Cantwell is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Alaska camping adventure.
"site: walk-in. wooded. private. amenities: no water. small campground. attractions: creek. Denali park. hiking. wildlife. I would go camping here again."
"Igloo campground is located a decent ways into the park. We were told mosquitoes were the national bird of Alaska haha. It is no joke at this campground. Be prepared for me."
"I camped here a few years ago when I was on an Alaska trip with my grandma. We were moving around a lot and this campground was just what we needed for one night. "
"This particular spot is right next to one of the roads to other local campgrounds so be prepared for other cars to drive by occasionally. Because it’s a local spot we must ensure it is kept clean!"
"You will need to hike more to get out of the mosquitos and near a water source though."
$50 - $90 / night
"Winter camping is limited to the parking lot unless you have appropriate gear to winter tent camp but summer camping is endless."
"When choosing which unit you want to backcountry camp in, I would recommend choosing one of the units near the Muldrow glacier."
TravelerOver 10 free campsites, no electric, no water. Pit toilets available. Sites have tables and fire rings. This is a gem of a find! When Denali closed due to wildfires my family and I found this spot which saved our vacation. Some sites are overgrown, mosquitoes are bad so bring spray.
GuideThis was one of our all-time favorite campgrounds! The campsite was spacious and had lots of privacy, with a picnic table, fire ring and plenty of space for a large tent. Our site backed up to woods that were filled with spongy, mossy ground coverings and "evidence" of moose presence. Our family loved exploring this area! We walked to the savage river at the back of the campground and explored this area, attended a great ranger talk and had some fabulous mountain views. We also loved the location of the campground, as we could drive our car but were further away from the crowded front areas of the park. We absolutely loved our hike on the savage alpine trail, which we took the free shuttle to get to the start and ended outside of our campground. If you have kids, be sure to check out a discovery backpack filled with activities and science kits they can use. Our 9-year-old loved it so much she asked for a science kit for Christmas!
Guidesite: walk-in. wooded. private. amenities: no water. small campground. attractions: creek. Denali park. hiking. wildlife. I would go camping here again.
GuideTeklanika Campground is a phenomenal location for camping in Denali. Accessible to both tent and RV campers at mile 29.1 on the Denali Park Rd this campground has vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits and requires a minimum 3 night stay with no access to the front of the park (without additional fees) once you arrive. Campers here purchase a Tek Pass which allows access further into the park via the bus system (the only way to get further into Denali from this campground). Our favorite feature of this campground was the Tek River which is directly next to the campground. The river bar made for excellent hiking and adventures for the whole family with plenty of animals to see. We would definitely camp here again!
ScoutRiley 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.
LegendI camped here a few years ago when I was on an Alaska trip with my grandma. We were moving around a lot and this campground was just what we needed for one night. We took the shuttle bus in, since that's the only way to get there, stayed for a night and then moved on. There aren't many sites in this place, maybe 10 or so but they are spread out and nice. Only tent sites with no hook ups. Be prepared because there is no drinking water here so you need to bring your own or some way to purify it. You can't make reservations, its only walk ups.
We did one little hike while we were in the area which ended up being really nice. I would definitely recommend checking out horseshoe lake trail if you need an easy hike and want some nice views. I think it was about 2 miles without much elevation gain.
Although we didn't stay here for very long, just passing through Denali, it was a good experience and I would recommend the campground.
GuideThis campsite is right off the highway and has bathrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables. There was still a lot of snow in late May so not all of the sites were accessible. Not many people there but a fine site if you want a free campground in the Denali area.
TravelerThis 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.
RangerThis campsite was in the Savage River Campground in Denali National Park, just outside the bus station for the park transit and close to the bathrooms. We had a great tent site and firepit with a large picnic table. You can hear the river flowing and it can lull you to sleep despite the near constant daylight. This site was peaceful and the Mountain Vista Trail was a short walk away.
Tent camping near Cantwell, Alaska offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and explore the beauty of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cantwell, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cantwell, AK is Igloo Creek Campground — Denali National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cantwell, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Cantwell, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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