Map showing campground location near Trapper Creek, Alaska

Camper submitted image from K’esugi Ken Campground

K’esugi Ken Campground

Large RV sites and walk-in tent areas occupy separate loops at this state park campground, which opened in 2017 within Denali State Park. Electric hookups serve the RV section, though water availability has been inconsistent, with Cat noting "only one functioning water spigot at the pay station" during a 2021 visit. The campground sits far enough from the Parks Highway to reduce traffic noise.

Two lakes provide fishing opportunities within walking distance, while hiking trails connect to viewpoints where Denali becomes visible on clear days. Sites accommodate big rigs with plenty of maneuvering room, and most reservations fill months in advance during summer. The ranger station offers nightly programs in an amphitheater, and vault toilets appear throughout both camping loops.

Campers report consistently clean facilities and well-maintained grounds. Cell service reaches most sites, making this location practical for day trips to both Talkeetna and Denali National Park. The campground also features rental cabins near the ranger station, though exterior lighting from the station remains on throughout the night. Firewood sells on-site, and each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. For additional camping options in the region, visitors can explore camping near Trapper Creek.

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Location

Public Campground

K’esugi Ken Campground is located in Alaska

Directions

K'esugi Ken Campground is located at MP 135.4 George Parks Highway. Follow the highway signs to the entrance road. K'esugi Ken Road is two miles long up a curvy hill. All-wheel drive vehicles are recommended during winter months.

Address

7278 E. Bogard Road
Wasilla, AK 99654

Coordinates

62.595612731554525 N
150.23767143917416 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 4/26/26
AT&TLTE
Good Coverage
Verified by 23 users
Last on 4/26/26

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 4/26/26
AT&TLTE
Good Coverage
Verified by 23 users
Last on 4/26/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

Reservable
Electric Hookups
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
30 Amp Hookups
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Drive Time

3 hrs 32 min from Fairbanks, AK

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Guests commonly noted the spacious, clean sites with beautiful Denali views and peaceful atmosphere. Water availability issues were mentioned by several campers. Advance reservations essential due to high demand.

SJ D.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2021

Clean Informational Campground

Growing up in the Midwest and camping at state parks I’m use to a lot of interpretive signage explaining the history and landscape. Out of all the AK state parks I’ve visited this is by far the best. I also prefer this over Denali NPS, I find I have better luck seeing Denali from this side but also tons less people.

Site7

Month of VisitSeptember

(20) View All

Connor D.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 5, 2021

Great views and plenty of space

Overall We loved this site. Family plus dogs had a great time here. Got to see Denali on a super clear day so that's even better

Pros -spacious sites -trails with amazing views of Denali -plenty of maneuvering space for travel trailers

Cons -no water hookups at site. Currently as of AUG21 only one functioning water spigot at the pay station -missed the entrance but definitely user error there.

Site41

Month of VisitAugust

Victoria S.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2021

beautiful and CLEAN campground

i highly recommend this campground for tents and rv’s. this place was so clean and well taken care of. beautiful view of denali and hiking trails throughout the campground. bathrooms placed strategically throughout. and again CLEAN!

Month of VisitMay

Cat

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 13, 2021

Spacious Beauty

We stayed here twice in 2020. In August we parked in space 22 with our rented pickup camper, and in October we rented one of the cabins for a short "get out of town" break (we live in Anchorage). The weather was in our favor in August and we had an awesome view of Denali right from our campsite. While the RV campsites were closed in October, the cabins and, I believe, the tent sites were available.

I'd love to give this campground 5 stars, but when we were there in summer there was no water available. There is power to all the RV campsites but only a couple of water stands. The water supply stands were covered in plastic with no explanation. I don't know if this is a permanent situation so if you plan on staying here make sure to call ahead if you need a water source.

The cabin we stayed in in October was the one closest to the Ranger Sation. It was wonderfully quiet and we had hoped to do some star gazing but they keep the exterior lights on all night at the station. Not sure about you, but I'm wanting to get away from city lights and this was just plain annoying. The cabin is huge with two tables in the main room, a separate bedroom and a large loft up a circular metal staircase. I thought the loft would be nice to stay in but it was way too hot and the windows don't open. We brought our own wood for the stove and were comfortable all night. These cabins are a notch above the standard Alaska Forest Service cabins, but still pretty rustic. I think each has an outdoor space with table and fire ring.

My complaints are specific to me and I would still highly recommend this campground

Tanya B.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2020

Book in advance

This beautiful campsite has wonderful short walk in tent sites and large RV electric hook up sites. All this with Wonder and beauty of Alaska. Really well maintained. You have to book these sites well in advance with means unless you are tent camping you have 1% chance of finding an open spot at random. Even autumn camping times are booked.

(14) View All

Jeanie N.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2020

Highly recommend

Looks brand new, self-pay kiosk, large sites, lots of bathrooms, nice overflow parking area. Not sure if Ranger talks are happening now with COVID, but they were wonderful at last visit. Highly recommend

Shadara W.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 2, 2019

Beautifully tucked away

Far enough off the main highway to feel away from it all. Two lakes to fish with hiking trails to explore. Ranger talks nightly. Nice large sites with a huge group area. Some sites are FCFS but most reservable on line and booked way in advance. Firewood available for purchase and pavillion is rentable for events. All sites have electric too. Beautiful campground with clean bathrooms.

Lisa M.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2019

Large campsites for RVs and tents

We camped here in July 2019 and we had two families. We had tons of space for a 30ft trailer and two trucks and we liked that there was a small grass area for a tent. We had electric and water hookups and we even had cell service. Most of the sites seemed big and well spaced apart so you didn’t feel like you were on top of other people. The campground was very beautiful and clean and quiet. Even the pit toilets were clean and well maintained. We found the location to be excellent - both Talkeetna and Denali NP were day trips for us. We would highly recommend this campground.

Donald J.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 7, 2019

Very clean RV Park with s great hostess

Plan ahead

Month of VisitSeptember

Kathy M.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 2, 2018

New Campground with Denali Views

This campground in Denali State Park opened in 2017 contains both a tent and RV loop, as well as, cabins. Vault toilets, drinking water, firewood, fire pits, and picnic tables available. RV sites include electric hook-ups. Several hiking trails in close proximity to campground. Amplitheater for ranger led programs also available.

Site36

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What are visitors saying about K'esugi Ken Campground in their reviews?

K'esugi Ken Campground receives consistently high ratings for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and stunning Denali views. Campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities and strategic bathroom placement throughout the grounds. The campground offers ample space between sites, providing privacy even during busy periods. Visitors highlight the excellent hiking trails with panoramic mountain views and praise the nightly ranger talks when available. Many consider this campground superior to options in Denali National Park for viewing the mountain. The combination of natural beauty, modern amenities, and well-designed layout makes K'esugi Ken a popular destination that requires advance booking, especially for RV sites.

What are the camping fees and prices at K'esugi Ken Campground?

K'esugi Ken Campground operates on a fee-based system with a self-pay kiosk on site. Different rates apply for tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups, and cabin rentals. Most sites require reservations made well in advance through the online reservation system, particularly during peak season. A limited number of first-come, first-served sites are available. For the most current pricing information, check with Alaska State Parks or their official reservation system before your trip. Firewood is available for purchase on site.

What amenities and facilities are available at K'esugi Ken Campground?

K'esugi Ken Campground offers a comprehensive range of amenities including tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups, and cabin rentals. Facilities include vault toilets, drinking water stations, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site. The campground provides firewood for purchase and features an amphitheater for ranger programs. Visitors have access to several hiking trails directly from the campground, and there are two lakes available for fishing. Additional amenities include overflow parking, a reservable pavilion, and surprisingly good cell service. The campground is exceptionally clean and well-maintained with strategically placed bathrooms throughout.

Where is K'esugi Ken Campground located in Denali State Park?

K'esugi Ken Campground is located within Denali State Park, situated far enough off the main highway to provide a secluded wilderness experience. The campground is positioned on the side of the park that often offers superior views of Denali compared to the national park. Many visitors find they have better luck seeing the mountain from this vantage point. The location features two lakes and access to the park's trail system with spectacular mountain views. The campground's strategic position combines accessibility with the feeling of being immersed in Alaska's natural beauty.

Keep Exploring

- Talkeetna, AK (11 miles)
- Trapper Creek, AK (0.0 miles)

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What are visitors saying about K'esugi Ken Campground in their reviews?

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Where is K'esugi Ken Campground located in Denali State Park?