Childs Glacier Campsite

Overview

Childs Glacier Campsite provides a remote, tent-only camping area in Chugach National Forest, nestled 300 feet from the Copper River and near the dramatic face of Childs Glacier. Accessible only by boat or air charter from Cordova, this U.S. Forest Service site features 11 sites amid alder, willow, and towering cottonwoods, with a large covered viewing platform, pavilion, and interpretive boards showcasing the glacier and river delta. It’s a wilderness retreat for campers eager to fish the salmon-rich Copper River, hike to the glacier’s edge, or watch wildlife like moose and bears along this rugged Gulf of Alaska coast.

Location & Access

• Location: Near Childs Glacier, about 48 miles east of Cordova, Alaska, just before the Million Dollar Bridge.
• Access: Reachable only by boat or air charter from Cordova due to washed-out sections of the Copper River Highway at miles 36 and 44; arrange via local outfitters like the Cordova Visitor Center.
• Seasonal Accessibility: Open year-round, though summer offers the easiest access via charter.

Campsite Details

• Number of Sites: 11 sites, suitable for tents only.

Amenities & Facilities

• Restrooms: Vault toilets available.
• Water: Drinking water provided via hand pumps.
• Additional Amenities: Each site includes a picnic table, tent pad, and campfire ring; a covered viewing platform, pavilion, and interpretive boards are on-site.

Activities & Nearby Attractions

• On-Site Activities: Fish for salmon in the Copper River, hike the Copper River Trail to the Million Dollar Bridge or the Childs Glacier North Trail to the glacier’s face, watch for moose and bears, or enjoy a campfire under the cottonwoods.
• Nearby Attractions: The historic Million Dollar Bridge, built in 1910, is a short hike away; Cordova, post-charter return, offers fishing and the Copper River Delta trails..