Alaska's extensive campground system includes both established facilities and remote wilderness areas, accommodating travelers with diverse camping preferences. From the well-maintained Homer Spit Campground along the Kenai Peninsula coastline to the scenic Denali-adjacent Riley Creek Campground, options range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV locations. Several parks offer cabin accommodations, including Eklutna Lake and Bird Creek campgrounds within Chugach State Park. Most developed campgrounds provide amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets, while RV-specific areas typically feature electric hookups and dump stations.
The camping season in Alaska generally runs from May through September, with limited winter facilities available at select locations like Riley Creek and Seward City campgrounds. Many sites require reservations, particularly during the peak summer months when daylight extends well into evening hours. Road conditions vary significantly, with some campgrounds requiring high-clearance vehicles for access, particularly after rain or during early season openings. Bear safety is essential throughout Alaska, with proper food storage required at all campgrounds. "Other than not having running showers after a long day of fishing so you can wash off some sand and other dirt off yourself, it is a pretty great place. Very close to the river. A lot of places to fish," noted one visitor about Centennial Park Campground.
Water access represents a significant draw for many Alaska campers, with highly-rated sites available along lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Mendenhall Lake Campground near Juneau provides glacier views alongside lake access, while Porcupine Campground offers coastal forest camping. Visitors particularly value campgrounds with privacy between sites and natural surroundings. According to reviews, travelers seeking solitude appreciate the secluded nature of campgrounds like Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site, which one camper described as "a beautiful secluded campground with lots of privacy and being near the creek was just the cherry on top." Chugach State Park campgrounds receive consistent praise for their proximity to Anchorage while still offering wilderness experiences, though facilities are typically basic with limited or no hookups.
$50 / night
"Homer Alaska. It is a very small town that gets lots of visitors in the summer months."
"First overnight stop on our Alaska trip and it was incredible. The most beautiful place I have ever camped. We camped beachfront with a tent. Amazing views."
$5 - $100 / night
"Trails to hike or play on the lake! This campground is situated with access to Eklunta Lake and boy is that perfect. Tons of campsites to choose from both double, single and handicapped."
"If you get there at the right time, there are a few sites with a view of the lake thru the trees. Requires a very short hike to get lakeside but the view is worth it."
"The sites are nicely maintained with nice, edged out tent pad areas. The surrounding trees provide a nice barrier between sites so you don't feel crammed into the campground."
"We were visiting Denali from California and was our first time in Alaska. We were not only blown away by the beauty of Denali, but the campground was stunning as well."
$10 - $20 / night
"They had last minute room to boondock in an adjacent parking lot, which was also full in August. We stayed 2 nights, the second in an rv site in Resurrection."
"It is so relaxing having your coffee at the oceans edge in the morning. You can see otters and eagles. So much to do and enjoy in Seward. The Sealife center is only a mile away."
"Multiple trails travel along the campground and the river. Beautiful Alaskan experience right next to Alaska's largest city."
"Bring your fishing pole as you're close to the river. Enjoy what Alaska has to offer!"
"Stayed at Bird Creek for 2 nights while car camping/traveling through Alaska. Very clean faculties, lots of space between sites and countless activities."
"This campground is only a short drive from Anchorage, but far enough so you feel like you are away from the hustle and bustle of town. There are great trails for hiking."
$20 - $36 / night
"This is a very nice campground set back from Mendenhall lake and the famous Mendenhall Glacier. Bears frequent this area and sometimes wolves too. "
"The proximity to the glacier and the views from around the lake are astounding. Mt McGinnis on the west and Mt Bullard and Thunder Mountain to the East."
$80 / night
"We are so glad that we got this advice from our cousins before heading to Alaska!"
"This canoground’s lake has a good supply of trout. Even found a greyling! The back country camp sites are in a remote walking distance."
$23 / night
"We wish we had gotten a better site, but there is plenty of hiking around to see the water and mountains."
"There are two great hikes nearby within driving or walking distance. A perfect weekend getaway from Anchorage! You'll adore this beautiful spot."
$16 / night
"Yes, the mosquitoes are bad, but I honestly didn’t find them to be that much worse than elsewhere in Alaska."
"Camping at Wonder Lake in Denali National Park, close by the tallest peak in North America, seemed like the perfect way to end our trip to all 59 national parks. It was even more than we expected."
GuideTent sites up to a few larger RV sites. 3 miles up a dirt road. Historic mine next door where you can pan for gold. 28-30' is probably the largest rig you want to take there. No walk ins, online reservation only.
LegendOf the BLM campgrounds along the Dalton Highway this is perhaps the most disappointing of them. This campground is essentially a dirt parking lot with picnic tables fire wings and a vault toilet.
The redeeming quality of this location is that it is one of two dump stations available to campers along the highway. The other dump station is all the way up in Prudhoe Bay some 400ish miles away.
Ask for the rest please see attached video and photos.
LegendGeneral: RV sites, bunkhouse, tent camping, cabins, and historical suites. Additional campsites are available in the pasture during Dip Net season (July 10-31) for Alaska residents. The office/store is a recreation of Gold Rush-era buildings from various towns in Alaska. Sites are FHU.
Site Quality: Sites are mostly level. Some are gravel, and some are dirt. We were traveling in a caravan, and many of us had buddy sites (I believe this was to accommodate the influx for dip net season). This was not a problem as we used our 110 extension cord to convert to 30-amp for power. The sites are close together; some have trees providing privacy/separation, but not all of them.
Bath/Shower: There are four all-in-one (toilet, sink, shower) units plus laundry in our area of the campground (there is another bathhouse/laundry in another part of the campground). Again, because of the crowds for dip net, there was often a wait for a bathroom, and soap and/or paper towels would run out before the day was over. Not everyone heeded the signs asking campers to make sure shower curtains are closed to prevent flooding!
Activities/Amenities: The main amenity is the petting zoo and Matti’s farm tour on Saturday mornings ($5/per person for registered guests or $10 for community members; 50% of the proceeds go to their non-profit Mattis’s Farm, and the other 50% goes toward feeding the animals and permaculture education). At the end of the tour, you can interact with the animals (emus, chickens, goats, rabbits, a turkey). Ronna also leads guided hikes. One of Ronna and Blair’s daughters makes giant and delicious cinnamon rolls from her grandfather’s recipe on Fridays and Saturdays for a donation. There is a viewing deck open 24 hours/day and, on a clear day, you can see views of four of the peaks of the Ring of Fire. There is basketball, pickleball, a playground, and bike rentals. Free WiFi, although the signal is not strong. Also, a fish cleaning station.
It is obvious that Blair and Ronna and their family members are passionate about Diamond M. Blair and Ronna lead the farm tours, and during our stay, we saw one or both of them around the property.
LegendGeneral: 107-site FHU (30/50 amp). Sites 6-28 and 82-107 have an unobstructed view of the bay; grab one of these if you can!
Site Quality: Sites and roads are gravel, except the sites in the middle – these are grass and are prone to flooding when it rains (as it did when we were there). All sites are level. As expected in an RV park, sites are close together, with no privacy/separation between sites.
Bath/Shower: Two restrooms are accessible through the store (8 am– 10 pm). Two other restrooms and showers are accessible via code (changes every Wednesday). The showers were hot, and we appreciated that clean bath mats were available. Restrooms were clean. Be aware these are only open 7 am– 10 pm.
Activities/Amenities: Gift Shop, community BBQs and tables, community fire pit, fishing hole and fish cleaning station, coffee shop/seating area open to all guests for eating, card playing, and visiting. Laundry ($4 wash, $3 dry. The machines are clean but the fit is tight when people are using both the washers and dryers at the same time). Other amenities include: a small putt-putt green. There is also a path to the beach. Friday and Saturday activity nights (we were there Sunday– Wednesday so cannot comment on this). Free WiFi (with limited streaming), however, our cell signal was strong enough not to need it.
This was one of the nicer RV parks we have stayed at in Alaska. Would have given it five stars for the views and friendliness of staff, but the restrooms being unavailable from 10 pm– 7 am was challenging for us in our camper van (I realize that most people staying here are in large RVs and this is not an issue).
ScoutAnyone that is into the outdoors from rudimentary camping to RV lifestyle it is perfect
LegendAs noted in other reviews this campground is just passed the local Airport. The road to the campground is exceptionally rough and probably should not be attempted by fifth wheelers or class a motorhomes. Additionally the road in the campground should only be attempted by high clearance vehicles and trailers of less than 30 ft in length. In many cases you will be scraping bushes on both sides of the road.
Having said that the views from this campsite are absolutely second to none. If you have a truck camper or a very short trailer and you don't mind a bit of rough Terrain and boondocking this is a place to check out.
As others have noted there is only one vault toilet which is conveniently located in between site one and site 12. The other sites are a significant walk to the outhouse.
As for the rest, please see my video and attached photos.
ScoutThis is one of the best full service RV sites you'll encounter. It's in a prime location downtown (easy walk to everything). The campground itself is well maintained, has excellent power (no voltage drops), a large/clean laundry ($9 to wash and dry 2 loads of laundry), and individual showers/bathrooms. And it's $60/night for a 30A service.
LegendJust off the Dalton Highway this campground is easily accessible.
There are tent sites, back in sights, and pull through sites that can handle the largest of motorhomes and fifth wheelers.
Additionally there are vault toilets, bear proof trash receptacles, and bear proof food storage. There's also water that can be pumped from a local well.
As always I will let my video and pictures do the rest of the talking.
LegendWell Tim camping is free, RV camping is $49.00 a night and includes electrical and water no sewage. Also this truck stop does not have a dump station.
The highlight of this stop is the cafe. Well it's a hole in the wall the food is outstanding.
As for the rest please see the video and pictures.
Camping in Alaska offers breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature like never before. From stunning mountains to serene lakes, there’s something for everyone, but it’s important to know what to expect.
Camping in Alaska can be an unforgettable experience if you’re prepared and know what to expect!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any campgrounds in Alaska with full hookups for RVs?
Yes, Alaska has several RV-friendly campgrounds with full hookups. Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground offers full RV hookups right off the highway, making it convenient for travelers. The Springer RV Park & Campground provides full hookup sites with access to amenities like a community fire pit and nearby attractions. For those needing military access, Seward Military Resort offers various accommodation options including RV sites. Many Alaska RV parks are strategically located near popular attractions, though availability is typically seasonal with most operating from May through September. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months when Alaska's camping spots fill quickly.
What are the best camping spots in Alaska for tent camping?
Alaska offers exceptional tent camping experiences with scenic views and natural settings. Donnelly Creek State Rec Area provides spacious sites perfect for multiple tents, complete with fire rings and picnic tables. For a more remote experience, Deadman Lake Campground offers lakeside sites with a secluded feel, situated within the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. Many tent campers also enjoy dispersed camping along Gold Creek, where established sites often feature rock fire rings. When tent camping in Alaska, come prepared for weather changes and insects - bug shelters are highly recommended, especially in mid-August when gnats can be prevalent.
What are the state-operated campgrounds in Alaska like?
Alaska's state-operated campgrounds offer well-maintained facilities in spectacular natural settings. Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site features clean facilities, beautiful lakefront views, and active wildlife like beavers. Tangle Lakes Campground provides clean sites, hiking trails, and a boat launch, though bathrooms may be a walk from some sites. State campgrounds typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Most operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some accept reservations. Fees are generally reasonable, ranging from $10-25 per night depending on amenities. While most lack hookups, they compensate with scenic locations and wilderness access. State campgrounds are typically open from May through September, weather permitting.
When is the best time of year to go camping in Alaska?
The prime camping season in Alaska runs from late May through early September, with mid-June to mid-August offering the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours. Centennial Park & Campground and other Kenai Peninsula locations are excellent in August when salmon are running. Signal Creek Campground near Ward Lake is ideal in summer when trails are accessible and wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Late August brings fewer insects but cooler temperatures and shorter days. May and September offer less crowded campgrounds but prepare for cooler weather and potential snow at higher elevations. Winter camping is possible for experienced adventurers but requires specialized gear and knowledge of extreme cold weather survival techniques.
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