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Glacier Bay National Park and PreserveA black bear among blueberry bushes
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Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Camping
 
Camper setting up tent in Bartlett Cove campground.
Camper setting up tent in Bartlett Cove campground
 

Free permits are required for both the campground and Glacier Bay backcountry from May 1 through September 30. To receive a permit and a bear resistant food container, campers must attend a 30-minute orientation offered on demand at the Bartlett Cove Visitor Information Station. Reservations are not required. The campground located at Bartlett Cove has bear-resistant food caches, firewood, and a warming hut. If desired, campers may be dropped off in the backcountry by the Park’s concession-operated tour boat. Permits are not required for areas outside the bay. No need to worry, it really is as simple as that.

Camper Orientation
All campers in Glacier Bay are required to attend a camper orientation, which is offered on demand at the Visitor Information Station. Backcountry permits are also required for overnight backcountry travel.

The following is a brief overview of some of the aspects of camper orientation. It is not intended to be complete; attendance at a camper orientation program will provide full coverage of how to camp specifically in Glacier Bay as well as pertinent closures and recent bear activity.

Campground Permits and an orientation are required for camping in the campground.

The campground is located about 1/4 mile by trail from the main dock in Bartlett Cove. It has specific sites, a warming shelter, outhouses and food caches.

Group camping is permitted in the group camping area for groups of 12 or more.

Camping outside of the campground is prohibited within one mile of Bartlett Cove.

Water and garbage cans are located outside the Visitor Information Station.

There are three food caches where all scented items are required to be stored.

Cooking and eating are only allowed in the intertidal zone (the area on the beach between the high and low tide lines).

Never leave food unattended, even when shuttling gear.

 

See also:

Red squirrel
Campground
Walk-in campground on the shores of Bartlett Cove
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Dear Camper-Kayaker
Dear Camper-Kayaker
Trip planning information
more...
Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker  

Did You Know?
The Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker is a favorite discovery for divers in Southeast Alaska. They are poor swimmers, spending much of their time attached to the bottom by a sucker evolved from pelvic fins.

Last Updated: March 26, 2008 at 16:56 EST