Best Campgrounds in Alaska
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.
