Best RV Parks near McCarthy, AK

Looking to find an RV campground, RV park, or private campsite near McCarthy? Finding RV campgrounds in Alaska is easier than ever. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a place near local attractions, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect spot for your motorhome.

Best RV Sites Near McCarthy, AK (3)


Recent RV Reviews In McCarthy

14 Reviews of 3 McCarthy Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Root Glacier
    Jun. 11, 2024

    Base Camp Root Glacier

    Best campsite in all of Alaska

    While 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.

  • Melissa W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Root Glacier
    Oct. 29, 2023

    Base Camp Root Glacier

    Great secluded camping

    This 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.

  • Riley N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Root Glacier
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Base Camp Root Glacier

    One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen

    Stopped here before our hike up to root glacier. The drive there was so beautiful but definitely challenging.

  • SJ D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Root Glacier
    Sep. 5, 2021

    Base Camp Root Glacier

    Stunning views

    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.

    Warning- McCarthy can attract a lot of partying, some visitor may be louder and stay up late.

  • Christian D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Root Glacier
    Jun. 27, 2021

    Base Camp Root Glacier

    End of the road

    Parking/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.

  • Cody M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kennicott Riverside Campground
    Jun. 24, 2021

    Kennicott Riverside Campground

    Primitive & Secluded

    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. 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.

  • Shadara W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Root Glacier
    Aug. 12, 2019

    Base Camp Root Glacier

    Breathtaking Views!

    This 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.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Root Glacier
    Jun. 7, 2019

    Base Camp Root Glacier

    Friendly host, lots of space

    The 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!

  • Hannah W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Root Glacier
    May. 12, 2019

    Base Camp Root Glacier

    Rocky and sketchy but with amazing views!

    I came to this campground in the middle of May. No one else seemed to be camping there. There were cars parked in the parking area but most of them seemed to be broke down. No one ever even acknowledged that we were there. You pay buy an honor system of filling out a white slip of paper and putting it on your dash. $20 for overnight camping and $5 for day parking. This campground is conveniently located right next to the foot bridge that goes into McCarthy. If you are tent camping you have to set up on the bare rocks. It can also get very windy. 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. There are picnic tables and rock fire rings scattered around for public use. The views are stunning and I'm sure they are even better in the summer!

  • Samantha M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Glacier View Campground
    Jul. 17, 2018

    Glacier View Campground

    Amazing campground

    I would stay here all summer long! This was a great campground with a beautiful waterfall. 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. We filled up our camper with water and dumped our camper at this site with ease. I would 100% stay here again.

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Glacier View Campground
    Oct. 1, 2016

    Glacier View Campground

    Must stay!

    We love coming back to this campground! If you have time for the trip, it's worth it. Very casual with no defined spots. Plenty of room, but arrive early on busy weekends to get the best space. No defined sites. Listen to running water at night and view the glacire from your tent

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Base Camp Root Glacier
    Sep. 5, 2016

    Base Camp Root Glacier

    Remote, difficult to get to, and totally worth it!

    Chugach Mountains on one side, the Root Glacier on the other, and a rushing river on the third side. The MOST gorgeous scenery at a campsite I've ever been to. There is no NP campground in this remote part of Wrangell-St. 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. We were dropped off by a shuttle at the other side of the river and used a wheeled cart to carry out gear and cross the pedestrian bridge to the campground. No one was there but we found a picnic table with instructions to put our $20/night cash in an envelope. We found a site on the other side (the side by the picnic table had cars/RV's that had driven in, our side had 3 tents the first night, none the next 2 nights). There aren't really any designated campsites, but there were a scattering of picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of land. Despite the remoteness, we were glad to discover an outhouse and a large container of potable water on site. The town of McCarthy (15 minute walk) had 1 restaurant open that we ate dinner at each night after exploring the Root Glacier and ice climbing. We bought sack lunches from the lodge in Kennicott and only had to cook breakfast. 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 (not on site, but several hours earlier in the day's drive). While the campground itself is very basic, the remote location and beauty make the effort and expense to get here absolutely worth it! Highly recommended!

  • Melisa A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Glacier View Campground
    Jun. 30, 2016

    Glacier View Campground

    Gold Rush

    Nice cabins to rent if you don't want to take a tent or RV! Watch out for wildlife. Check out a cool old mining town or just get out of your busy life and relax. Beautiful view, clean air, and quiet!

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Glacier View Campground
    Jun. 27, 2016

    Glacier View Campground

    Glacier View Campground

    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.



Guide to McCarthy

Camping near McCarthy, Alaska, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and a sense of adventure. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a base for exploring the great outdoors, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Base Camp Root Glacier. One visitor mentioned, "Stopped here before our hike up to root glacier. The drive there was so beautiful but definitely challenging."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bears and other wildlife. A camper noted, "Plenty of bear tracks sited hiking in the area and locals said the grizzlies were coming out at night."
  • Fishing: The Copper River is a great spot for fishing. One review highlighted, "Fish, eagles and big rivers! Windy, dusty, bears and dipnetters."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. One reviewer said about Glacier View Campground, "I would stay here all summer long! This was a great campground with a beautiful waterfall."
  • Seclusion: Many appreciate the quiet and remote locations. A visitor at Base Camp Root Glacier shared, "This place is so far out of the way and worth it. It was extremely peaceful and relaxing."
  • Access to Activities: Campers enjoy the proximity to McCarthy and Kennicott. One reviewer mentioned, "This also gives great access to McCarthy and Kennicott shuttles."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Liberty Falls State Recreation Site, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "10 sites and one bathroom. Three of the sites are private."
  • Road Conditions: The roads can be challenging. One camper warned, "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."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A visitor advised, "Watch out for wildlife. Check out a cool old mining town or just get out of your busy life and relax."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Glacier View Campground is noted for its family-friendly atmosphere. One reviewer said, "Our campsite had a short walk to a waterfall the family and I played in."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. A camper mentioned, "You could sit here to just enjoy the scenery," which is perfect for family downtime.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Facilities: Families should be ready for basic amenities. One review stated, "The showers/bathrooms here weren’t terrible," which is a plus for families on the go.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Access: RVers should be aware of road conditions. One camper at Copper River Campground said, "As with all riverbed camping, watch where you drive."
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots can fill up fast. A visitor advised, "Arrive early on busy weekends to get the best space."
  • Prepare for Limited Services: Many campgrounds, like Liberty Falls State Recreation Site, have limited services. A camper noted, "Cannot reserve. Get there early in the week and stay the weekend."

Camping near McCarthy, Alaska, is all about embracing the wild beauty of nature while enjoying the thrill of adventure. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the views, there's something for everyone in this stunning part of the world.

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.

  • What is the best site to find RV camping near McCarthy, AK?

    TheDyrt.com has all 3 RV camping locations near McCarthy, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.