The Childs Glacier Recreation Site will be open in mid-June with reduced services to the public and permittees. The Copper River Highway which provides access to the popular glacier viewing area and campground was closed at the mile 36 bridge by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) in August 2011 due to erosion and structural concerns.
The Recreation Area and campsites will be open from mid-June through September 30for public use on a first come first serve basis. Camping fees will be $10.00 per night per site. Bear-proof storage boxes and potable water will be available. Two vault toilets will be operational.
Visitors are asked to observe Leave no Trace principles and pack out whatever you pack in. No garbage cans will be available. The Forest Service will monitor and maintain the site throughout the summer.
The Forest Service is reviewing applications from several commercial operators for upriver access to the recreation site.
The Copper River Highway will remain closed until the bridge can be replaced. Replacement of the bridge is estimated to be several years out. Please visit http://www.dot.state.ak.us/comm/index.shtml for more information on the Highway closure and the timeline for bridge replacement.