Moose Pass, Alaska · Kenai Peninsula County · Campground
Overview 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 viewi…
About Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground
Overview 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. 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. Facilities 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. Natural Features The Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground is located at the head of Placer River Valley n
Photos
Central camp area with tarp hung from tarp poles. — USFS - GRDSpencer Whistle Stop Map — USFS - GRDCentralized area with picnic tables, campfire ring, and poles for hanging tarps. — USFS - GRD
How to Get There
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.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground
Heading to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10300372) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground?
Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground has 2 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground?
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.
How do I contact Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Group Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: (907) 783-3242 or email: N/A.
