Top Tent Camping near Denali National Park and Preserve

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Best Tent Sites Near Denali National Park and Preserve, AK (10)


Recent Tent Reviews In Denali National Park and Preserve

99 Reviews of 10 Denali National Park and Preserve Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park
    August 24, 2024

    Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park

    I never dreamed I could be in a campground in Denali

    Super clean toilets that are located close to every site. Water and sump sink located convenient to every site. You might have to look for a site that fits your tent or Rv. Reserve for 3 nights ,drive in , set up, and then let the Green Bus Drivers do the driving for 3 days. Get on and off any time. We went in August and the mosquitoes were minimal.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park
    July 21, 2024

    Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    Great camping, ammenities, and location

    Stayed in caribou loop for 5 days. Had a great spot (lot of them). Location was excellent for exploring the entire park. Campsite was roomy and had the illusion of seclusion based on space between sites and nature separating sites. Well within walking distance to store, visitor center. Just outside park we rented ATV and had a great time in the open lands. So much so I went back with my jeep the next day and 4-wheeled in the same area.

  • Camper-submitted photo from East Fork Chulitna Wayside
    July 10, 2024

    East Fork Chulitna Wayside

    Nice free campsite

    Over 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from East Fork Chulitna Wayside
    May 29, 2024

    East Fork Chulitna Wayside

    Nice Free Campsite

    This 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park
    September 1, 2023

    Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    Awesome place to stay

    Loved this NP campground. Quiet and convenient spot to park a tent/camper. Easy walk/drive to bus depot/visitors center/town. They have a mercantile store open to book buses, pay for camping, get beer, ice cream, some goodies. They have laundry and showers (need quarters). Level spots! They do not have electric etc but have a dump station and water.

    Denali is awesome. Beautiful hikes, go see the sled dog demo, took a bus tour into the park past the point where no personal vehicles are allowed. 30% chance of seeing Denali. Rainy and foggy when we were there so we saw a small glimpse behind the clouds but you would never know it's this huge mountain. Also beautiful fall colors at this time. Weather changing quickly!!

    There was a bear that has destroyed a tent so they had part of campground blocked off. They have three loops: bear, wolf or caribou and no soft sided tents were allowed at this time.

  • Camper-submitted photo from East Fork Chulitna Wayside
    July 22, 2023

    East Fork Chulitna Wayside

    Nice little free campground

    Nice place in between Denali state park and Denali national park. There are toilets and trash cans only. Although, it is infested by mosquitoes and not very well maintained but clean. There are about 10 RV sites, and a few tent sites. You'll have to make your own path to the river, grass is high. Watch out for bears.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park
    October 12, 2022

    Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park

    Possibly Denali's Best Campground!

    “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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park
    July 18, 2022

    Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park

    Small, Secluded Spots

    The spaces are very small. I have a 24’ trailer and there were not many spots I would fit. The spots were narrow, and most were perpendicular to the road, making it difficult to back it.

    On the up side, the spaces weee very secluded, and the campground was very quiet.

    It was nice being so far into the park, but with the road closed at around mile 41, there weren’t many hikes.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Savage River Campground — Denali National Park
    June 21, 2022

    Savage River Campground — Denali National Park

    Beautiful Campground Near Great Hikes

    We spent 2 nights and used the Savage River Campground as a jumping off point to travel further into the park. We had a our best hikes from the campground. We enjoyed hiking along the river. We were lucky to have a grouse pair come into our campsite. We also took advantage of the ranger talk that was given in the evening. The bathrooms were clean.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park
    June 21, 2022

    Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    Secluded and Convenient

    This camp ground has the best of both worlds- secluded, wooded campsites while being close to a mercantile store and the visitor center. We stayed 2 nights and then came back for a third. Both times, we were able to get a site on the Caribou loop with the creek running behind the site. The sites in this part of the campground are more private and there is a trail that connects it to the visitor center. The bathroom was clean.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Savage River Campground — Denali National Park
    June 12, 2022

    Savage River Campground — Denali National Park

    Denali in Summer

    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. 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Savage River Campground — Denali National Park
    June 7, 2022

    Savage River Campground — Denali National Park

    Savagely Bright

    My dad and I camped in B-20 for 2 nights. It’s was a great site, close walk to bathrooms, close to the water supply to refill water containers, the Mountain Vista Trailhead, and just perfectly placed. We camped in a tent under constant daylight and got down to 40s between 3-5am. You can pick up whatever wood you see on the ground but can’t cut fresh stuff. It was my first time staying in this campground.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Denali RV Park and Motel
    June 3, 2022

    Denali RV Park and Motel

    Nice RV park near Denali National Park

    Nice bathrooms, you need special tokens from the office for showers. Not crowded in early June.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park
    May 23, 2022

    Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park

    Fun campground

    We got there first day of the season and there was a ton more snow than normal. Made the sites a little trickier to get into. There are 2 pull through site options at the end of each of the loops. I think one is site #14. Site #13 has the best view but it’s all first come first serve. Clean bathrooms

  • Camper-submitted photo from Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park
    March 28, 2022

    Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    In love with this place!

    We 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park
    November 23, 2021

    Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    Great spot during the shoulder season

    I've only ever stayed the night during the shoulder seasons, and not during the prime tourist rush. The spots are decently sized and the tent spots have a tent pad that is level and root free! In the height of the tourist season it will fill up completely and feel kind of closterphobic with how tightly packed the spots are.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park
    July 20, 2021

    Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    Loved this place!!

    We were visiting Denali from California and was our first time in Alaska. We were not only blown away by the beauty of Denali, but the campground was stunning as well. Most campers had RVs which made for a very quiet campground during days and nights. That's not something we are used to in California. It was so relaxing. The only downside was that thr bathroom near our site was basically an outhouse and there was no running water anywhere. Made it difficult to do dishes, wash hands, etc. I would rent an RV next time.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park
    July 16, 2021

    Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    Lucky Timing

    We were lucky enough to get a day of reservation for a night in the park. The campsite we got was perfect. Had a spot for our tent a nice campfire area, and a picnic table. The bathrooms were clean and well maintained. And the camp host was super friendly and nice.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Igloo Creek Campground — Denali National Park
    July 8, 2021

    Igloo Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    Decent Camgpround

    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. Only 7 campsites but pretty close together. No campfires or communal fire pit.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park
    July 5, 2021

    Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park

    Tek Campground Experience

    Take 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park
    July 1, 2021

    Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    Okay camping

    I 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!



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

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Denali National Park and Preserve?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Denali National Park and Preserve is Wonder Lake Campground — Denali National Park with a 4.8-star rating from 16 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Denali National Park and Preserve?

    TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Denali National Park and Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.