The closest public campground is five miles out of Valdez. Go back out on the Richardson Highway, turn left toward the airport, and continue another mile past it to the Valdez Glacier Campground (907/873-4058, $15). This large and scenic campground has picnic and barbecue areas, outhouses, and water, plus a nearby waterfall and nesting eagles. It’s operated by the Army’s Fort Greely, but is open to the public with equipment rentals available (including tents, sleeping bags, mountain bikes, and fishing gear).

Allison Point Campground (907/835-2282, $10–12) is on Dayville Road near the Alyeska oil terminal, with toilets and water but no electricity. There’s good fishing from shore nearby.

Find public showers at the harbormaster’s office (corner of Meals Ave. and Harbor Dr.) across from the chamber of commerce. Showers are also available from Like Home Laundromat (Egan Dr. near Meals Ave., 907/835-2913). A better deal is the swimming pool at Valdez High School (907/835-3200), where the showers are free with a swim.

Large RV parks abound right in Valdez:

• Bear Paw Camper Park

907/835-2530
www.bearpawrvpark.com

• Bayside RV Park

907/835-4425 or 888/835-4425
www.baysiderv.com

• Sea Otter RV Park

907/835-2787 or 800/831-2787

• Eagle’s Rest RV Park

907/835-2373 or 800/553-7275
www.eaglesrestrv.com

Open May–September, these are primarily for RVs ($35–45), but tent spaces ($20–25) may be available. Bear Paw and Sea Otter are right along the waterfront.