Camping near Denali National Park & Preserve

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Denali National Park & Preserve, AK has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Denali National Park & Preserve, AK. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

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

    1. Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park

    13 Reviews
    Denali National Park & Preserve, AK
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 683-2294

    "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."

    2. Savage River Campground — Denali National Park

    13 Reviews
    Denali National Park, AK
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 272-7275

    "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."

    3. Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    36 Reviews
    Healy, AK
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 683-9532

    "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."

    4. Igloo Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    2 Reviews
    Denali National Park & Preserve, AK
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 683-2294

    "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."

    "site: walk-in. wooded. private. amenities: no water. small campground. attractions: creek. Denali park. hiking. wildlife. I would go camping here again."

    5. Sanctuary River Campground — Denali National Park

    1 Review
    Denali National Park & Preserve, AK
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 683-2294

    "I 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.  "

    6. Backcountry Unit 31: Polychrome Mountain — Denali National Park

    1 Review
    Denali National Park & Preserve, AK
    10 miles

    $50 - $90 / night

    "Denali 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."

    8. Roadside Camp on Parks Highway

    5 Reviews
    Healy, AK
    23 miles

    "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."

    "Only downfall was we could hear the highway but at night there wasn’t much traffic. Secluded spots. Good stop."

    9. Backcountry Unit 34: Mount Galen — Denali National Park

    1 Review
    Denali National Park and Preserve, AK
    19 miles
    Website

    "You will need to hike more to get out of the mosquitos and near a water source though."

    10. Denali RV Park and Motel

    4 Reviews
    Healy, AK
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 683-1500

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Denali National Park & Preserve

121 Reviews of 30 Denali National Park & 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.


Guide to Denali National Park & Preserve

Camping near Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and wildlife. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Explore Denali National Park: Take advantage of the park's vast hiking trails. One camper at Riley Creek Campground mentioned, "Denali is awesome. Beautiful hikes, go see the sled dog demo." This campground is a great base for exploring the park.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. A visitor at Savage River Campground noted, "As soon as we get there we spot caribou right at the river." This campground is known for its proximity to wildlife.
  • ATV Rentals: Rent an ATV just outside the park for some thrilling exploration. A camper shared their experience at Riley Creek Campground: "Just outside park we rented ATV and had a great time in the open lands."

What campers like:

  • Secluded Campsites: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered at Teklanika River Campground. One reviewer said, "The spaces were very secluded, and the campground was very quiet."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the facilities. A visitor at Savage River Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Convenient Location: The location of Riley Creek Campground is a hit among visitors. One camper noted, "Location was excellent for exploring the entire park."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A camper at Wonder Lake Campground warned, "The mosquitoes are INSANE. Just unreal." Bring bug spray or a head net.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Teklanika River Campground, do not have electric hookups. A visitor advised, "None of the campsites offered electrical hook ups, so bring your solar panels."
  • First-Come, First-Served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at Teklanika River Campground mentioned, "There will be enough sites for everyone with a reservation, but your choices might be limited if you arrive later in the day."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby activities. A family at Riley Creek Campground enjoyed the "easy walk/drive to bus depot/visitors center/town," making it easy to explore with kids.
  • Laundry Facilities: If you're camping with kids, having laundry options is a bonus. One camper at Riley Creek Campground appreciated the "laundry and showers (need quarters)."
  • Quiet Campgrounds: Choose quieter campgrounds for a more relaxing experience. A visitor at Savage River Campground noted, "This site was peaceful," which is great for families needing downtime.

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: If you're traveling in a larger RV, check for campgrounds that accommodate big rigs. A camper at Byers Lake Campground mentioned, "There are some pull throughs for larger rigs."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A visitor at Riley Creek Campground appreciated the "dump station and water," making it easier for RVers to manage their needs.
  • Reservations Recommended: For popular spots, make reservations in advance. A camper at Teklanika River Campground advised, "You can make your reservation between 3 minimum required nights or 14 maximum nights."

Camping near Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska, is an adventure filled with breathtaking views and memorable experiences. Whether you're a family, an RV enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, there's something for everyone in this stunning part of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Denali National Park & Preserve?

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

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Denali National Park & 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 & Preserve?

What parks are near Denali National Park & Preserve?

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