Campgrounds near Slana, Alaska encompass primitive sites along the Nabesna Road corridor in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, developed recreation sites with basic amenities, and dispersed camping areas on public lands. The area features a mix of tent-only camping at locations like Porcupine Creek State Recreation Site, RV accommodations at Hart D Ranch Doubletree RV, and mixed-use campgrounds including Grizzly Lake Campground. Several roadside pull-outs along Nabesna Road provide free camping opportunities with minimal facilities. Kendesnii Campground offers lake views while primitive sites like Jack Creek provide access to backcountry trails.
Road conditions and seasonal access significantly impact camping possibilities in this remote Alaskan region. The Nabesna Road is paved until mile 15, then becomes a maintained dirt road with frequent potholes and washboard sections requiring careful driving. "Go slow as potholes and washboards are common regardless of the surface," noted one visitor who camped at mile 19. Water crossings after heavy rain may require high-clearance vehicles for access to deeper sections of the park. The camping season generally runs from June through September, with some facilities like Porcupine Creek State Recreation Site operating specifically from June 15 to September 15. Many campgrounds lack drinking water, electrical hookups, or cell service, requiring self-sufficiency.
Campers consistently mention the solitude and scenic beauty as primary draws to the area's campgrounds. Several visitors highlighted the privacy between sites at places like Porcupine Creek, where heavy foliage creates natural separation. Views of surrounding mountains provide dramatic backdrops, particularly from lakeside sites. According to feedback on The Dyrt, the campgrounds along Nabesna Road offer "views for days on any clear day to the north and to the south." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage and awareness. The closest full services are located in Tok, approximately 45 miles away, or in Glennallen further south, making advance preparation essential. Many campgrounds provide basic vault toilets but lack showers or other amenities, creating an authentic wilderness camping experience.
"There are a couple of different ways to drive into the largest National Park in the US, Nabesna Road in the north, and the Richardson Hwy in the south of the park."
"That said, it's a lovely location with heavy foliage providing substantial privacy between sites, and several sites are adjacent to the creek (which was running a bit high and fast for decent fishing the"
"This place stuck out as beautiful place, felt like this is what you would see on tv shows like alone.. totally recommend the drive"
"Distances are vast in the north country, and the drive back into this free campground will take at least an hour from the visitor’s center, but it’s worth it."
"Highly recommend using all trails for an in-depth look at the trail"
GuideWe stayed the night here in mid May. Bathrooms weren’t unlocked yet. We pulled down by the creek just to get off the road a little more. Great little spot to stay overnight. Nobody else was there. Definitely signs of wildlife so make sure to follow all rules.
LegendThere are a couple of different ways to drive into the largest National Park in the US, Nabesna Road in the north, and the Richardson Hwy in the south of the park. Nabesna offers a multitude of FREE and beautiful parking/camping options along the 40 or so miles back to the end of the road. The road is paved and mostly good until mile 15 and then becomes a dirt road which is regularly maintained by the park service. Go slow as potholes and washboards are common regardless of the surface.
We camped at mile 19 at the double ended pull-out which has both a vault-toilet and trash/ recycling bins. At either end of this pull out there is a picnic table and small fire ring, though there’s enough space for many more camping vehicles or tents. There was also a small bit of phone service here at the parking area, as a matter of fact many hunters/ fisher folks staying elsewhere stopped by regularly to check their phones. But, there are no electrical hook-ups or water spigots anywhere along this road, so come prepared with fresh water (you can fill some containers at the visitors center) and bring your solar panels and you'll have plenty of electricity.
There are views for days on any clear day to the north and to the south. Hiking trails are easily found within a few miles and riding the road on your bike is also a great option. Driving further into the park is recommended only for high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles. It had rained very heavily recently during our time there in July and many of the creeks and washes were crossing the road. While we were able to get through many with our truck, we eventually turned around before reaching the end of the road.
The closest full services are in Tok about 45 miles away or further south in Glenallen. Just a word about groceries, they are far more expensive in Glenallen than in Tok so if you’re coming that way, fill up!
LegendDistances are vast in the north country, and the drive back into this free campground will take at least an hour from the visitor’s center, but it’s worth it. Set along the banks of a small lake, each of the sites offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and enough space between sites to feel like you’re there alone. Vault toilets, well water, and the usual picnic table and fire ring are the only amenities. Wide open sky, but no electricity, so bring your solar powered system!
Hiking, biking and paddling opportunities abound in the park, but bring your rubber boots because the ground is soft and many trails go through deep puddles. The road is paved and mostly good until mile 15 and then becomes a dirt road which is regularly maintained by the park service. Go slow as potholes and washboards are common regardless of the surface.
The closest full services are in Tok about 45 miles away from the Nabesna Road turnoff, or further south in Glenallen. Groceries are far more expensive in Glenallen than in Tok so if you’re coming that way fill up!
RangerGreat little campground well kept and maintained, both beautiful and stunning simply put..
RangerGreat time backpacking through this area? Highly recommend using all trails for an in-depth look at the trail
RangerDefinitely the kinda place you can call home for a few months outta the year, very helpful and friendly staff
RangerSo I never knew that double tree dabbled in the RV side of things but then again you never can really tell what’s going on anymore sometimes I keep imagining my pup with me..
RangerWhat else can I say about this camp ground other then Hey bear, hey bear... hahaha James knows what I’m talking about ahh such good times in a beautiful area
RangerThis place stuck out as beautiful place, felt like this is what you would see on tv shows like alone.. totally recommend the drive
Dispersed camping near Slana, Alaska offers multiple remote camping sites across Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Situated at elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet, the area experiences significant temperature fluctuations with summer highs reaching 70°F and dropping to near freezing at night. Water availability remains limited across most camping locations, requiring visitors to carry sufficient supplies.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers at Kendesnii Campground can spot various wildlife species from their lakeside sites. "Set along the banks of a small lake, each of the sites offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and enough space between sites to feel like you're there alone," reports one camper who visited in 2022.
Backcountry hiking access: Several primitive sites serve as gateways to remote trails. At Jack Creek Primitive Campsite, visitors can access multiple backcountry routes. A visitor noted, "Great time backpacking through this area. Highly recommend using all trails for an in-depth look at the trail."
Fishing opportunities: Creek and lake fishing spots are accessible from multiple camping areas, though water conditions vary seasonally. At Porcupine Creek State Recreation Site, one visitor noted that during their stay "the creek was running a bit high and fast for decent fishing," suggesting checking water conditions before planning fishing activities.
Solitude and privacy: Indian River Roadside Camp offers creek-adjacent sites away from main roads. "We pulled down by the creek just to get off the road a little more. Great little spot to stay overnight. Nobody else was there," mentioned a visitor who stayed in mid-May.
Accessibility without crowds: The vast distances between camping areas limit visitor traffic. "What else can I say about this camp ground other then Hey bear, hey bear... such good times in a beautiful area," noted a camper at Grizzly Lake Campground.
Natural separation between sites: Heavy vegetation creates privacy at many campgrounds. At Porcupine Creek State Recreation Site, "heavy foliage providing substantial privacy between sites, and several sites are adjacent to the creek," according to a camper who visited in mid-June.
Self-sufficiency requirements: All camping in the area requires advance preparation. "The closest full services are in Tok about 45 miles away from the Nabesna Road turnoff, or further south in Glenallen. Groceries are far more expensive in Glenallen than in Tok so if you're coming that way fill up!" advised a visitor to Kendesnii Campground.
Seasonal variations in facilities: Site maintenance and amenity availability fluctuate throughout the season. A camper at Porcupine Creek State Recreation Site reported in mid-June that "it looked essentially abandoned. There was no fee collection, the toilets were locked, and the fire ring in the site I chose apparently had no fires since last year."
Wildlife safety protocols: Bear encounters are possible throughout the region. "Definitely signs of wildlife so make sure to follow all rules," cautioned a visitor to Indian River Roadside Camp, highlighting the importance of proper food storage and awareness.
Bring rubber boots: Wet conditions persist even during summer months. A Kendesnii Campground visitor advised, "Bring your rubber boots because the ground is soft and many trails go through deep puddles."
Prepare for insects: Mosquitoes are prevalent throughout summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Slana, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, Slana, AK offers a wide range of camping options, with 12 campgrounds and RV parks near Slana, AK and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Slana, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Slana, AK is Nabesna Road Wrangell St. Elias National Park with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Slana, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Slana, AK.
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