Are you planning a tent camping trip to Gakona? We've got you covered. Find the best information on tent camping near Gakona, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Traveler
There wasn’t anyone when we got here. Then someone pulled up down the way. Then after a while they pulled up near us, adjusting themselves. And honestly we appreciated this cause there was lots of moose scat in the area. So any activity was appreciated. There was one bar LTE for ATT if you’re wondering.
It was buggy as well, but only at the start, then we got non stop wind from the south which helped a lot. All in all, a good night and the lake is a lot bigger in person than on the map.
Traveler
Loved the location. Close to Glenallen and not far from Valdez. Lots of spots with great shade. We found a spot in the back right on the creek. Left to go to Valdez and came back and found the same spot still open. Absolutely loved the campground minus the mosquitos.
Guide
I stayed for two nights within a span of a few days due to car troubles. This campsite is so poorly maintained with toilet paper not being replaced, dirty showers, and TONS of mosquitoes. This is not even near water so I don’t understand how the sites have hundreds of mosquitos in them. It costs $8 per load of laundry and only one dirty/cold shower works.
Legend
We planned on staying here to break up our travel along the Glenn going from Palmer to Valdez. This was the perfect place for the night. We had the pleasure of being there on the last day they were open for the season. It was pouring down rain so we joined the owners in their roadhouse for a bowl of chili and pizza instead of sitting outside in the rain. We ended up chatting with them for hours and enjoyed sharing stories about camping and campers we're encountered. As the only tent campers left, they told us to pick any site that looked nice. They were all great tent sites with a stream that runs behind them. Even though it's right off the main highway, the traffic noise is minimal. The tent sites are large with a picnic table, fire ring, and plenty of trees. The shower houses were clean and water warm.
Ranger
One of my favorite stops in Alaska 🤘🏻
ScoutBasic. Bathrooms and showers not operational. Location is okay, but there are other campgrounds on the glenn hwy that offer a better experience.
Scout
Campground is closed. There is a sign on the road leading in - closed no other explanation given.
ScoutGreat RV campground. Owners are very friendly, helpful, personable.. We had a great time. Andy and Karen were lovely host great conversation. The grounds were well kept Andy stayed busy. Sites were nicely spaced out very level. Each site had a table and a fire pit.. Experienced no problem with power or water. Bath houses were gorgeous. The overall value was great with free wifi and hot, clean showers. There is also laundry and firewood available for a good price as well. We stopped into the tavern for some pizza, chili, and beers. It had a community feel to it and we were able to meet and talk to a lot of great people. 100% recommend staying here
Scout
The campground has many sites with some pull-thrus. There is a lot of space between sites and there was literally no one there. Stopped in after a weekend of fishing in Valdez and wanted to visit the Wrangell mountain visitor center. I had to backtrack some but it was worth it. It’s primitive but relaxing and quiet. I’ll definitely stop there again!
Guide
Great place to boondock at $12 a site. We brought our lite trailer and site 10 was a perfect pull through with little leveling needed. We haven’t had luck fishing at the lake, but the campground is clean, limited amount of people, and there is a free dump station.
Sites 1-20 have some pull throughs and are better for bigger rigs. Sites 21-50 are smaller, with a few bigger sites, no pulls through though.
We will come back here again!
Scout
Had the whole place to ourselves. Site #1 right next to river. Porta Potty for toilet but it was clean. Rocking cell service for Verizon and ATT. Late July zero mosquitoes.
LegendWe camped here and enjoyed how it was close to town but we still felt like we’re were far out. The sites are okay most of them have the picnic tables and fire pits in low areas where water collects so you can’t really use them
GuideThis is a safe but bare bones RV park. The sites were clean and level, but not too many FH. The surrounding area isn’t too tip top maintained, but it was fine and well priced for the night.
ScoutPlenty of spaces for everyone. Walk in sites along the lake is a favorite, but be aware it can be VERY windy by the lake. Bugs aren’t really a surprise unless you’re a tourist - bring a Thermacell or two and you’ll have no issues! Cell phone service was recently added to the area - 3 bars on Verizon. We brought our kayak and stayed 4 nights. Peaceful and amazing.
ScoutThe moment you arrive, the hosts greet you with all the hospitality you can imagine. The lodge has so much history filled with great food, drinks & dessert!
The camping spots are right off the creek which makes for a perfect evening stroll and peaceful morning cup of coffee.
We will be back! :)
LegendWe really enjoyed camping here. This was our first place we camped in Alaska and it was very clean. It has a beautiful view with the lake right there and the beavers are very active. Clean bathrooms
ScoutThere were several available campsites in June. Some pull through. Vault toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. But mosquitos were horrendous.
RangerI love this campground right on the Gakona River. Any time I’ve gone I’ve been the only one. Different types of sites, is very buggy in July.
RangerSmall campground with sites close to one another. Right off Richardson Hwy and across from the Gulkana airport.
Pros: group camping, pull throughs, water, restrooms
Ranger
This summer there was a lot of construction on the high way, you have to wait for a “pilot” car going the direction you want then you follow the heard.
Great boat access areas
ScoutCreeksites are fabulous. Peaceful, Hear the creek. Enjoy the sun. Well managed, all sites 50/30/20 amp. Have full hook up as well as tent sites. Keep the place clean. Owners also run the lodge and you need to see inside to understand the beauty. Hand peeled logs, the fireplace was burning, just amazing. A must stop on your Alaskan adventure.
ScoutOn the way to Valdez we camped at the Ranch House. Very much enjoyed our stay. We have truck camper so the bathhouse is essential. And this campground has all others beat. Not just clean but decorated in moose motif and wood. Very cute. Trout and greyling were multiple but not large. Fun to fish. Had a drink at the bar talked with other guests. Found out about somethings to do in Valdez which is about 2 hours from here. Well maintained sites, bear cans for trash, each site seemed to have fire ring and table. 5 star campground
ScoutOn the Glenn Hwy in Tolsona this campground has all the amenities you could want. Large level sites. Full hook up. Waterfront sites on the creek. Greyling and Trout Fishing in the Tolsona Creek. Clean bathrooms. Tavern that not only has a full bar, but makes homemade pizza and chili. I gather that the small community of Tolsona is often looked past so like other businesses in area use Glennallen as the location. So I say Best Campground Glennallen, Best Campground Tolsona. So you if want the best go here for Tolsona Camping, Glennallen camping.
GuideCamp hosts were so nice! Good sized spots and all with a River view. Water and electric hook ups at most sites and no noise from generators. Picnic table a fire ring on sites.
You can rent float tubes for the River and the have life jackets for kids. We are already looking forward to our trip next year.
ScoutAfter staying at another campground on my last trip to the Glennallen area, I gave the Ranch House in Tolsona a try. I will never stay anywhere else. The sites are truly enchanting. Large, level, and open. The creek is right there and after staying elsewhere I could not help but compare how charming this campground is. The added charm of the owners and the historic lodge, just makes this the place to spend time at. Loved it.
Traveler
Best place we stayed on our 900 mile round trip starting from Fairbanks. Fishing was good. Took us about an hour to land 4 sockeyes. Owners came down, gave us tips and offered to loan some gear we hadn't realized we needed. Bald eagles were playing, and flying around all day. The campsite we picked was by the river, plenty of room, picnic table, fire pit and a spot for our car.
This place is truly local and supports local. We were treated like locals even though we were 2000 miles from home and never been to Alaska before. I'm looking forward to coming back next year.
I definitely recommend this place for anyone who isn't impressed by people being herded from national parks into resorts, funnelled into gift shops reselling Walmart apparel and overpriced "dinner theatres".
ScoutReviews looked good. Checked it out. Wonderful place, clean quiet. Great place. Creek is amazing.
