RV camping options near McCarthy include Base Camp Root Glacier, Glacier View Campground, and Kennicott Riverside Campground. Base Camp Root Glacier accommodates RVs with basic sites on gravel terrain, though no hookups are available for electricity, water, or sewer connections. "This is less of a campsite and more of just roughing-in it on the side of the river on some gravel," noted one visitor about the boondocking-style setup. Glacier View Campground provides RV sites with more amenities including toilets, while Kennicott Riverside Campground offers RV parking with shower and toilet facilities but no hookups. All three locations require self-sufficient motorhome setups as full hookup services are not available in this remote area.
Access to McCarthy RV sites requires careful planning due to challenging road conditions. The McCarthy Road is approximately 60 miles of gravel with numerous potholes that can damage RVs, particularly after rain when depth perception becomes difficult. A review mentioned the drive taking "about 3 hours on Nabsena road" to reach the camping areas. Cell service is limited throughout the region. RVs should arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks as dump stations are not available at these campgrounds. The camping season typically runs from late May through September, with shoulder seasons offering fewer crowds but potentially limited services. Pets are allowed at Base Camp Root Glacier, though wildlife encounters are common throughout the area.
"Beautiful views close to McCarthy's walking bridge. Picnic Benches. Very friendly host. Must try the Roadside Potatohead! It was about a 10 minute walk from our campsite."
"Our campsite had a short walk to a waterfall the family and I played in. It was an amazing experience. The showers/bathrooms here weren’t terrible."
"Great spot for families, only 1/2 from McCarthy and 5 miles from Kennicott. Over the footbridge you can take public shuttles for a fee to Kennicott."
"Elias National Park (the largest NP in the US). You can either drive the 30-mile gravel road for 3 hours or take a 4-seater plane in. The flight was our vacation splurge and it was breathtaking."
"This campground is only suitable for those with their own transportation as it is a considerable drive from the footbridge, but the trek is worth it."
from $25 / night
TravelerOutstanding glacier view; quiet; picnic tables, firerings, and (smelly) out houses scattered throughout. Rocky and lumpy road access but do-able with caution. Short walk to shuttle to McCarthy (town) and Kennicott mine. Mine tour and Lots of hiking in area. Be bear aware.
GuideWhile this campsite might be basic in amenities, the views are unbeatable! This also give great access to McCarthy and Kennicott shuttles. Be very careful on the road here, we got a flat on the way out but some very kind Alaskans helped us out and got us on the way.
LegendThis place is so far out of the way and worth it. We only stayed one night but there was enough around and the site was so great, I wish we could have stayed for two. The road to get here isn't hard, just extremely long. When it's wet and the potholes are full of water, you have to treat each of them like they're a foot deep since you have no depth perception. It took us about 3 hours on Nabsena road in our rental jeep compass. We were here in shoulder season and had our pick of spots. We set up right along the water. It was extremely peaceful and relaxing. You could sit here to just enjoy the scenery. Walking into McCarthy is fun too and has a couple of dining options. The city's public outhouses are night, the home made pits on the campground are okay (the dimensions are a little off and they're awkward to sit on). I can't remember if they have wood available but don't count on any amenities. Being shoulder season, we were treated to less than 10 others in the campground (any RV's should be prepared to bondock). Plenty of bear tracks sited hiking in the area and locals said the grizzly's were coming out at night. We even got a glimpse of the Northern Lights but the stars alone are incredible here. This site was well worth travelling for.
LegendStopped here before our hike up to root glacier. The drive there was so beautiful but definitely challenging.
RangerGreat spot for families, only 1/2 from McCarthy and 5 miles from Kennicott. Over the footbridge you can take public shuttles for a fee to Kennicott.
Warning- McCarthy can attract a lot of partying, some visitor may be louder and stay up late.
LegendParking/campground at the end of the road. 25$ for very limited service. The view of the glacier is nice but the rest of the campground has no charm. If you have time, look for a dispersed site 10miles or so before McCarty.
GuideThis campground is only suitable for those with their own transportation as it is a considerable drive from the footbridge, but the trek is worth it. Nice level tent sites near the river with a picnic table and stone fire ring. Outhouse and showers are a short walk away. Guides for river rafting trips live in walled tents nearby if you need anything. Breeze near the river keeps insects at bay and some greenery between sites provide privacy. A nice place to camp away from the hubbub at the end of the road.
LegendThis is less of a campsite and more of a just roughing-in it (boondocking) on the side of the river on some gravel. Gorgeous views in every direction so worth the gravelly spots. Perfect Campground for the jumping off into Kennicott and McCarthy. Listen to the Raging River as you fall asleep. Friendly host went out of his way to let us use his phone to check up on grown kids at home. No real fire puts to speak of, we used rocks to enclose our fire and there were plenty of those. No table either but considering the price we really didnt mind for being close to the bridge into McCarthy.
TravelerThe host was really friendly and helpful, easy going guy who owns the property. It’s a flat rate and you can camp wherever you want! There is lots of space to have your own spot. There are lots of fire pits and picnic tables around, as well as outhouses. Great location right by the river and bridge and a short walk to the lake with amazing views of the glacier!
McCarthy RV camping requires self-sufficient preparation due to the remote location within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Situated at 1,400 feet elevation, McCarthy serves as a gateway to wilderness experiences with seasonal operations from late May through September. The area receives approximately 14 inches of rainfall annually, creating varied conditions on the access roads.
Glacier exploration: Root Glacier provides accessible hiking with stunning views. "The Root Glacier on the other side, and a rushing river on the third side. The MOST gorgeous scenery at a campsite I've ever been to," notes a visitor at Base Camp Root Glacier.
Mining history tours: Kennicott ghost town offers historic structures and guided tours. "Check out a cool old mining town or just get out of your busy life and relax. Beautiful view, clean air, and quiet," shares a camper at Glacier View Campground.
River activities: Waterfall access provides natural recreation spots. "Our campsite had a short walk to a waterfall the family and I played in. It was an amazing experience," mentions a visitor about their experience at Glacier View Campground.
Riverside camping: The sound of flowing water creates a natural backdrop for overnight stays. "Listen to the Raging River as you fall asleep," recommends a camper from Base Camp Root Glacier.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies offer astronomical viewing. "The stars alone are incredible here," notes a reviewer about their shoulder season visit to Base Camp Root Glacier.
Privacy between sites: Natural barriers create secluded camping spots. "Some greenery between sites provide privacy. A nice place to camp away from the hubbub at the end of the road," explains a visitor at Kennicott Riverside Campground.
Cash payment systems: Many campgrounds operate on honor systems. "No one was there but we found a picnic table with instructions to put our $20/night cash in an envelope," explains a Base Camp Root Glacier camper.
Limited designated sites: Most camping areas have flexible arrangements. "Very casual with no defined spots. Plenty of room, but arrive early on busy weekends to get the best space," advises a visitor about camping arrangements.
Changing facility conditions: Seasonal variations affect available services. "Outhouses did not seem to be set up so we drove a mile out of town to the NPS public pit toilets since they were clean and open," reports a spring visitor to Base Camp Root Glacier.
Access to McCarthy: The pedestrian bridge connects camping areas to town services. "Perfect Campground for jumping off into Kennicott and McCarthy," notes a reviewer about the convenience of Base Camp Root Glacier's location.
Wildlife awareness: Animal encounters require proper preparation. "Bear containers are required here if you don't have a vehicle, and we were able to check one out for free from the NP visitor center," shares a camper.
Activity planning: Scheduled activities maximize limited time. "We bought sack lunches from the lodge in Kennicott and only had to cook breakfast," explains a family that balanced hiking and ice climbing during their stay.
Road condition assessment: The McCarthy Road requires careful navigation. "When it's wet and the potholes are full of water, you have to treat each of them like they're a foot deep since you have no depth perception," warns an RVer about the drive to rv parks near McCarthy, Alaska.
Boondocking preparedness: RVers need self-contained systems. "Any RV's should be prepared to boondock," advises a camper about the limited facilities at McCarthy rv parks and camping areas.
Seasonal timing considerations: Shoulder seasons offer advantages and challenges for motorhome camping near McCarthy. "We were here in shoulder season and had our pick of spots," reports a visitor who found less competition for camping areas but encountered limited services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near McCarthy, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near McCarthy, AK is Glacier View Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 3 RV camping locations near McCarthy, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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