Kristie
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ScoutRoadside Camp on Parks Highway
Convenient state land
This gravel pit area is on state land. While it is just off the highway, there is a buffer of trees that kept traffic sounds to a minimum.
Tent Camping near Healy, AK
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Tent camping options near Healy, Alaska include several primitive sites within and around Denali National Park. Healy Overlook provides free tent camping with views of Mt. Healy and Sugarloaf Mountain, while Dragonfly Creek Backcountry offers hike-in tent sites near the Nenana River. Backcountry Entrance Units in Denali National Park provide more remote tent camping experiences for those seeking wilderness immersion.
Most tent campsites in the Healy area require self-sufficiency, as amenities are minimal. Drinking water is not available at the majority of locations, requiring campers to bring their own supply or water purification methods. Igloo Creek Campground offers basic facilities with vault toilets and picnic tables, but no drinking water. Fire regulations vary by location - fires are permitted at Healy Overlook and Igloo Creek Campground, but prohibited in the backcountry units. Road conditions can be challenging, with one visitor noting that "the road is a bit patchy so rental cars or delicate cars probably shouldn't be taken out there" to reach Healy Overlook.
Backcountry tent camping provides exceptional wilderness experiences but requires preparation. The Muldrow Glacier area offers multiple water sources and excellent hiking opportunities, though accessing the campsite requires crossing several rivers and hiking 3-4 hours to reach the glacier inlet. Walk-in tent locations in Unit 34 provide outstanding 360-degree views, but campers should be prepared for marshy conditions and abundant mosquitoes. Higher elevations offer relief from insects and better vistas. Winter backcountry camping is possible but extremely challenging, with one camper reporting: "Backpacking in Denali National Park and Preserve in the wintertime is rough. Do not try it unless you know what you are doing."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Healy (7)
1. Healy Overlook
"Healy with wonderful views of Sugarloaf mountain. The road is a bit patchy so rental cars or delicate cars probably shouldn’t be taken out there."
2. Dragonfly Creek Backcountry
3. Backcountry Entrance Units — Denali National Park
4. Sanctuary River Campground — Denali National Park
"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. "
5. Igloo Creek Campground — Denali National Park
"site: walk-in. wooded. private. amenities: no water. small campground. attractions: creek. Denali park. hiking. wildlife. I would go camping here again."
"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."
6. Backcountry Unit 18: Muldrow Glacier — Denali National Park
7. Backcountry Unit 34: Mount Galen — Denali National Park
"You will need to hike more to get out of the mosquitos and near a water source though."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 55 min from Fairbanks, AK
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Healy, AK
3 Photos of 7 Healy Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Healy, AK
107 Reviews of 7 Healy Campgrounds
- JJulie A.Scout
Savage River Campground — Denali National Park
Extremely nasty hostess and appalling welcome to Denali
Positive points as follows:-
- Fabulous location inside the park with fantastic wildlife viewing on route(we saw moose and a grizzly bear at the side of the road)-
- Nice wooded sites
What we didn’t like:
- I made my reservation months in advance and received an email confirmation with a reference number. I assumed that this email was all I needed to confirm my booking on arrival.
- Within the main body of the email there is a big heading stating“important information” and in that section the only item that is highlighted is the lack of WiFi service at the campsite.
- We arrived at 11pm at night. There was no notice of where to check in or indeed which site to go to. At previous campsites I had received a lovely email to welcome us and provide directions for our arrival
.- The next morning, one of the most unpleasant, nasty people that I have ever had the misfortune to meet came banging on our RV door. There was no welcome or kind words or even a smile. She introduced herself as the camp hostess (clearly she is in the wrong line of work) and demanded that we leave the site immediately, stating we had 6 minutes to vacate and instructing us to drive 30 mins down the road to another campsite where the check-in reception was located and where we had to buy our park permits. No understanding or interest in our long journey the night before, nor the fact that we were a family with young children.
- We discovered after the fact that the there was a link within the confirmation of reservation email that you have to click on to take you to a separate website with all the information about check-in! This information should be in the main body of the email NOT on a click through.
- We spoke to other people in the campsite who had experienced exactly the same issues. They had been unaware of the check-in procedure and had received the same nasty treatment from the same nasty old woman!
Recommendations:
-Key information about check-in should be in the main body of the email especially if check-it is at an entirely separate location, a 30 minute drive away;
- That lady should not be employed in the hospitality business and certainly not as a hostess!! She has absolutely no people skills, kindness or understanding. She is a terrible introduction and first impression to anyone visiting Denali as a tourist. She really put a bad taste in our mouths and was not a nice representative for Alaska and its people!
Mario A.
TravelerRiley Creek Campground — Denali National Park
Convenient
Very conveniently located, a walking distance from the buss depot. Showers available at the mercantile area. Bear Loop is best (closest to showers, laundry and store. But the best thing is your in Denali!
- TThomas T.Traveler
Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park
Amazing campsite
Stayed in a B site on August 17. Toilets were one of the best I’ve seen. Each spot was secluded from the others so it felt private. Check in at the mercantile. They have showers and laundry there. Overall a great campsite
Connie B.
RangerRiley Creek Campground — Denali National Park
I love this campground !!
This campground is very clean, well spaced between sites, convenient to all the park amenities like showers and laundry. The restrooms are very clean with soap and hand dryers. I can’t say enough good things about this campground!!
Douglas S.
LegendSavage River Campground — Denali National Park
Slightly above average for a National Park campground.
This National Park campground offers a basic primitive experience for anyone that is looking to enjoy the majestic beauties of the Denali National Park.
Reservations for the campground are made online, however occasionally it is possible to show up and get an unclaimed site. The campground includes a full-time camp host, vault toilets and strategically placed freshwater spigots.
As for the rest I will let the pictures do the talking.
- Douglas S.Legend
Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
This is more of a hotel than a campground.
This is really a hotel that happens to have campsites on it. There is electrical and water hook up at each site but no sewer. There is however a dump station. Word of warning if you have an RV that is 35 ft or longer this campsite is not for you.
I would also like to add that showers are $5 for 7 minutes and the laundry facility at the time of this review was out of order.
As for the rest I'll let the pictures do the talking
Eric B.TravelerDenali RV Park and Motel
Quick & Free Motor Cycle Camping
Not bad for a free site close to the highway. It is rocky but no worse than some paid camp sites. Not sure if it is because of the cold wind but no mosquitos!
Jesse P.ScoutRiley Creek Campground — Denali National Park
Great location
Good location. Quiet. Near river
Guide to Healy
Tent campsites near Healy, Alaska offer primitive wilderness camping experiences in and around Denali National Park. The area sits at approximately 1,700 feet elevation and features tundra terrain with limited tree cover at higher elevations. Summer temperatures average between 50-70°F during June through August, though nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers at Sanctuary River Campground often spot moose, caribou and smaller mammals. "We did one little hike while we were in the area which ended up being really nice. I would definitely recommend checking out horseshoe lake trail if you need an easy hike and want some nice views. I think it was about 2 miles without much elevation gain," notes camper Sam M.
Hiking from camp: The Backcountry Unit 34: Mount Galen area requires some effort but rewards with excellent terrain. "You only have to hike a mile or two to get out of site of the park road. You will need to hike more to get out of the mosquitos and near a water source though. The mountains nearby make a perfect camping spot," according to Gillian H.
River exploration: Several camping areas provide access to local waterways for fishing or photography. The Nenana River runs close to Dragonfly Creek Backcountry where "You follow a tiny little path down off the side of the road and can set up camp at the bottom of the rocks. The waterfall is beautiful and it offers wonderful views of the Nenana River."
What campers like
Remote solitude: Many campers appreciate the isolation of Igloo Creek Campground despite its small size. As Benjamin C. describes: "site: walk-in. wooded. private. amenities: no water. small campground. attractions: creek. Denali park. hiking. wildlife."
Natural features: The geology and terrain around tent campsites near Healy provide unique camping backdrops. At Backcountry Unit 18: Muldrow Glacier, "Hiking to beautiful views is very easy from all the camp spots. Getting to the camp spots on the other hand is more difficult! You have to cross so many rivers just to get to the start of the glacier area."
Cost effectiveness: Most primitive camping options near Healy are either free or low-cost. Sanctuary River Campground offers basic tent sites without hookups at modest fees during the operating season from May 20 to mid-September.
What you should know
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes are abundant throughout the camping season in Healy. Trevor H. warns about Igloo Creek: "We were told mosquitoes were the national bird of Alaska haha. It is no joke at this campground. Be prepared for me." Higher elevations typically have fewer insects.
Water sources: Nearly all tent campsites near Healy lack potable water. Sam M. advises: "Be prepared because there is no drinking water here so you need to bring your own or some way to purify it."
Bear safety: The area has active bear populations requiring proper food storage. At Muldrow Glacier, "There is a bear den in this area so be careful. They ran right in front of me as we were leaving this last time I went. Know what to do with bears and do not follow them, it is their territory after all."
Winter access limitations: Most campgrounds close by mid-September. Winter camping requires specialized skills and equipment with temperatures frequently below zero.
Tips for camping with families
Campsite selection: Choose locations with reasonable access for children. The Backcountry Entrance Units are more accessible in summer than winter when "Backpacking in Denali National Park and Preserve in the wintertime is rough. Do not try it unless you know what you are doing."
Activity planning: Schedule shorter hikes for younger children, especially at higher elevations where terrain can be challenging but offers relief from insects.
Wildlife teaching moments: Use the abundant wildlife near Healy campsites as educational opportunities, but maintain safe distances and proper wildlife viewing practices.
Weather preparation: Even summer camping requires warm clothing layers for children as temperatures can drop quickly after sunset, especially at higher elevation campsites.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most camping near Healy is tent-only with minimal facilities for RVs. Igloo Creek has only 7 sites and Trevor H. notes they are "pretty close together. No campfires or communal fire pit."
Road access challenges: Many tent campsites require high-clearance vehicles or hiking to reach. Several backcountry units require leaving vehicles at designated parking areas and hiking in.
Alternative options: RVers should consider established campgrounds near the park entrance which offer more suitable parking and facilities rather than the primitive sites scattered throughout the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Healy, AK?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Healy, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Healy, AK is Healy Overlook with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.
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tent camping near
Healy, AK?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Healy, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Healy, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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