Denali National Park and Preserve spans over 6 million acres with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 20,310 feet at the summit of North America's tallest peak. Tent camping throughout the park involves varying levels of accessibility, with backcountry units requiring permits obtained at the Backcountry Information Center located near the park entrance. Summer temperatures typically range from 33-75°F with sudden weather changes common across all camping areas.
What to do
Hike the McKinley Bar Trail: Located near Wonder Lake Campground, this relatively flat 4.5-mile round-trip trail provides access to the McKinley River. "There is a short path behind the common area that leads to Wonder Lake. The lake is also a great spot to view wildlife and if you are into fishing I recommend bringing a fishing pole. The fish in the lake are very active and will bite on anything since there are very few people who actually fish in the lake," notes Dan G.
Wildlife viewing at lower elevations: The park road offers excellent opportunities to spot bears, moose, caribou, and smaller mammals. When camping in Backcountry Unit 13: Mount Eielson, you might encounter substantial wildlife. "I saw a herd of 30 caribou here just grazing and getting in the way of my path," shares Gillian H., who recommends the area for its "vast tundra, rivers, glacial lakes, and glaciers."
Winter camping for the experienced: For those with proper equipment and training, winter backcountry camping offers solitude and potential northern lights viewing. "Backpacking in Denali National Park and Preserve in the wintertime is rough. Do not try it unless you know what you are doing," warns one visitor about the entrance area units, noting "you also get the chance to see the northern lights so it's a win."
What campers like
Private sites with mountain views: At Igloo Creek Campground, visitors appreciate the secluded nature of the small campground. Benjamin C. describes the sites as "walk-in, wooded, private" and mentions the creek as an attraction, along with hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Relatively easy access to backcountry: Some backcountry units are more accessible than others. "If you don't want to hike too far then maybe choose a different unit as you have to hike quite a few miles before being outside of view from the park road," suggests a backpacker who visited Mount Eielson. This area is particularly rewarding on clear days when "you also get the chance to see the great Denali in all its glory above Muldrow glacier."
Extended-stay comfort at Wonder Lake: The campground's amenities make longer stays manageable. "The bear locker is huge! Bring as much as you are willing to lug out there! We were having Turkey patty melts with all the fixings while others were just eating pb&js. Don't limit yourself!" advises Dori S., highlighting the practicality of the storage facilities despite the remote location.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from late May through mid-September. Sanctuary River Campground is accessible only via shuttle bus and operates from "May 20 to mid September," with no drinking water available, meaning visitors "need to bring your own or some way to purify it."
Intense mosquito activity: Multiple campers mention mosquitoes as a significant challenge. "Misquotes were very thick and hungry," notes Eric N. about Sanctuary River Campground, while Trevor H. shares, "We were told mosquitoes were the national bird of Alaska haha. It is no joke at this campground. Be prepared for me."
Transportation logistics: Access to most tent camping areas requires planning. "You can only get past mile 14 by buying a ticket for a bus ride in. There are different busses you can take but if you want to get to Wonder Lake Campground, you'll need to go to mile 85 of 90," explains Jenna W., emphasizing the time commitment required to reach the more remote campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for weather variability: Family tent camping requires extra preparation. "It did rain one evening but very lightly and there was a beautiful rainbow," notes Holly P. about her late August visit to Wonder Lake, suggesting families should pack appropriate rain gear regardless of season.
Schedule multi-day stays: Given the mountain's visibility patterns, longer stays increase chances of seeing Denali. "We were losing hope that we would ever see the mountain until we woke up on our third morning. We opened our tent at 4 a.m. to use the bathroom and saw Denali in all its glory," shares SwitchbackKids about their experience at Wonder Lake.
Consider campground amenities: At Backcountry Unit 18: Muldrow Glacier, visitors should know about specific wildlife concerns. "There is a bear den in this area so be careful. They ran right in front of me as we were leaving this last time I went. Know what to do with bears and do not follow them, it is their territory after all," advises Gillian H., highlighting the importance of wildlife safety education for family trips.
Tips from RVers
RV restrictions in the park: Most campgrounds within Denali National Park and Preserve do not accommodate RVs, with tent camping being the primary option. For tent camping in Backcountry Unit 34: Mount Galen, note that the terrain includes marsh areas with "thousands of mosquitoes," according to Gillian H., who recommends gaining elevation: "You will need to hike more to get out of the mosquitoes and near a water source though."
Parking options at trailheads: Visitors mention limited parking at trailheads leading to backcountry units. "You have to cross so many rivers just to get to the start of the glacier area. Expect to be hiking 3-4 hours just to get to the front of the inlet area," notes a camper about accessing Muldrow Glacier, indicating that vehicle access points can be considerable distances from actual camping locations.
Camp near visitor amenities: When tent camping is your primary activity but you need RV services, consider locations near the park entrance. "If you are running low on water tablets there is fresh water at the Eielson visitor center. Do not rely on it as it is still at the park road and nowhere near your camping area," advises a backpacker, pointing to limited resource availability away from developed areas.
