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.
"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."
$999 / night
"I was staying there with some friends for 2 nights, the RV Park was full, everything was beautiful, you have an amazing view to appreciate, you can go with your family also because it is a quiet place."
"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."
"Has water and electric hook ups. A dump station. Has washer and dryer. Has showers for a price. Would easily come back."
$25 - $40 / night
"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 campsite was spacious and had lots of privacy, with a picnic table, fire ring and plenty of space for a large tent."
$175 - $225 / night
"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."
"We visited in March 2022 so since it was winter camping season, it was first come, first serve and camping is free."
ScoutThe sites are all very nice and mostly private. My dissatisfaction came from limited generator hours and shower/laundry facility hours. If you are gone all day on tours and hikes, you don't have any time at all for showering or using the generator when you return. Also, you have to pay $4.50 for 10 minutes of water in the shower. That being said, the water was hot and the facilities were clean. Shower hours are 7am - 830pm. Same for laundry. 2 hrs of generator time in the am (8-10) and 4 in the pm (4-8).
ScoutWithin 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. We've camped in the spring, summer and during the fall. Well maintained and sites are semi secluded. You can see your neighbors but there are plenty of trees and vegetation around to make you feel like you're secluded. Plenty of sites for tents, cab overs, motor homes and trailers depending on your preference. Fire pits available. Gets a bit busy during the peak of the season so reserve early if coming during those times. Great place to stay close to the park!!!
Legend“Did you get your Denali reservations, yet?” For months we heard this common refrain from my mother each time we called. We were planning a visit to the park during the first week of August, and here it was April and there was still plenty of availability for the furthest campground into the park that you can take a trailer, camper, RV or motorhome. Still, there’s a reason why it’s so in demand. Not only is the campground beautiful, nestled in between the foothills and the banks of the braided Teklanika river, but it greatly reduces your travel time into the rest of the park by bus.
The campground offers medium-sized sites, some back-in, some pull-through, picnic tables, fire rings, fresh potable water and vault-style toilets like many other national park campgrounds. None of the campsites offered electrical hook ups, so bring your solar panels. We were able to charge our system by simply putting our portable solar panel out into the open.
If you’re driving your personal vehicle, you can make your reservation between 3 minimum required nights or 14 maximum nights. (If you take the bus, you only need to make a reservation for 1 night – but why would you only stay 1 night?– this is Denali, people!) The purpose for the stay requirement of drivers is to minimize vehicle traffic on the gravel park road. You get to drive in once on the first day of your reservation, and out once on the last day– any other day in-between you’re taking the bus.
Once you get to the campground, the sites are first-come, first-served. There will be enough sites for everyone with a reservation, but your choices might be limited if you arrive later in the day.
To ride the bus, you must purchase a separate “Tek” bus pass which is a one-time fee and good for the entire length of your stay. You can go in either direction on the bus, hop-on/ hop-off any place you want between the end of the road and Park Headquarters. The buses can accommodate 3 bikes, so if you want to ride one way and take the bus back like we did, that's a great option! One note on the Tek Pass, if you go all the way back to the Visitor’s Center you will need to purchase an additional bus pass to get back to camp. So, do your VC stuff before and after you camp within the park.
Groceries are best purchased at the Three Bears in nearby Healy, around 15 miles from the park entrance, they have better prices and a wider selection than in Denali town, including a full liquor store. There are bars, restaurants, hotels and t-shirt shops aplenty there too.
LegendWe stayed here twice (each time for 1 night) on our way to and from Fairbanks. We visited in March 2022 so since it was winter camping season, it was first come, first serve and camping is free. There’s no water or electricity but the bathrooms were open at the campsite across from us.
You can fill up water bottles at the winter information center a little bit up the road if needed.
They only plow certain campsites so you have to drive all around the loop to find a spot. It’s so quiet and peaceful at night, I could’ve stayed there forever!
During our first visit, some kind campers flying back home gave us some of their leftover fresh caught salmon so we cooked it over our fire pit that a previous camper was so nice to dig out for us! Not all the campsites had the fire pits dug out but the one we were in was.
The sky is beautiful and lights up with stars when the sky is clear. I’m sure it’s just as beautiful in the summertime but it was definitely magical in the winter.
LegendThis is the second time I've stayed here. We came in mid-May and the facilities had just opened. We had running water and bathrooms. You can go to the Mercantile for showers ($4.50) and laundry ($4.00). This is such a great campground that we decided to stay an extra night. Very family friendly and conveniently located to everything yet quiet. All the campsites look really good and are kept up nicely. Cost is $24 per night or free out of season.
GuideThis campground is very well kept and scenic. It has nice size gravel areas for rv’s and a raised bed area if you have a tent. The restrooms are very clean and well located. There is a free dump station and water. There is a very clean shower & laundry building by the office. In the office is a nice selection of gifts and some groceries & delicious coffee!!
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.
GuideRiley Creek Campground is accessible to both tents and RVs. This is the largest campground in Denali that has a mercantile, laundry ($2/wash or dry), showers ($4.50 for 10 minutes), potable water, toilets, and dump station. There is also a free shuttle that has multiple stops including the visitor center, wilderness access center, and multiple trails within he first 15 miles of the park (to Savage River). Overall this is a convenient campground with many amenities great for all groups/types of campers.
LegendA perfect Campground for your stay in Denali National Park. Beautifully wooded sites allow for you to hear nature and feel like part of the wilderness. Nightly Ranger talks add to your experience and education of the park. Walking trails help you explore the area and also connect you with the Mercantile, showers, and laundry. Picnic table and firepit with little leveling required in our site. Limited generator times but we didnt mind as it helped keep things quieter and let us hear the nature around us. Shuttle bus service is available to help get around the park. Treated as a first come first serve for site choice, check in then go select the site you like best. You are able to reserve online and it is highly recommended as they fill up quick during the summer months.
Experience the beauty of RV camping near Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska, where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await. With a variety of campgrounds offering essential amenities, you can enjoy a comfortable stay while exploring this breathtaking region.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Denali National Park and Preserve is Denali RV Park and Motel with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 15 RV camping locations near Denali National Park and Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
