Best Campgrounds near Glennallen, AK

Glennallen is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Glennallen. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Alaska camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Glennallen, Alaska (23)

    1. Ranch House Lodge

    13 Reviews
    Glennallen, AK
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 822-5634

    "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."

    "After 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."

    2. Tolsona Wilderness Campground

    13 Reviews
    Glennallen, AK
    9 miles
    Website

    $27 - $60 / night

    "Tucked back in the woods next to Tolsona Creek this campground is about 15 miles from Glennallen."

    "In the middle of nowhere but still close enough to run to Glennallen. If you are camping anywhere between Lake Louise and Copper Center this is a great stop."

    3. Dry Creek State Rec Area

    7 Reviews
    Glennallen, AK
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 259-4123

    $20 / night

    "Has Group sites , water stations, walking trails in campground, pull though spots."

    "We camped here and enjoyed how it was close to town but we still felt like we’re were far out."

    4. Northern Nights Campground

    6 Reviews
    Glennallen, AK
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 822-3199

    "It is in a great location near the intersection of the Glenn Highway (1) and the Richardson Highway (4). I spoke to the owner and his brother and they we're both extremely nice and helpful."

    5. Cabins on the Glenn

    1 Review
    Glennallen, AK
    6 miles
    +1 (907) 822-5833

    "This place had an excellent breakfast place around the corner from the cabin. It was the cleanest and nicest place I’ve been to in a long time"

    6. Boardwalk RV Park

    1 Review
    Glennallen, AK
    7 miles
    +1 (907) 822-4420

    7. Sailors Campground- Ahtan Inc

    2 Reviews
    Gakona, AK
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 822-3476

    $30 / night

    "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."

    8. King For A Day Campground & Charters

    4 Reviews
    Copper Center, AK
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 822-3092

    $35 - $150 / night

    "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."

    9. Klutina Salmon Charters & Campground

    2 Reviews
    Copper Center, AK
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 822-3991

    "Pets are welcome but drive slowly. Not a ton of room between spots."

    10. Gakona RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Gakona, AK
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 822-3550
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Recent Reviews near Glennallen, AK

82 Reviews of 23 Glennallen Campgrounds


  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Ranch House Lodge

    One of our Best Campground Experiences

    We stayed here overnight on the way to Valdez and enjoyed it so much that we returned for two nights on the way back. The campground is right off the highway. Check-in was easy, and we were allowed to pick between two site options, and Karen was offering sites that were not next to another camper since the park wasn't full. We chose back-in site 52 with full hookups (50/30/20 AMP) in their new back area both times. Backing in was easy, and we appreciated that the pad has two sewer hookups, with water and electric centered. Water pressure was decent, around 40 psi. Pine trees surround many of the campsites; we had some, but still got a very usable Starlink signal. Verizon showed 4 bars and T-Mobile 1 bar. This campground is essentially off-grid Alaska, with all the challenges and rules that come with that. For example, black tank flushing isn’t allowed due to septic limitations, trash is burned on-site so flammable or unburnable items are prohibited, and the potable water may have some discoloration. The owners, Karen, who is very hospitable, and Andy, have put tremendous effort into creating this beautiful creekside campground. Campers are expected to respect the rules and Andy, rightfully so, lacks a bedside manner for those who do not. It was a delight to have no neighbors and a wonderful water-view site on Tolsona Creek, where we could hear the flowing water. There’s no formal dog park, but plenty of space to walk your dog. Arctic Grayling fishing was excellent while we were there in August. After over 360 reviews with RV Life, this campground ranks on our Top 10 list for Best Campground Experiences.

  • MG S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Nelchina River

    Great Dispersed Camping!

    We were looking for a free/dispersed camping area between Anchorage and Glennallen and this camp on the Little Nelchina did us well! You will go down a rough, windy, gravel road to the river bank where there are spots on the river as well as inland. We opted for riverfront. Bonus: there are vault toilets! Not in the best condition, but I’m not mad about that at all. There’s probably less than 10 camping spots. Also, if you are looking to put a kayak or canoe in, there is a launch site.

  • Laureen V.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Tolsona Wilderness Campground

    dumpy, loud

    This campground is a dump. Bathrooms haven't seen a cleaning this season, if they even got one last year.  Nothing is labeled,  hard to find sites. If you book a site apparently you can have as many "visitors" as you wish, Cars everywhere.  There is no trail to mud volcano, we made it I think half way and turned around. What happened here. Years ago it was a nice place. Now NOPE

  • Laureen V.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Ranch House Lodge

    A step into nature

    Clean, quiet and full hook up sites.  No issues with water, electric. Level site and the tavern is a roadhouse that serves food.  The pizza is amazing.  We had a site on the creek but I don't think there is a bad site there.  The owner Andy put a mini oreo on my daughters ice cream, she hasn't stopped talking about it.   Will stay here again

  • Laureen V.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Ranch House Lodge

    A step back to nature

    Camped with my family and had the best time.  The sites level and have full hook up.  No issues with electric or water.  Pizza and firewood can be delivered to your site.  The owner , Andy, put a tiny oreo cookie  on her ice cream and she has not stopped talking about it. 

    Get location, great tavern. I don't think there is a bad site there.

  • Allen S.
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Northern Nights Campground

    Not worth the price

    I spent a night here and have to say, not impressed.  Basic.  The sites are small and mostly unlevel. One dump station and the bathhouse was questionable.   I don't like the token system for showers and found the bathhouse a little dirty.

  • Allen S.
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Tolsona Wilderness Campground

    Don't believe the pictures

    Dirty, upkept , clutter.  Water is super cold,  no one was tubing.  The pictures must be old, because this campground is in bad shape.  No one is watching their children or pets.  My site  had hanging branches and the squirrels where everywhere.  The trash was open which I'm sure did not help

  • m
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site

    4th of July

    Showed up on the 4th of July and still got a spot. Such a beautiful secluded campground. Lots of privacy and being near the creek was just the cherry on top. Perfect spot for checking out Thompson pass and Valdez for the day. Definitely would return!

  • D
    Jun. 26, 2025

    King For A Day Campground & Charters

    Easy access to the river

    I love how close this campground is to the river. I love how they added more electric access spots. I just wish some spots were bigger than others so we weren’t so close together.


Guide to Glennallen

Camping near Glennallen, Alaska, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers. One visitor at Lake Louise State Rec Area mentioned, "Trout and greyling were multiple but not large. Fun to fish."
  • Paddling: If you love being on the water, check out Tolsona Wilderness Campground. A reviewer said, "Close to Rollo a lake which we love to paddle on."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. One camper at Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site noted, "Actually saw a squirrel within 5 minutes of being there."

What campers like

  • Friendly Hosts: Campers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. A visitor at Ranch House Lodge shared, "The owners are very friendly, helpful, personable.. We had a great time."
  • Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus. A reviewer at Dry Creek State Rec Area mentioned, "The campground has many sites with some pull-thrus... It’s primitive but relaxing and quiet."
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer beautiful views. One camper at Lake Louise State Rec Area said, "Many of the campsites have stunning views of the Lake."

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A visitor at Northern Nights Campground warned, "This campsite is so poorly maintained... and TONS of mosquitoes."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Dry Creek State Rec Area noted, "The sites are okay... where water collects so you can’t really use them."
  • Seasonal Closures: Check the opening dates before you go. One frustrated camper at Tolsona Wilderness Campground reported, "Campground is closed. There is a sign on the road leading in - closed no other explanation given."

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds that offer activities. A family at Tolsona Wilderness Campground enjoyed renting float tubes for the river, saying, "You can rent float tubes for the River and they have life jackets for kids."
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for family comfort. A reviewer at Ranch House Lodge mentioned, "The tent sites are large with a picnic table, fire ring, and plenty of trees."
  • Community Feel: Look for places with a friendly vibe. One camper at Ranch House Lodge said, "It had a community feel to it and we were able to meet and talk to a lot of great people."

Tips from RVers

  • Level Sites: Ensure your RV site is level for a comfortable stay. A visitor at Ranch House Lodge noted, "Sites were nicely spaced out very level."
  • Electric Hookups: Check for electric hookups if you need them. A camper at Tolsona Wilderness Campground mentioned, "Water and electric hook ups at most sites."
  • Convenient Location: Choose campgrounds that are easy to access. One reviewer at Northern Nights Campground said, "This RV Park is right off the highway and close to all you will need in Glennallen."

Camping near Glennallen, Alaska, can be a memorable adventure filled with nature, friendly faces, and plenty of activities. Just be prepared for the bugs and check the amenities before you go!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Glennallen, Alaska?

The Glennallen area offers several excellent camping options. Tolsona Wilderness Campground stands out about 15 miles from Glennallen, nestled in the woods along Tolsona Creek with private sites, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails to mud volcanoes. For stunning lake views, Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site provides clean facilities and excellent wildlife viewing, including active beavers. About 20 miles off the Glenn Highway, Lake Louise State Recreation Area offers spacious sites with water access and great fishing. For free dispersed camping options, the Nelchina River area provides riverfront sites accessible via a rough gravel road.

Is RV camping available in Glennallen, and what amenities are offered?

Northern Nights Campground provides convenient RV camping right off the highway in Glennallen, situated across from a gas station for easy refueling and supply runs. For more luxurious RV accommodations, Ranch House Lodge in nearby Tolsona offers large, level sites with full hookups, waterfront access on Tolsona Creek, clean bathrooms, and unique amenities including a tavern serving homemade pizza and chili. Other RV-friendly options in the area include Kenny Lake Mercantile & RV Park and Gakona RV Park, both providing essential services. Most RV parks in the region offer water, dump stations, and electrical hookups, with premium locations providing laundry facilities and showers.

How far is Glennallen from major Alaska attractions and what activities are available nearby?

Glennallen serves as a strategic hub for exploring the Copper River Valley, located about 180 miles northeast of Anchorage and 200 miles south of Fairbanks. Nearby, King For A Day Campground & Charters offers excellent salmon fishing, with sockeye catches possible within an hour. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is accessible from Glennallen, with the visitor center in Copper Center just 15 miles south. Lake Louise State Rec Area provides outstanding fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing about 25 miles away. Activities in the region include fishing for trout and grayling in Tolsona Creek, hiking trails through pristine wilderness, photography of spectacular mountain vistas, and exploring unique geological features like mud volcanoes.