Seward Parks & Recreation Department's ...

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Reservations & Caravans

With 500 sites to manage, we do not have the tools, so we do NOT have a reservation system, and most of our
customers like the first-come, first-served option. We do, however, take reservations for caravan groups of
10 units or more.
We apologize we are not able to take single reservations.
You must be in a group of at least ten (10) other campers.

Caravans

Caravans are camping groups of 10 units or more with one designated trip coordinator. Groups wishing to stay
together can make a reservation and will be assigned a specific area. Group tent camping areas are available in
Forest Acres Campground, see below. Reservations must be made in writing, at least 30 days in advance.
Pre-payment is required. You may call for availability (907) 224-4055 or email us. Also, please do send your request by
September 1.  All requests are kept on file until September 1, and they are processed at that time.  (updated: 6/3/03)

As you drive into town on the Seward Highway, you'll pass the Seward Chamber of Commerce Visitor's Center on your
right about Mile Post 2. Continue South past the Alaska State Flag Memorial, which is also on your right at the corner
of Dairy Hill Lane. (To your left you'll see the Seward Small Boat Harbor.) The Seward Highway becomes Third Avenue
as you pass the cross streets to the Small Boat Harbor. Use the center, turn lane to turn left on "D" Street. Then
proceed straight across 4th Avenue, between the two ball fields. "D" becomes Ballaine Boulevard. Waterfront Park
runs the length of Seward along Ballaine Boulevard. Use the self-registration stations at most campground entrances.

$10 US, per tent
$15 US, per RV
$30 US, per utility site (water/electric sites)
$5  US, dry winter camping
We can only allow US currency. No foreign currency is allowed.
Seward has a few banks or ATM machines to accommodate your exchange.
Camping fees are set by resolution of the City Council, and a subject to change.
$20 US, shoulder-season utility sites (pre-season and post-season, as displayed)
Showers: $2 US coin only
No additional fee for sewer dump station.

We upgraded in 2003 and now have 99 "utility" sites with water and electrical hook-ups. There are a few sites with
individual picnic tables - these are in high demand. Sites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Current prices
are $30 per night, and special registration procedures are in effect. See the bulletin boards for details and fees.

Tents are allowed in any SPRD (Seward Parks & Recreation Department) campground. A designated "Tent Only" area has been established along Ballaine Boulevard. Currently tent fees are $10 per tent, per night. Camping is only allowed on designated sites. We do not allow more than two tents per site. William's Park is named after Seward resident, Patricia 'Pat' Williams, who saved the spruce trees with a single phone call. William's Park is suitable for tents or small RVs. RVs are allowed if they can be contained on the designated parking pads and do not obstruct traffic.

 The "Tent Only" Area is located near the Adams Street Rec Area. Each tent area has one or two designated ADA camping sites.

Tent camping is also available in SPRD's Forest Acres campground, outside the main "Downtown-Harbor Seward" area, near the Seward Resort. Travel North again on the Seward Highway and pass Mile Post 2. Turn left on Hemlock. Enter the campground from Hemlock on the northern park border.

Recreational Vehicles are welcomed in designated
municipal camping areas from April 15 through
September 30 each year. The City of Seward has
six separate campground locations,
five locations within Waterfront Park:
 * Iditarod         * Resurrection          * Marathon
 * Harborside    * William's Park (for smaller RVs)

All campgrounds require that patrons self-register. Stop at the bulletin boards located at one of the many campground entrances. (The permits, bulletin boards and red, fee safes look similar to those in Forest
Service Campgrounds.) Take a permit/envelope. Complete both the envelope and the attached permit.
Compute your camping fees using the chart on the bulletin board. Tear the permit from the envelope.
Deposit your fee in the envelope, seal it, and drop it into the RED metal tubular, safe or strong box. Then, display your
remaining permit on your camper window, facing the access road. Park staff checks permits daily.  Campers are required
to self-register by City ordinance.    Click the photo to see an example of a SPRD registration station.

Examples from the fee chart:
$10 Tent x 3 nights = $30 US
$15 dry RV site x 6 nights = $90 US (7th consecutive dry night is free, if paid at one time, in advance, for six consecutive nights.)
$30 Utility sites x 4 nights = $120 US
Camping fees accepted in cash or checks, US currency only.

Camp Host

A Campground Host is a great way to enjoy Waterfront Park all summer long. If you like meeting people and
have experience in customer service, you may consider being a SPRD Campground Host. We offer reduced
camping fees to a select few campers in various locations throughout our campground system. You must
submit an application and, if selected, sign a contract. We require that our hosts are courteous and are
available to campers during reasonable hours of the day and evening.
Contact us at (907)224.4055 or via email.

We are also seeking a couple of Park Hosts to serve in key park areas. Our main goal in the parks is
security and safety. Please inquire if you have a self-contained RV without need of electricity or water.

ADA - Accessible Camping Spaces
Each camping area has one or two accessible camping sites. These are identified by the traditional sign. Note the
paved or hard-packed trails to services and restrooms at these sites. If SPRD can do anything else to provide
reasonable accommodations to enhance your camping experience, please contact us, ahead of time, (907)224.4055.

Click here for information on Tsunami Preparedness.
We live in a coastal community, with earthquake frequency. Please be prepared by reviewing this information.

1. Q.   How long can I stay in one spot/space?
A 14-day stay limit is the maximum stay, according to City of Seward Code. You may move to another section (with a
different campground name) for an additional two weeks if you choose.

2. Q.   Is there an RV sewer dump station nearby
A dump station is available on Ballaine Boulevard, just South of the playground and ballfield areas. There is currently no
additional fee for the use of the dump station, although there are often suggestions from City Administration to begin
charging fees. The creation of a drop-box and fee is being discussed right now. (3-25-2004) Watch for changes.

3. Q.   Are pets allowed in the campgrounds?
Yes, pets are allowed, pests are not. Just a little typo-humor. Pets must be tied with a leash of six feet or less. No
"vicious" animals are allowed in the parks or campgrounds. Seward has a pooper-scooper ordinance; owners must
clean up after your pet. Several stations dispensing bags for clean up are posted near the bike path and in the parks.
Obviously, any laws which govern exotic animals or vicious apply in the parks and campgrounds.

4. Q.   Is there a check-out time?
Check-out time is 4:00 pm, AST. We'd love for you to stay another night. Simply fill out a new permit by 4 pm.

5. Q.   Can I make a reservation for the campground?
Reservations are NOT available. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. See "Reservations & Caravans"
above for groups of 10 units or more. We are happy to refer you to private campgrounds which can accommodate reservations.

6. Q.   Is it difficult to find a camping spot?
Our busiest times of the year are:
        * the week of the Fourth of July
        * the weekends of the Seward Silver Salmon Derby, www.seward.com
        * some peak weekends when the fishing is HOT!
        * We are often full during the above festive periods. Most other weekends, campers will find space available,
but we can be quite busy. The "Tent Only" area is often close to "Full" on weekends. One can generally always find
space at Spring Creek, outside town. When full, we are happy to refer you to private campgrounds, as well.

7. Q:   How much and how long for the coin-op showers?
Coin-operated showers in the Shower House (in the middle of Waterfront Park) cost $2 in US coin only. That will buy
approximately 10 minutes of hot, warm or cold water - your choice.

8. Q:   What's the longest RV Waterfront Park can accommodate?
The City of Seward can accommodate up to 40 foot RV's in some areas of our campgrounds. Not all spaces will
accommodate the larger vehicles. Drive and park carefully, as you would in every campground.
We have no pull-through spaces.

9.  How can I obtain more information on City of Seward Parks & Campgrounds?
We have worked hard to put most of our information on our website, for your convenience. If you have questions,
you can leave message at (907)224-4055. (Our staff is generally out in the field, but we can return your call at
shift-change.)  A smaller, one-page condensed "Campground Brochure" can be mailed upon request. Please e-mail
SPRD with your specific question, or call (907)224-4055. City of Seward - SPRD / Parks & Campgrounds /
PO Box 167 / Seward, AK  99664-0167

10. Q.  Tell me more about the Seward area and what is available for me to do?
For more information on trails, recreation, sight-seeing, flight-seeing, education, other private campgrounds,
fishing or boating charters, restaurants, hotels or B&B's, please contact the Seward Chamber of Commerce at
(907)224.8051. Plan your entire stay in Alaska via the State's Tourism website.

Winter Camping (off-season Camping)
Our community invites you to experience the abundant winter recreational opportunities. We have opened a small
portion of Resurrection camping area. Campers can enjoy dry camping for only $5 per night. As usual, campers are
required to self-register prior to camping. Self-contained units only, as our water is off for the cold season.

We work to provide snow and ice removal. Be warned, however, that conditions change rapidly and often in Seward.
Campers must use common sense and caution in the winter camping area. Watch for snow, ice, and uneven
surfaces. No sewer or water are available during our off-season. Garbage must be hauled home or off-site.

Winter Camping is from October 1 through April 14. (Our regular camping season is April 15 - September 30.)

We did experiment in 2004 with winter electric hook-ups, but demand was too low to continue the program. The
Chamber of Commerce can direct campers to private campgrounds with winter electricity and hook-ups.

Business Advertisement in Campgrounds
Currently, the only legal way to advertise in the campgrounds is to buy a seasonal "rack card" space for $50 per season
(April 15-Sept 30.) Contact us at 224.4055.

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Last Modified 02/23/2010
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