The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Denali National Park & Preserve

111 Reviews

Tent campsites within Denali National Park & Preserve offer remote wilderness experiences in one of Alaska's most rugged landscapes. The park contains several established tent-only camping areas, including Wonder Lake Campground located 85 miles into the park at mile marker 85, and Sanctuary River Campground, which provides primitive tent sites with minimal amenities. Backcountry units such as Muldrow Glacier and Mount Eielson offer more isolated tent camping options for experienced wilderness travelers seeking solitude beneath Denali, North America's tallest peak.

Most tent campgrounds in Denali require advanced planning and specialized transportation. Wonder Lake is accessible only by park shuttle bus, requiring a 4.5-hour ride from the park entrance. Sites typically include picnic tables and access to bear-resistant food storage lockers, which are mandatory for all food items. Many campgrounds operate seasonally from late May through mid-September, though weather conditions can vary dramatically. Toilet facilities range from flush toilets at Wonder Lake to completely undeveloped backcountry units with no facilities. Potable water is limited to a few developed campgrounds, while backcountry campers must filter water from natural sources.

Denali's tent camping areas provide extraordinary wilderness immersion with unique challenges. The primitive nature of these sites allows for unparalleled wildlife viewing and landscape photography opportunities. One camper noted, "Wonder Lake Campground is one of those campgrounds that you may be surprised by. All of the campsites face Denali and will have a view of the Alaskan Mountain range as long as it is not clouded in." Mosquitoes can be extremely abundant during summer months, particularly at Wonder Lake, requiring proper protection. Tent campers should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, including rain and potentially snow even during summer. Backcountry units require permits and proper bear safety protocols, including food storage and awareness of surrounding wildlife activity patterns.

Map showing campgrounds near Denali National Park & Preserve, AlaskaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Denali National Park & Preserve (9)

Show More
Showing results 1-9 of 9 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Denali National Park & Preserve Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Denali National Park & Preserve

10 Photos of 9 Denali National Park & Preserve Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Denali National Park & Preserve

111 Reviews of 9 Denali National Park & Preserve Campgrounds

  • Gillian H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2018

    Backcountry Entrance Units — Denali National Park

    Backcountry units near the frontcountry

    Backpacking 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!

  • Chad
    Jul. 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.

  • A
    Sep. 5, 2016

    Savage River Campground — Denali National Park

    Gorgeous scenery and great park access

    This was one of our all-time favorite campgrounds! The campsite was spacious and had lots of privacy, with a picnic table, fire ring and plenty of space for a large tent. Our site backed up to woods that were filled with spongy, mossy ground coverings and "evidence" of moose presence. Our family loved exploring this area! 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. We also loved the location of the campground, as we could drive our car but were further away from the crowded front areas of the park. We absolutely loved our hike on the savage alpine trail, which we took the free shuttle to get to the start and ended outside of our campground. If you have kids, be sure to check out a discovery backpack filled with activities and science kits they can use. Our 9-year-old loved it so much she asked for a science kit for Christmas!

  • B
    Jun. 24, 2016

    Igloo Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    in nature

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

  • Kathy M.
    Jul. 26, 2018

    Teklanika River Campground — Denali National Park

    Amazing Gem 30miles Into Denali

    Teklanika Campground is a phenomenal location for camping in Denali. Accessible to both tent and RV campers at mile 29.1 on the Denali Park Rd this campground has vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits and requires a minimum 3 night stay with no access to the front of the park (without additional fees) once you arrive. Campers here purchase a Tek Pass which allows access further into the park via the bus system (the only way to get further into Denali from this campground). Our favorite feature of this campground was the Tek River which is directly next to the campground. The river bar made for excellent hiking and adventures for the whole family with plenty of animals to see. We would definitely camp here again!

  • Alison G.
    Sep. 26, 2016

    Wonder Lake Campground — Denali National Park

    Nothing Compares

    There's not much that can compare to waking up in campground. Well worth the long drive in, the sites are large with plenty of space around you so that feel almost as if you're out there alone. A nice reminder that you aren't is the common area with picnic tables and large walk in bear storage room. There are ranger programs in the evening but by far the best part is soaking in the views.

  • Amber A.
    Jun. 30, 2016

    Wonder Lake Campground — Denali National Park

    Surreal experience, National Park perfection!

    Drive alllll the way to the end of the road in Denali. As if you weren't already rewarded by the trip through the park, this campground is incredible. You can't choose a bad site, almost all of them have a view of Denali (assuming it doesn't hide in the clouds). So much wildlife! We saw bears along the road but no evidence of them near the campsite thanks to the rules in place (store food in lockers). Camp sites weren't close together, "neighbors" are from all over the world and fun to talk with.

    Facilities are clean and among the best I've encountered in the National Park system. Tents only!! Make reservations far in advance.

    Lots of hiking in the area or just bushwhack (check with rangers for policies). Once in a lifetime adventure, stay a few days!

  • E
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    Everything you need

    Riley 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.

  • Dan G.
    Jun. 14, 2016

    Wonder Lake Campground — Denali National Park

    Wonder Lake, was wonder-ful

    Wonder Lake Campground is one of those campgrounds that you may be surprised by. We were! First Wonder Lake is the last campground on the long and only road in Denali National Park. The bus stops by several campgrounds during the long 5.5 - 6 hours bus ride to wonder lake, but don't be tempted by a shorter bus ride. Wonder Lake is the only campground that you can actually see Denali from and is well worth the extra bumpy few hours on the bus to get there.

    Once we arrived we were surprised to see bathrooms with flush toilets, potable water easily accessible and large walk-in bear storage areas along with picnic tables in a common area and at each campsite. All of the campsites face Denali and will have a view of the Alaskan Mountain range as long as it is not clouded in. Unfortunately for campers, we were told the mountain is only visible about 20% of the time. We were lucky enough to be the 20%, but I would recommend reserving a few days to give yourself a better chance of seeing the great views the campground has to offer.

    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. The nice thing about fishing in Denali is that you do not need a permit or license to actually fish. There is also a great, and one of the few, hiking trail called the McKinley Bar Trail that is well worth the hike is the mountain is out. It is a pretty flat and well marked trail that is only about a quarter mile from the campground entrance.

    The entire area is very buggy and you will want to bring mosquito nets or very strong bug spray at the very least.

    One of the other things that we wish we would have known is that with the large bear lockers and picnic tables you don't have to skimp on the food packing. There were a couple of campers that actually brought an entire large yeti cooler with them and they ate like kings the few days they were there We had packed light, but wish we would have known about the ample storage area so we could of had at least one nice dinner instead of a couple of Clif Bars.

    All in all I would rate Wonder Lake my favorite non back country campsite that I have visited as long as you can see the mountain. If you can't it is still a great spot just not as awe inspiring.

Guide to Denali National Park & Preserve

Tent camping near Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes and experience the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, adventurers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and enjoy nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic trails accessible from the Sanctuary River Campground, where you can explore the beautiful surroundings and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
  • For those seeking a more rugged experience, the Backcountry Unit 34: Mount Galen offers stunning views and the chance to escape the crowds while hiking through the wilderness.
  • Wildlife watchers can spot various animals while camping at Wonder Lake Campground, known for its proximity to Denali and the chance to see caribou and other wildlife.

Enjoy these specific local attractions

  • The picturesque Igloo Creek Campground is located deep within Denali National Park, providing a serene setting near a creek and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
  • Experience the beauty of the northern lights while camping at the Backcountry Entrance Units, a free and accessible area perfect for adventurous souls.
  • The stunning views from Healy Overlook make it a hidden gem for campers looking to enjoy breathtaking scenery right from their campsite.

Specific local activities to enhance your camping experience

  • Fishing and hiking are popular activities at Wonder Lake Campground, where visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
  • At Muldrow Glacier, campers can embark on challenging hikes that lead to stunning glacier views and multiple water sources for a refreshing experience.
  • The Dragonfly Creek Backcountry offers a unique opportunity to set up camp near a beautiful waterfall, perfect for those looking to combine relaxation with adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Denali National Park & Preserve is Igloo Creek Campground — Denali National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Denali National Park & Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring