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Camping Information
In Glacier Bay National Park, there is one campground, Bartlett Cove campground. The campground is operated on a first come first serve basis. All campers in are required to attend a camper orientation, which is offered on demand at the Visitor Information Station. Backcountry permits are also required in the summer for overnight backcountry travel.
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.
| Campground | Open | Close | Sites | Water | Laundry | Showers | Groceries | Dump Station | Service Station | Fee |
| Bartlett Cove | May | Sep | 35 | No | No | No | No | No | No | None |
Additional Camping Information
Campers are strongly encouraged to attend a camper orientation, given on demand at the Visitor Information Station near the dock. There is a 14 day limit on camping at Bartlett Cove. Facilities at the campground include bear-resistant food caches, firepits, firewood, and a warming hut located at Bartlett Cove. No reservations are needed, but permits are required for both the campground and the backcountry. Wilderness camping is allowed in the park.
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). There is a designated fire ring on the beach. Never leave food unattended, including when shuttling gear.
In Bartlett Cove, fires are allowed only in the designated fire ring on the beach near the campground or in the warming shelter stove. In the backcountry, fires are allowed below the high tide line or at least one mile from shoreline. Do not burn interglacial wood.
Choosing a Campsite in the Backcountry
The beaches are heavily used by wildlife and backcountry campers are encouraged to camp back in the alders or willows, away from this "wildlife highway." Be aware of and avoid fresh bear sign when choosing a campsite. In respect to fellow travelers, choose clothing and tents with subdued colors (greens and grays are best). When possible, set tents out of sight of waterways and other travel corridors.
Backcountry permits may be limited. If desired, campers may be dropped off in the backcountry by motor vessel or floatplane.
Food Storage and Preparation
Food preparation is allowed only in the intertidal zone to minimize odors that may attract animals. In unforested areas of the park, food must be stored in a bear-resistant food canister available by loan from the park upon completion of a camping permit. These canisters must be stored 100 yards away from your sleeping area, preferably downwind and wedged between rocks or alder roots. In forested areas you may suspend food from a tree, at least 10 feet up, 4 feet out and 4 feet down, at least 100 yards from the campsite. Think about cooking and eating before reaching your camping destination for the evening, and review techniques to minimize odors.
Human Body Waste
Human body waste is to be deposited in salt water or the intertidal zone within 1/4 mile of the shoreline. Beyond 1/4 mile from shoreline, human waste is to be deposited in a shallow pit at least 100 feet from ponds, lakes, streams and wet meadows. Burn all toilet paper or carry it out with the other trash.
Kayaking the shoreline is often the easiest way to get around. There are no backcountry trails, but beaches, recently deglaciated areas, and alpine meadows offer excellent hiking.
Wilderness can be both inviting and dangerous -- you are responsible for your own safety. Backcountry users should be self-sufficient, fully equipped, and provisioned. Cook stoves are necessary because wood is often scarce and wet. Permits are required for float trips on the International Alsek River. Information about the river is available upon request.
A permit from the National Park Service is required for all overnight backcountry travel.
Tour Boat Guide
Glacier Bay Lodge's daily tour boat, the Spirit of Adventure, will drop off and pick up backcountry backpackers and kayakers at three designated locations in the upper bay. There is an additional charge for this service above the cost of the tour. It is possible to get dropped off at one site and get picked up at another. It is your responsibility to inform the captain of your date and location of pickup. Contact Glacier Bay Lodge for reservations at 800-451-5952 or 206-623-7110 or write to
Glacier Bay Park Concessions, Inc.
520 Pike Street, Suite 1400
Seattle WA 98101
The drop off sites for are:
Boat Drop Off Sites
Bear Guide
Bears live throughout Glacier Bay National Park, from tidelands to alpine meadows, dense forest to glacial barrens. You may discover their presence by spotting tracks along a beach or stream, dark hairs "combed" by shrubs, scat, or claw marks on territorial trees. Deeply imprinted trails clearly show the ancestral movement of bear generations over the land. Bear sightings mostly distant, memorable moments in any visit. However, these animals are large, fast and unpredictable. As with any large creature, they deserve your respect. Two bear-related fatalities have occurred at Glacier Bay. When you are in bear country, be able to recognize the brown bear (or grizzly) and black bear, know something of their habits, and take certain precautions.
Brown bears are most common on the park's outer Pacific coast and in the upper bay. They are uncommon at Bartlett Cove and scarce elsewhere. Black bears may be found everywhere. Brown bears have claws adapted to digging rather than climbing. Black bears readily climb trees. Brown bears are generally considered the most dangerous species due to their large size and tendency to be less fearful of humans. Both species have poor eyesight, but smell and hear very well. Sows will protect their cubs, and adults may defend their territory or food.
To Be Safe, Keep Away from All Bears
Avoid surprising animals at close range. Whistle, talk, sing or otherwise make noise when hiking in areas where visibility is limited or bear sign present. Take no pets; they are prohibited in the backcountry. A dog's valor may turn into retreat bringing an infuriated bear to you.
Be alert to sign (droppings, diggings, fresh tracks, etc.), sounds or other indications of bears. Be particularly wary when hiking wildlife trails, salmon streams or other areas where bears concentrate.
Do not carry foodstuffs with strong odors such as fish, cheese, sausage, and fresh meats. Cook and eat below the high tide line so that tides will cleanse the beach of food smells. Carry all refuse and garbage out! Buried refuse will attract bears.
If you plan to camp, attend a camping orientation provided by park rangers. Obtain and follow the suggestions listed in the brochure "Camping in Bear Country."
Should You Encounter a Bear
Regardless of precautions taken, you may come across a bear. Usually they will run away. A bear standing on hind legs may only be trying to sense you better, not preparing to attack. Even a charge is often a bluff, ending abruptly short of physical contact.
If you see a bear at a distance, turn around or make a wide detour. Keep upwind if possible so the bear will get your scent and know you're there. Talk in an assured tone to communicate your presence. Treat animals as if cubs are nearby. Assume the bear will be defensive. Do not approach closer to scare a bear away as you may be considered a threat.
Be satisfied with a distant photograph, or use a telephoto lense. Many fatalities and injuries have been related to photography.
Do not corner an animal. Allow them plenty of space and an escape route.
There is no guaranteed lifesaving method of reacting to an aggressive bear. Some behavior patterns have proven more successful in close encounters than others. Take a calm assured posture. A firm voice and gradual departure are better than a retreat in panic.
As a last resort, lie face down, protect your neck with your hands and arms, and don't move. This requires considerable courage, but resistance would be futile. Numerous incidents exist where a bear has sniffed and departed without serious injury.
Bear Proof Containers / Food and Garbage Storage
The use of bear-resistant canisters for storage of food, garbage and other scented items was initiated in Glacier Bay National Park in 1991 for the safety and convenience of campers and kayakers. Since that time, the frequency of incidents where bears have damaged property or obtained food has remarkably decreased.
The use of bear-resistant canisters is required in all non-forested areas of Glacier Bay (generally the upper half of the bay) and is highly recommended in all areas of the park. The National Park Service loans, free of charge, two styles of bear-resistant canisters in three sizes to hikers and kayakers who are staying in the backcountry of the park. They will be issued with your permit from the Visitor Information Station at the public dock in Bartlett Cove. If damaged or lost, camper will be charged replacement costs (up to $85.00).
The metal containers are provided for use in the double kayaks. The smaller measures 10.25 in x 14 in. With approximately 1,148 cubic inches of volume it will hold food for approximatiely one person for 12 days. The larger measures 10.25 in x 18 in, and with a volume of 1,476 cubic inches it will hold food for approximatiely one person for 15 days. Because of their larger capacity the metal canisters are ideal for extended expeditions.
The smaller PVC (hard plastic) canister is lightweight and designed to slip into a camper's backpack. It measures 8 in x 12 in and weighs 2.8 pounds. With 560 cubic inches of volume it will hold food for approximately one person for six days. The larger PVC canister, which fits easily into a single kayak, measures 8 in x 18 in and weighs 5 pounds. With a volume of 839 cubic inches it will hold food for approximately one person for 9 days.
For extended expeditions food drops can be arranged with some pre-planning through the Glacier Bay Lodge and the Spirit of Adventure tour boat.
Plastic liners will be issued with the canisters to help reduce food odors. However, food odors cannot be completely eliminated. Canisters should therefore be stored at least 100 yards downwind of the campsite by wedging between rocks or alder branches well above the high tide line. Canisters should be stored away from obvious bear trails or travel routes. Give some thought to where a canister might roll if a bear does locate it. Canisters should not be used to stabilize cooking stoves, as the heat may melt or warp the canister lids. Canisters are not watertight and do not float.
Sharing a landscape with wild bears is a unique and powerful part of traveling in Glacier Bay. Even if you are not one of the fortunate few to see a bear, their presence is felt throughout the park. Simply seeing tracks or sign along the beaches can bring a heightened awareness of wilderness. To preserve the opportunity for future visitors, precautions must be taken to prevent bears from associating humans and food.
Additional Camping and Hiking Information and Tips
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