Best Campgrounds near Trapper Creek, AK

Campgrounds near Trapper Creek, Alaska range from established RV parks with full hookups to dispersed camping along riverbanks. The area includes Three Bears Trapper Creek Inn & RV Park, which offers tent and RV sites with amenities like electric hookups, water, and sewer connections. Byers Lake Campground in Denali State Park, located north of Trapper Creek, provides tent, RV, and cabin options with hiking trails and lake access. Several campgrounds in the region feature mixed-use facilities that accommodate both tent campers seeking primitive experiences and RV travelers requiring more developed infrastructure.

The camping season typically runs from May through September, with most facilities closing during the harsh winter months. Road conditions can vary significantly, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. A visitor commented, "The drive is AMAZING!! Watch for posted signs but if there are no postings then make it yours," regarding dispersed camping along Willow-Fishhook Road. Reservations are recommended for popular campgrounds, especially during peak summer months, though some sites like Byers Lake operate primarily on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell service throughout the area is described as spotty in reviews, with many campgrounds having limited or no internet connectivity, making advance planning essential.

Campers report exceptional views of Denali from several campgrounds in the area when weather permits. "Some of the best views of the tallest mountain in North America can be seen from hiking within Denali State Park, rather than the National Park itself," noted one reviewer about Byers Lake Campground. Wildlife sightings, including moose and eagles, are commonly mentioned in reviews. Mosquitoes present a significant consideration during summer months, with intensity varying by location and weather conditions. Waterfront camping options along lakes and rivers are particularly popular, offering fishing opportunities for trout and other species. Several tent-only areas provide more secluded experiences, while RV parks closer to the Parks Highway offer convenience for travelers making their way between Anchorage and Fairbanks.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Camping Sites Near Trapper Creek, Alaska (41)

    1. Talkeetna RV & Boat Launch

    8 Reviews
    Talkeetna, AK
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 733-2604

    $25 / night

    "Close to town but tucked away, this campground has a lot to offer. Larger sites for multiple campers and Rvs and smaller sites tucked in the trees to protect your tent."

    "The views of Denali are just steps away towards he river. One of the best views of Denali in my opinion! One Flush toilet and running water available onsite! Close walk to restaurants."

    2. Three Bears Trapper Creek Inn & RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Trapper Creek, AK
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 733-2302

    "Excellent camp ground. a bit over priced but that alaska in the summer. we saw some free camping just north of here that would have rather stayed...but there was no sites available. so we stayed here showed"

    "There are just a few small, thin trees separating each site so you end up very close to your neighbor. It is mostly geared for RV's so it is very basic."

    3. Talkeetna Camper Park

    3 Reviews
    Talkeetna, AK
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 733-2693

    "Nice and convenient spot to check out the town of Talkeetna and take a driving break before getting to Denali."

    4. K’esugi Ken Campground

    10 Reviews
    Trapper Creek, AK
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 745-3975

    $28 - $100 / night

    "This beautiful campsite has wonderful short walk in tent sites and large RV electric hook up sites. All this with Wonder and beauty of Alaska. Really well maintained."

    "I don't know if this is a permanent situation so if you plan on staying here make sure to call ahead if you need a water source."

    5. Montana Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Talkeetna, AK
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 475-2267

    $25 / night

    "Our planned stop at Three Bears Trapper Creek Inn& RV Park was a bust—their large pull-throughs were closed due to sewer issues—but they recommended Montana Creek Campground about 20 miles south."

    "Wonderful fishing access to Montana Creek, nicely wooded secluded spots with no hookups, some wide open spots with hookups available up front but no privacy."

    6. Susitna River Banks

    3 Reviews
    Talkeetna, AK
    13 miles

    "Wanted a place to boondock for a couple of days near Talkeetna. Found this spot and it’s amazing.
    We are in our truck camper which could drive down no problem. Might be an issue for bigger rigs."

    7. Alaska Hideaway RV Park

    1 Review
    Talkeetna, AK
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 315-1793

    $25 - $160 / night

    "It is an amazing little drive to this RV park and they are right next-door to the flying squirrel."

    9. Byers Lake Campground

    17 Reviews
    Trapper Creek, AK
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 745-3975

    $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."

    10. H&H Restaurant & Campground

    1 Review
    Talkeetna, AK
    17 miles
    +1 (907) 733-2415
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 41 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Trapper Creek, AK

114 Reviews of 41 Trapper Creek Campgrounds


  • Vicky S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Talkeetna Camper Park

    Good location, nice staff, …

    A previous reviewer wrote all the nice things I have to say about this place except that the man in the office was very nice and helpful.

    One downside: there are only a few bathrooms and they are both toilet and shower. This meant that there was a line in the morning because that’s a time when even those in RVs would prefer to use the facilities.

    $3.00 in quarters for 4 min shower. If this was meant to speed things up, it didn’t.

  • D
    Jul. 28, 2025

    South Rolly Lake Campground

    Great place to camp

    Great spot to camp when you don't want to travel too far from home. Would recommend!

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Montana Creek Campground

    Unexpected Reroute Turns into a Great Find

    Our planned stop at Three Bears Trapper Creek Inn& RV Park was a bust—their large pull-throughs were closed due to sewer issues—but they recommended Montana Creek Campground about 20 miles south. We called, and they told us to come on in. Located just off the Parks Highway/AK-3, the friendly campground manager gave us a map of the dry-camping sites that were available, including a few in the tent section that could handle our 40’ fifth wheel and told us to pick a spot. We walked the grounds and chose back-in site 13 in the tent area, which was more than long enough for our rig and F450—we even got to put the back patio down. We needed to top off our water tank, but the spigot had weak pressure, so the fill took a while. Afterward, we backed up in the large parking lot and headed to our site. We had 2 bars LTE on Verizon and 1 bar roaming on T-Mobile. The site had a picnic table, fire pit, and a nice stand-up grill. The campsites on the north side have 30 AMP but no water. Toward the back of the campground are more wooded pull-through and back-in dry-camping sites—some well spaced with privacy from shrubbery—but this area isn’t tall-rig friendly. The campground filled up over the weekend with locals from the Anchorage area. The same office also registers campers for the Montana Creek Recreation Site across the street, which is essentially a back-in parking lot for smaller rigs. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay—especially with the chance to get in some fly fishing.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Susitna River Banks

    Nice play for two days

    Wanted a place to boondock for a couple of days near Talkeetna. Found this spot and it’s amazing.
    We are in our truck camper which could drive down no problem. Might be an issue for bigger rigs. Found a good mostly level spot and had two peaceful days.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Montana Creek Campground

    Nice little stop over campground

    Check in was very easy. Guys at the store are very helpful. It is right off the road, so yes there is road noise. We had a pull thru site, very level with a picnic table and fire pit. Very close to Johnny on the spot toilet, which was very clean. There are electricity hook ups but no water. There is a potable water fill up but no dump. Mosquitos galore though this time of year. Really pretty Creek. Great wifi near the well stocked store. Close to supermarket too. Great place to visit is Talkeetna

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Susitna River Banks

    Small overgrown space

    The river basin was cut off by a large flow of river limiting all vehicles to a small dirt driveway; fortunately there were few people camping so we made camp for the night. The mosquitoes were so bad however we stayed in the rv all night which is not our style.

  • K
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Talkeetna RV & Boat Launch

    convenient to town and shady

    We stayed here in a 40'  5th wheel. The RV area is mostly in the trees and a few places are defined, but a lot is just pick your spot and park where you can fit. The places along the water will need to be shorter rigs or you would need to park parallel.  Close to town about 3/4 mile.  Solar charging is a challenge due to trees and Starling also. You can run generators. No water or dump station, but there is a dumpster near the office.

  • Brent L.
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Nancy Lake State Recreation Site Campground

    Great simple camp

    Weather Highs in upper 70s Lows in the lower 50s Loop 1 site 1 Bathrooms were clean Dumpster for trash “No host or firewood”

    This is a great spot to take your younger kids to teach them the basics. Were new to the area so really just learning AK. But this was a great spot for a 5&4 YO. Not to much in and out traffic and plenty for them to just explore and learn close to camp. You can walk around the other parts of campground as a hike and lead down to the water that has a really small area to play

    Skeeters weren’t terrible between the fire, bug spray and bug room we were just fine and came out with minimal bites

    You can procure firewood from woods


Guide to Trapper Creek

Camping near Trapper Creek, Alaska, offers a unique blend of stunning views, outdoor activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Byers Lake Campground. “We saw our best views of the tall peaks about halfway up the Cascade trail, which was moderately difficult but easy to follow,” shared a happy camper.
  • Fishing and Paddling: At Montana Creek Campground, you can enjoy great fishing right on the creek. One visitor noted, “Wonderful fishing access to Montana Creek, nicely wooded secluded spots.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. A reviewer at Denali Viewpoint - Denali State Park mentioned, “I got to see some ridiculous moose and get some amazing pics.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. One reviewer at K’esugi Ken Campground said, “This place was so clean and well taken care of. Beautiful view of Denali and hiking trails throughout the campground.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many appreciate the roomy campsites. A visitor at South Rolly Lake Campground remarked, “The sites are large and campground staff clean them daily after campers leave.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Willow Creek Resort are noted for being great for families. One parent shared, “The kids loved the playground and playing in the sand.”

What you should know:

  • Water Availability: Some campgrounds, like K’esugi Ken Campground, have limited water sources. A camper mentioned, “Currently as of AUG21 only one functioning water spigot at the pay station.”
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A visitor at Nancy Lake State Recreation Site noted, “Skeeters weren’t terrible between the fire, bug spray and bug room we were just fine.”
  • Crowded Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, particularly on weekends. A reviewer at Denali Viewpoint - Denali State Park warned, “It was packed and people were obnoxious... and I like to drink.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like South Rolly Lake Campground. A camper said, “Really enjoyed our stay here. Lots of options for lake front, pull through, and back in.”
  • Bring Bikes: Kids can have a blast biking around. One reviewer suggested, “If you have kids bring their bikes!”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A parent at Nancy Lake State Recreation Site mentioned, “This is a great spot to take your younger kids to teach them the basics.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds, like Talkeetna RV & Boat Launch, have varying site sizes. A visitor noted, “The RV area is mostly in the trees and a few places are defined, but a lot is just pick your spot and park where you can fit.”
  • Book in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at K’esugi Ken Campground advised, “You have to book these sites well in advance.”
  • Prepare for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A reviewer at Talkeetna RV & Boat Launch mentioned, “No water or dump station, but there is a dumpster near the office.”

Camping near Trapper Creek, Alaska, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery to explore. Just remember to plan ahead and be ready for the Alaskan wilderness!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Trapper Creek, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, Trapper Creek, AK offers a wide range of camping options, with 41 campgrounds and RV parks near Trapper Creek, AK and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Trapper Creek, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Trapper Creek, AK is Talkeetna RV & Boat Launch with a 3.5-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Trapper Creek, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Trapper Creek, AK.