Denali National Park and Preserve, AK is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Denali National Park and Preserve, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"This campground is located at mile 29 of the denali park road so if you're taking the bus that's where you need to get off!"
"Teklanika Campground is a phenomenal location for camping in Denali."
"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."
"This 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."
"The sites are nicely maintained with nice, edged out tent pad areas. The surrounding trees provide a nice barrier between sites so you don't feel crammed into the campground."
"Within walking distance to "Glitter Gulch" and trails at the entrance to the park. We've camped there for many years and always had a peaceful nights rest."
"Camp sites are close to each other, but the staff gave us two sites for the price of one to park my truck. The views are amazing, and the other campers were very respectful."
"Spent the night as a drive thru from Fairbanks to anchorage. Was clean and well kept. Showers were great. But the spots were tight and very close together. No fires."
"You'll have to make your own path to the river, grass is high. Watch out for bears."
$999 / night
"We liked how the campground was not right next to the main highway going through Healy and Denali. It is about 3 to 4 miles off the main road."
$25 - $40 / night
$28 - $45 / night
GuideBackpacking in Denali National Park and Preserve in the wintertime is rough. Do not try it unless you know what you are doing. Everything in the area pretty much shuts down during the winter months! Do not expect a warm Irish coffee after the backpacking trek through the snow. On the plus side, everything is free! If you can get yourself out there you can go as far as you would like. I only got 1-2 miles from the sled dog kennels as my toes thought it was too cold to venture further. There are limited water supply areas and if you do want them you must be willing to trek a few miles in deep snow to get to them. I should mention that there’s lots of snow during the wintertime just one more time. Be prepared! i visited in October but for some reason can not change it to the proper month.
BUT you also get the chance to see the northern lights so it’s a win.
P.s. these units are very very different during the summer months and very accessible to tourists!
GuideDenali National Park and Preserve allows for backcountry camping. With that comes extreme risks as it is one of the most remote places that you can be. The National Park service does a wonderful job making sure that only a certain amount of people are allowed in each unit within the park. In this particular unit (north side of the Toklat river into the polychrome mountains) I saw the most wildlife I have ever seen while out backpacking. We found an animal spine, saw a moose, got turned around by 3 bears chilling in our potential camp location, and then at the end of the trip also saw 2 more grizzlies less than 30 feet away. Note; do not go here looking for bears, they are dangerous creatures and should not be harassed/seeked out in the wild.
If you do not trust your river crossing skills to the highest level, do NOT cross the rivers. My friend and I got stuck on the other side of the river with those aforementioned grizzly bears and had to camp an extra night in order to be able to cross the rivers as the water levels had risen. Backcountry adventures are inherently risky. Do not try them unless you are prepared. Bring bear spray, leave no trace, and ultimately experience the vast beauty that is Denali National Park.
GuideTake your bikes or buy a bus pass. Only some spots had a view. The camping is close. Pets are not allowed on trails in the park- only roads. The camp was kind of noisy. Come here for the Denali experience but know it does not start with this campground.
TravelerI wouldn’t recommend coming here if you have pets, as they’re not allowed on most of the trails.
Super wooded area & not the best if you’re looking for amazing views.
We came in June, the first week they were officially opened & we paid $30 and none of the bathrooms were open yet. Definitely wait until later in June if you plan to go!
LegendJake from the Dyrt here! This unique stay in Alaska trains dogs for sledding. Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!
GuideWe liked how the campground was not right next to the main highway going through Healy and Denali. It is about 3 to 4 miles off the main road. We stayed in camp spot number nine, which was a huge spot and perfect for our 32ft camper truck and three dogs. It was unfortunately $60 per night when we stayed the weekend of July 20, 2024. Most campgrounds I’ve ever been to are between five and $20 per night. The other down side is that it is right next to the GVEA power plant so you hear a bit of noise early in the morning from the loaders back up alarms and the plant just operating. The host was absolutely incredible and one of the most friendly host we’ve ever had. The campground when he first pulled into it and passed the office is a little sketchy because it looks like a somewhat rundown place but as you get farther back, the camp spots are nice and big power and water. The dump station unfortunately was on the wrong side when I left and I didn’t have a long enough hose so I had to go out circle and come back in just to dump my tank and luckily no one was in a camping spot so I was able to turn back around and leave. Spot number nine is at the very end on the right and thankfully no one was parked across the drive from us because I needed that whole spot just to back in my camper so if you don’t know how to drive your rig I recommend not going here. I don’t want to discourage anyone from going here with the large price noise from the power plant and somewhat sketchy looking buildings on the property when you first arrive because it was a great stay and mostly quiet because it was so far away from the main road, and the host also made it worthwhile.
GuideYes, the mosquitoes are bad, but I honestly didn’t find them to be that much worse than elsewhere in Alaska. Liberal use of bug dope and I was able to stroll around and even sit outside and read without a head net. Excellent drinking water and, surprisingly, flush toilets. Two shelters for cooking afford social time with fellow campers. The first day I hid from the rain in my tent, the second was all clouds and fog, but the third morning… well, you simply have to go experience it yourself. Humbling to say the least.
TravelerIgloo 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. Only 7 campsites but pretty close together. No campfires or communal fire pit.
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.
Camping with your furry friends near Denali National Park and Preserve offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Alaskan wilderness together. With several pet-friendly campgrounds available, you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your pets behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Denali National Park and Preserve?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Denali National Park and Preserve is Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Denali National Park and Preserve?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dog-friendly camping locations near Denali National Park and Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
