We got to Denali the day the park closed. We we're not planning on staying in the park but we enjoyed it so much that we decided to. By the time we drove out of the park, they had closed all of the campgrounds for the season except for Riley Creek Campground. When the park closes the campground served on a first come first serve basis and had no fees. We had a great spot next to the showers and bathrooms but they had been locked down for the season. There was still running water at an outdoor sink and a pit toilet. There is also a small bear proof public cabin that you can store all of your food in for safety. Campground has a lot of trees which were a welcome site compared to other campgrounds we stayed in. If you get to the park before it fully shuts down for snow, you can drive into the first 30 miles in your private vehicle. It is very worth it! Don't miss hiking the Savage Loop trail. Wonderful views and an easy hike!
This was my first time camping in Denali and even though it’s the off season it was fantastic. The sites were super clean and even with a few other people there it was very quiet. You are really close to a bunch of hiking trails as well.
Within walking distance to "Glitter Gulch" and trails at the entrance to the park. We've camped there for many years and always had a peaceful nights rest. We've camped in the spring, summer and during the fall. Well maintained and sites are semi secluded. You can see your neighbors but there are plenty of trees and vegetation around to make you feel like you're secluded. Plenty of sites for tents, cab overs, motor homes and trailers depending on your preference. Fire pits available. Gets a bit busy during the peak of the season so reserve early if coming during those times. Great place to stay close to the park!!!
This is a great campground to visit Denali. The campsites are pretty close together but with enough trees to not feel too crowded. Denali offers a bus to take you from the campground to the various sites within the park. There is also a bus that will take you farther into the park, you can get on and off the bus as you want, this allows for hiking or even backpacking into the heart of the wilderness. Wildlife has the right of way and they take every chance to keep the animals wild. I used a tent site so don't know about the RV sites but there is power at the restrooms and at the laundry/shower site and a lot of people use them to charge their devices. Wateer is available at the restrooms. They have a nice little store that offers sandwiches, drinks-including alcoholic and ice cream.
This is the front country campground in Denali National Park. It's really big and has a few stores and most facilities. The campsites are assigned and we found them clean with a little teeny bit of foliage between some sites. Bathrooms were clean. However, there were people driving in/out setting up, cooking, talking all hours of the night. The sun doesn't really set during the summer and it throws off A LOT of people and they forget that they don't realize that it's late at night/early morning.
We were in a tent. It may be quieter in an RV.
Riley Creek was a nice convenient stay just within Denali NP. The sites are a little close together, but the ability to take a shower and pick up some supplies a short trail away was nice.
we spent 2 weeks there, and woulda stayed longer if we coulda. Great wildlife to see throughout the campground, close proximity to all visitors center, mercantile, bus depot, and much more. Fresh water and dump available at the merc, perfect location to explore Denali.
Riley creek is near the Denali National Park entrance. It’s also a short walk to the merchant store where you can shower or get basic essentials. Try to shower earlier in the day for cleanest showers. Showers coat $4. You must get a token from the cashier. The campground is very nice. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Tons of trees for shade and hammocks.
The sites are all very nice and mostly private. My dissatisfaction came from limited generator hours and shower/laundry facility hours. If you are gone all day on tours and hikes, you don't have any time at all for showering or using the generator when you return. Also, you have to pay $4.50 for 10 minutes of water in the shower. That being said, the water was hot and the facilities were clean. Shower hours are 7am - 830pm. Same for laundry. 2 hrs of generator time in the am (8-10) and 4 in the pm (4-8).
Riley Creek Campground is accessible to both tents and RVs. This is the largest campground in Denali that has a mercantile, laundry ($2/wash or dry), showers ($4.50 for 10 minutes), potable water, toilets, and dump station. There is also a free shuttle that has multiple stops including the visitor center, wilderness access center, and multiple trails within he first 15 miles of the park (to Savage River). Overall this is a convenient campground with many amenities great for all groups/types of campers.
