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Jumbo Creek Camping Area — Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park's Jumbo Creek Camping Area sits roughly 1.5 miles from Kennicott, requiring campers to hike in and out with all gear. Amenities are minimal: a bear box and flat tent areas along the trail. No pets are permitted. The site gives access to the Bonanza Mine trail and Root Glacier, and Root Glacier Primitive Backcountry Camping is a nearby alternative for those wanting a different base. Campers exploring campsites near Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve will find the area has limited established facilities overall, so self-sufficiency is essential.

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Map & DirectionsJumbo Creek Camping Area is located in Alaska near McCarthy

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

61.505416 N
142.89895 W

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites

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General Info

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Jumbo Creek Camping Area

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1 Review

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2017

Incredible views, close to Kennicott

Like other national parks in Alaska that we encountered, there is often an expensive route and a very affordable route for exploring the park. Wrangell-St. Elias was no exception. While plenty of visitors stayed in the lodge, or in nearby McCarthy, we opted for the free Jumbo Creek Campground, only 1.5 miles from the heart of the park in Kennicott, Alaska.

Camping here requires a 1.5 trek to and from your site everyday, but if you can get past that, your time here will be unforgettable. Our site here provided possibly the best view we ever had while camping all across the U.S. last year.

At the “campground” -- a flexible term for an array of flat areas around the trail where you can find a place to camp -- is a bear box, and that’s about it. But it’s free, so what can you do?

We found the perfect place to pitch our tent, but we cooked a ways down the trail to take every precaution against bears in the area. We didn’t see any during our time here.

Hiking in and out of the campsite each day was a bit of a chore, but it was worth it to access some amazing hiking: we loved the hike to Bonanza Mine and out the other direction to Root Glacier (where we strapped on crampons with our guided tour.)

We also enjoyed hearing about the history of Kennicott from rangers in the many available ranger tours.

You can read much more about our three days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Wrangell-St. Elias)

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Jumbo Creek Camping Area — Wrangell-St. Elias National Park by SwitchbackKids , July 27, 2017
  • Review photo of Jumbo Creek Camping Area — Wrangell-St. Elias National Park by SwitchbackKids , July 27, 2017
  • Review photo of Jumbo Creek Camping Area — Wrangell-St. Elias National Park by SwitchbackKids , July 27, 2017
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for Jumbo Creek Campground or is it first-come, first-served?

Jumbo Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. This free campground provides an affordable alternative to staying in lodges or in nearby McCarthy. During peak summer months, it's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot, especially if visiting on weekends or holidays. Always have a backup plan in case the campground is full. For the most current information on availability and policies, contact Wrangell-St. Elias National Park before your trip.

What amenities and facilities are available at Jumbo Creek Campground?

Jumbo Creek Campground offers a rustic camping experience with minimal amenities. This is a primitive campground without developed facilities like showers, electricity, or running water. Visitors should be prepared to be self-sufficient, bringing all necessary camping supplies, food, and water. The campground provides a true wilderness experience in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Pack in what you need and pack out all trash, as services are limited in this remote location.

Where is Jumbo Creek Campground located and how do I get there?

Jumbo Creek Campground is located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska. The campground is situated near McCarthy, which serves as a gateway to explore this vast national park. To get there, you'll need to travel to the McCarthy area. The campground is accessible by road, though Alaska parks often have more remote access points. For the most accurate directions, contact the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park visitor center before your trip as road conditions in Alaska can vary seasonally.

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