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Best Dispersed Camping near Denali National Park

2 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Denali National Park include several roadside locations with varying amenities. The Roadside Camp on Parks Highway provides secluded spots with 5G cell service for AT&T users, though highway noise can be heard during the day. Stampede Road offers more remote camping opportunities. East Fork Chulitna Wayside provides approximately 10 free campsites with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets, and trash cans, though the area is known for heavy mosquito presence and limited maintenance.

Backcountry camping is available within Denali National Park itself through the unit system, with Unit 31 near Polychrome Mountain offering remarkable wildlife viewing opportunities. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "We found an animal spine, saw a moose, got turned around by 3 bears chilling in our potential camp location." River crossings can be dangerous with water levels rising quickly. Bear safety precautions are essential throughout the region. Note that some previously available camping areas have been closed, including Cantwell Gravel Camp, which now has signage prohibiting camping.

Map showing campgrounds near Denali National Park, AlaskaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Denali National Park (6)

    1. 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."

    2. Roadside Camp on Parks Highway

    5 Reviews
    Healy, AK
    20 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."

    "I ended up doing car camping here on a whim because it was super rainy and I wanted somewhere I could comfortably car camp without running into the risk of being disturbed and let me tell you this was"

    3. Stampede Road

    1 Review
    Healy, AK
    21 miles

    4. Cantwell Gravel Camp

    2 Reviews
    Cantwell, AK
    20 miles

    5. East Fork Chulitna Wayside

    3 Reviews
    Cantwell, AK
    30 miles

    "Over 10 free campsites, no electric, no water. Pit toilets available. Sites have tables and fire rings. This is a gem of a find!"

    "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."

    6. George Parks Hwy Pullover Dispersed

    1 Review
    Cantwell, AK
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 271-2737

    "It is just a pull-off from the highway, and if you have the right car you can go up the steep hill to find more spaced-out spots (that is what we did)."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Denali National Park

2 Photos of 6 Denali National Park Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Denali National Park

2 Reviews of 6 Denali National Park Campgrounds

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

    Backcountry Unit 31: Polychrome Mountain — Denali National Park

    Backcountry den

    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. The National Park service does a wonderful job making sure that only a certain amount of people are allowed in each unit within the park. In this particular unit (north side of the Toklat river into the polychrome mountains) I saw the most wildlife I have ever seen while out backpacking. We found an animal spine, saw a moose, got turned around by 3 bears chilling in our potential camp location, and then at the end of the trip also saw 2 more grizzlies less than 30 feet away. Note; do not go here looking for bears, they are dangerous creatures and should not be harassed/seeked out in the wild.

    If you do not trust your river crossing skills to the highest level, do NOT cross the rivers. My friend and I got stuck on the other side of the river with those aforementioned grizzly bears and had to camp an extra night in order to be able to cross the rivers as the water levels had risen. Backcountry adventures are inherently risky. Do not try them unless you are prepared. Bring bear spray, leave no trace, and ultimately experience the vast beauty that is Denali National Park.

  • MG S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2025

    George Parks Hwy Pullover Dispersed

    Probably 3.5/5 - good enough!!

    My husband and I stayed here before heading to Denali the next day. It is just a pull-off from the highway, and if you have the right car you can go up the steep hill to find more spaced-out spots (that is what we did). Mind you— all of the photos are from up on the hill. The maps are accurate and show the pull-off where the RVs and other vehicles were. I can only speak for tent camping up on the hill. The ground was pretty tough to sleep on and I think it popped my camp pad. Uncomfortable mostly, but beautiful scenery and way better than paying for a hotel. Love a free option. Less than 5 miles to town to do the touristy things; less than 15 miles or so to the entrance of the park. Really not a bad spot if you can tough it out.

Guide to Denali National Park

Experience the beauty of Alaska's wilderness with dispersed camping near Denali National Park. This area offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Denali National Park

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Denali National Park, Alaska

  • Always be prepared for the elements; the East Fork Chulitna Wayside offers pit toilets, but you should bring your own water and supplies as there are no hookups available.
  • Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in the summer months, so pack plenty of insect repellent when visiting spots like East Fork Chulitna Wayside.
  • Respect wildlife and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of areas like Stampede Road, where you might encounter bears and other animals.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The George Parks Hwy Pullover Dispersed offers stunning views and is a great spot for those looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of Alaska without the need for reservations.
  • For a unique experience, visit the Cantwell Gravel Camp, which, despite being closed for camping, features beautiful natural surroundings worth exploring.
  • The Stampede Road is not only accessible for camping but also provides a gateway to breathtaking landscapes and potential wildlife sightings, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Denali National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Denali National Park is Backcountry Unit 31: Polychrome Mountain — Denali National Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Denali National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Denali National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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