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Best Campgrounds near Cantwell, AK

113 Reviews

Cantwell, Alaska serves as a gateway to Denali National Park with several established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas throughout the region. Riley Creek Campground, located at the entrance to Denali National Park, provides tent and RV sites with picnic tables and fire rings in a wooded setting. Cantwell RV Park offers full hookups for larger vehicles, while Wildthingz Dog Mushing features unique cabin accommodations. The area includes a mix of National Park Service facilities, private campgrounds, and primitive sites along the Denali Highway corridor, accommodating everything from tent camping to RV parking with varying levels of amenities.

Road conditions and seasonal availability significantly impact camping options in the Cantwell area. Many campgrounds in Denali National Park operate only from mid-May through mid-September due to Alaska's harsh winters. "Alaska in the summer especially near the parks camps can be pretty overwhelming," noted one camper at Brushkana Creek Campground. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region, with bears, moose, and caribou frequently spotted near camping areas. Visitors should carry bear spray, prepare for mosquitoes (described by one camper as "the national bird of Alaska"), and pack appropriate gear for rapidly changing weather conditions. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage near established facilities and limited or no service in more remote areas.

Campers consistently highlight wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic landscapes as primary draws to the area. The campgrounds within Denali National Park receive particularly high ratings for their natural settings and proximity to hiking trails. One visitor at Savage River Campground described it as having "gorgeous scenery and great park access" with "spacious" sites that "had lots of privacy." Several reviewers mentioned the benefit of staying at Riley Creek or Savage River campgrounds for convenient access to park shuttle buses, which provide transportation deeper into Denali where private vehicles are restricted. Teklanika River Campground, located 29 miles into the park, offers a more remote experience with "long views of snow topped mountains, long sloping hillsides, and spruce forest" according to visitor feedback, though it requires a minimum three-night stay.

Map showing campgrounds near Cantwell, AlaskaExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Denali Highway Mile 6.5

Denali Highway Mile 6.5

3 hrs 24 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Cantwell, Alaska (31)

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Recent Camping Photos near Cantwell, AK

41 Photos of 31 Cantwell Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cantwell, AK

113 Reviews of 31 Cantwell Campgrounds

  • Joe H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Roadside Camp on Parks Highway

    Good free spot

    Only downfall was we could hear the highway but at night there wasn’t much traffic. Secluded spots. Good stop.

  • Andrea W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Denali Rainbow Village RV Park & Motel

    Very high prized for what you get

    Gravel, puddles, dirt, grubby showers. WIFI for free for 30 minutes, afterwards you pay extra. Showers are USD 5.00. The place is the least cared for we visited so far. However, if you want to visit Denali park and you want to fully hook-up, this is the closest you will find.

  • Danny W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Healy Overlook

    There’s a line entrance blocking access

    Couldn’t get to site

  • P
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Roadside Camp on Parks Highway

    Beautiful view of Mt Healy.

    Looking for a place to camp near Denali as main campground full. I don’t know why more people are not here! Have a great tucked in flat site. Walked around and see one RV and one other tent both with great spots. It’s quiet and sheltered. The kids enjoyed all the bunny sightings.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Roadside Camp on Parks Highway

    Fine Camping… if there are people

    A bit creepy of an area. Pretty hidden off the highway and doesn’t feel like the safest spot.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Denali RV Park and Motel

    Worse Experience to Date

    After 350+ campground (CG) reviews, we are writing our first 1-star review. The CG was right off the highway, and we followed signage into the office to check in. We had reserved back-in site J9 and paid$10 to lock it in so we could set out our deck and enjoy the mountain view. Our travel partners were in site J8—an end cap into a hill—and we shoehorned our rig next to theirs. Sites are very tight throughout the CG. Utilities are at the far end of the gravel pad; we needed 18’ of sewer hose to reach. Water pressure was inconsistent, around 35 psi, but we had no issues with 30 AMP power. Verizon had 4 bars LTE, T-Mobile 2 bars LTE. Wi-Fi is supposedly shared with the motel, but despite seeing the network, we couldn’t connect. With how crowded it was, we placed our Starlink on the roof to get a clear shot of the sky and avoid damage. We initially parked our F450 by the motel across the way, but later saw a“motel guests only” sign and returned to the office to ask where we should park. At check-in, the young woman was polite, but when we returned, an older woman (likely the manager) was at the desk checking in a Thai couple. She wasn't understanding their last name, even when the young lady spelled it very clearly--only three letters. The couple explained how Thai last names work, but the manager was clearly impatient and flustered with their spelling and reassigned them to another site—seemingly after giving away the one they reserved. The husband was visibly frustrated and ended up walking out. In our opinion, this interaction reflected racial bias. Then it was our turn: we explained our parking situation and asked if we could park by the motel. Instead of help, we got a lecture about how we should’ve reserved a site based on our rig’s dimensions (a pull through), which we thought we had as the site was listed as 45' and we are 40'. This is the first time we came across a CG that lists the site as the literal size versus what size rig could fit with room to still fit your tow vehicle. We were told there were two overflow options elsewhere in the CG. We were lucky enough to have a sliver of yard and ended up parking on our site basically between our rig and our friends' next to us. Later, the camp host knocked and asked us to move the F450, despite a 40’ fifth wheel just having navigated the area past us. We complied, but pointed out a rig with an unusually long-hitch sticking in the road with cones. We had used that as a marker on how far we could stick out. They made that person move in more on their site as well, but as they had been there well before us, we're not sure they would have said anything to them if we hadn't pointed it out. Since we had been told we should have reserved a pull through, we checked them out and found we still would have been creative with parking at our site. Sadly, there aren’t many big rig options in the area—but next time we’ll stay in the pullout before this place.

  • Popsicle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2025

    Cantwell Gravel Camp

    Not a legal spot

    Confirming Kerry's report from last summer. No camping sign still posted.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Roadside Camp on Parks Highway

    Best 5g cell service near Denali National Park

    I ended up doing car camping here on a whim because it was super rainy and I wanted somewhere I could comfortably car camp without running into the risk of being disturbed and let me tell you this was such a beautiful and safe space to be camping. The best part of it all, if you have AT&T you get full 5g service in the mountains. It was great 10/10 will be camping when I pass through here again.

Guide to Cantwell

Camping near Cantwell, Alaska, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do

  • Explore Denali National Park: The park is just a short drive away, making it easy to access breathtaking views and wildlife. One camper mentioned, "Loved this NP campground. Quiet and convenient spot to park a tent/camper. Easy walk/drive to bus depot/visitors center/town" at Riley Creek Campground.
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area, with options for all skill levels. A visitor at Savage River Campground shared, "We spent 2 nights and used the Savage River Campground as a jumping off point to travel further into the park."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for caribou and other wildlife. One reviewer noted, "As soon as we get there we spot caribou right at the river" while staying at Savage River Campground.

What campers like

  • Secluded Campsites: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered by sites like those at Riley Creek Campground. A visitor remarked, "The sites in this part of the campground are more private and there is a trail that connects it to the visitor center."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper at Teklanika River Campground said, "Super clean toilets that are located close to every site."
  • Convenient Amenities: Access to stores and visitor centers is a big plus. A reviewer at Riley Creek Campground noted, "Well within walking distance to store, visitor center."

What you should know

  • Limited Space for Large RVs: If you're traveling with a big rig, be cautious. A camper at Brushkana Creek Campground warned, "If you have a long trailer or big rig only sites 18, 21, and 22 are very usable."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. One camper at Wonder Lake Campground mentioned, "The mosquitoes are INSANE. Just unreal."
  • First-Come, First-Served Sites: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is wise. A visitor at Teklanika River Campground advised, "Once you get to the campground, the sites are first-come, first-served."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like showers and laundry. A parent at Riley Creek Campground appreciated the "showers at the mercantile, $5 for 5 min."
  • Plan Activities: Keep kids engaged with hiking and wildlife spotting. One family shared, "We enjoyed hiking along the river" while at Savage River Campground.
  • Pack Snacks: Having food on hand can make outings easier. A camper at Teklanika River Campground noted, "Groceries are best purchased at the Three Bears in nearby Healy."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Brushkana Creek Campground cautioned, "The spaces are very small. I have a 24’ trailer and there were not many spots I would fit."
  • Bring Solar Panels: Many campgrounds don’t have electric hookups. A visitor at Teklanika River Campground suggested, "None of the campsites offered electrical hook ups, so bring your solar panels."
  • Be Prepared for Weather Changes: The weather can shift quickly, so pack accordingly. A camper at Riley Creek Campground mentioned, "Weather changing quickly!!"

Camping near Cantwell, Alaska, provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Cantwell campgrounds?

Amenities vary across Cantwell-area campgrounds. Riley Creek Campground in nearby Denali National Park offers well-maintained sites with edged outlines, walking distance to trails, visitor center, store, and bus depot. Savage River Campground provides spacious sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and privacy with forested surroundings. Most developed campgrounds in the area include basic amenities like toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some campgrounds like Igloo Creek are more primitive without campfires allowed. RV-specific sites with hookups are available at Cantwell Lodge and Private Campground and Cantwell RV Park. Water access varies by location, so it's advisable to bring your own drinking water, especially at more remote sites.

Where can I find camping spots near Cantwell, Alaska?

Cantwell offers several camping options for visitors exploring this gateway to Denali. Brushkana Creek Campground provides first-come, first-served sites directly on the creek with plenty of space for exploration. For those needing RV hookups, Cantwell Lodge and Private Campground offers a convenient parking lot-style setup with helpful owners. Additional options include dispersed camping at Parks Highway pullouts, and several excellent campgrounds within Denali National Park like Savage River, Sanctuary River, and Riley Creek, all accessible via the park entrance about 30 minutes from Cantwell. For a more unique experience, consider checking out specialty accommodations like Wildthingz Dog Mushing or Denali's Doorstep cabin.

What is the best time of year to camp in Cantwell, Alaska?

The optimal camping season in Cantwell runs from late May through early September. Summer (June-August) offers pleasant temperatures and extended daylight hours—even midnight sun conditions—ideal for exploration. Igloo Creek Campground and other area sites are most accessible during this peak season, though be prepared for mosquitoes, which are particularly abundant in July. Early fall (September) brings beautiful colors and fewer crowds at places like Sanctuary River Campground, though temperatures begin to drop. Spring camping (May) is possible but can be muddy as the ground thaws. Winter camping is extremely challenging due to harsh conditions and limited accessibility, with most campgrounds closed. Always check seasonal closure dates when planning your trip, as they vary by location.

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