is pretty short and fuel is saved. Wow, winded review. Hope this helps.
kristen klingbeil
I would have given 5 stars because, the spot was conveint and out of the way but, the Campground host was very rude. I didn't realize I didn't have enough cash on me, I was $4 short and she verbally threatened that the state of Alaska will bill me for not paying the full amount though I am an Alaskan resident and I was polite enough to pay most of the amount.
Shellie Howard
I've never had an issue with the squirrels until this year. Even just walking to the bathroom before I made lunch, they were in my hotdog buns. The lake is beautiful as usual and the weather was perfect. There were quite a few no shows for reserved spots.
Bob Bass
Tranquility with self. Just breathe.
Edness
This is probably my favorite family camping spots south of Girdwood. It's close to Anchorage and has all the amenities. Summit Lake is beautiful and tons of fun for the kids to fish, skip rocks and raft around. Be sure to bring life vests. The Summit Lake Lodge has a cool coffee/ice cream shop that's open till 8PM. Tenderfoot campground has the cleanest outhouses I've seen anywhere in the Moose Pass, Cooper Landing, or Seward area. The camp host always has a smile and does a professional job maintaining the area. Summit trail is close by if you desire a medium level hike. Bring lots of water and snacks for that one. One thing to note there is an abundance of squirrels and rabbits everywhere that are not skittish around people. Actually on the last night of camping squirrels were dropping acorns on the roof of my camper waking me up. Glad it wasn't too early in the morning. We will be back!
Jason Davies
Clean area, beautiful mountain views. I have to remind my self that it gets a little bit colder since we are in the pass. So pack warmer than you would if you were camping in places like Trailside or Kelly Peterson lake. Our space #27 has parking below our camp. Standard picnic bench seating for 10 adults. Tall fire pit. Lots of privacy. There are 2 bathrooms, usually stocked with tp. The lake has a small boat launch suitable for non powered boats. Oh and there are only a few spots you can actually reserve. The rest are first come first serve. Happy Camping!!