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Camping near Denali National Park and Preserve

119 Reviews

Campgrounds near Denali National Park and Preserve span from developed frontcountry sites to remote backcountry units across Alaska's pristine wilderness. The area includes established campgrounds like Riley Creek and Teklanika River that accommodate both tent and RV camping, while backcountry units such as Mount Eielson and Mount Galen offer more primitive experiences. Several campgrounds within park boundaries provide varying levels of amenities, with Riley Creek offering drinking water, firewood, and sanitary dump stations, while more remote options like Wonder Lake Campground provide spectacular views of Denali but more limited facilities.

Access to many camping areas requires careful planning due to the park's unique transportation system. Most of Denali's campgrounds beyond mile 15 of the park road require bus transportation, with private vehicles allowed only at certain frontcountry sites. The camping season typically runs from May through mid-September, with Wonder Lake opening later in June due to its higher elevation. Teklanika River Campground, located 29 miles into the park, requires a minimum three-night stay and a special "Tek Pass" for bus transportation during your visit. Winter camping is possible at Riley Creek year-round, though with limited amenities. As one visitor noted, "Teklanika Campground is a phenomenal location for camping in Denali. The purpose for the stay requirement of drivers is to minimize vehicle traffic on the gravel park road."

Wildlife viewing opportunities rank among the most valued experiences for Denali campers. Those staying at Wonder Lake report spectacular views of Denali when weather permits. "We opened our tent at 4 a.m. to use the bathroom and saw Denali in all its glory. We hadn't even known how amazing of a view we had from our tent until that final morning," shared one camper. Mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as a significant consideration, particularly at lower elevations near water sources. Many backcountry campers recommend hiking to higher elevations to escape both mosquitoes and to access better views. The campgrounds farther into the park, though requiring longer transportation time, often provide more solitude and better wildlife viewing opportunities, with visitors reporting sightings of caribou, moose, and bears from their campsites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Denali National Park and Preserve (30)

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Recent Camping Photos near Denali National Park and Preserve

42 Photos of 30 Denali National Park and Preserve Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Denali National Park and Preserve

119 Reviews of 30 Denali National Park and Preserve 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 Denali National Park and Preserve

Camping near Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, offers stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique charm.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. At Savage River Campground, one camper mentioned, "We spent 2 nights and used the Savage River Campground as a jumping off point to travel further into the park." The trails here lead to beautiful views and wildlife sightings.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, head to Wonder Lake Campground. A reviewer said, "It has great fishing and hiking and just out of this world." You might catch something tasty for dinner!
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. A visitor at Savage River Campground spotted caribou right at the river, saying, "As soon as we get there we spot caribou right at the river."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. One camper at Wonder Lake Campground exclaimed, "Camping there with a clear view is an amazing experience." The stunning backdrop of Denali is hard to beat.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the clean restrooms. A camper at Teklanika River Campground noted, "Super clean toilets that are located close to every site." This makes for a more comfortable stay.
  • Community Feel: Campgrounds like Riley Creek Campground offer a sense of community. A visitor shared, "The sites in this part of the campground are more private," allowing for a cozy atmosphere while still being close to fellow campers.

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially at Wonder Lake Campground. One camper warned, "The mosquitos are INSANE. Just unreal." Bring bug spray or a head net to stay comfortable.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Teklanika River Campground, do not have electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "None of the campsites offered electrical hook ups, so bring your solar panels." Plan accordingly for your power needs.
  • Variable Weather: Weather can change quickly. A camper at Savage River Campground noted, "The weather is quite variable. We had sunny days with AMAZING mountain views and driving rain downpours." Be ready for anything!

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with ranger programs. A family at Wonder Lake Campground enjoyed the "nightly ranger programs," which can be educational and fun for kids.
  • Space for Kids to Play: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. A visitor at Riley Creek Campground mentioned, "Campsite was roomy and had the illusion of seclusion based on space between sites." This gives kids room to roam.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Savage River Campground highlighted the importance of being cautious, saying, "You can hear the river flowing and it can lull you to sleep."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Teklanika River Campground mentioned, "The spaces are very small," which can be tricky for larger rigs.
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. Riley Creek Campground has a sanitary dump, making it easier for RVers to manage waste.
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds, like Wonder Lake Campground, do not have water hookups. A camper advised, "Be sure to bring your own water," to stay hydrated during your stay.

Camping near Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, is an adventure filled with natural beauty and unique experiences. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the views, there's something for everyone in this stunning part of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Denali National Park and Preserve?

According to TheDyrt.com, Denali National Park and Preserve offers a wide range of camping options, with 30 campgrounds and RV parks near Denali National Park and Preserve and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Denali National Park and Preserve?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Denali National Park and Preserve is Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Denali National Park and Preserve?

What parks are near Denali National Park and Preserve?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Denali National Park and Preserve that allow camping, notably Denali National Park & Preserve and Denali National Park.

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