t
tiffany T.
Traveler
TravelerTustumena Lake
Right on the lake
Stopped for an overnight on way to Homer. Stayed at the campsite right beside the boat launch. Beautiful very large spot with fire pit . Saw a moose swimming and an eagle
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.
Best Camping Sites in Alaska (790)
1. Homer Spit Campground
46 ReviewsHomer, AKWebsite+1 (907) 235-8206"Homer Alaska. It is a very small town that gets lots of visitors in the summer months."
"First overnight stop on our Alaska trip and it was incredible. The most beautiful place I have ever camped. We camped beachfront with a tent. Amazing views."
2. Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park
40 ReviewsChugiak, AKWebsite+1 (907) 345-5014$5 - $100 / night
"Trails to hike or play on the lake! This campground is situated with access to Eklunta Lake and boy is that perfect. Tons of campsites to choose from both double, single and handicapped."
"If you get there at the right time, there are a few sites with a view of the lake thru the trees. Requires a very short hike to get lakeside but the view is worth it."
3. Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park
35 ReviewsHealy, AKWebsite+1 (907) 683-9532"The sites are nicely maintained with nice, edged out tent pad areas. The surrounding trees provide a nice barrier between sites so you don't feel crammed into the campground."
"We were visiting Denali from California and was our first time in Alaska. We were not only blown away by the beauty of Denali, but the campground was stunning as well."
4. Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park
33 ReviewsEagle River, AKWebsite+1 (907) 694-7982"Multiple trails travel along the campground and the river. Beautiful Alaskan experience right next to Alaska's largest city."
"Bring your fishing pole as you're close to the river. Enjoy what Alaska has to offer!"
5. Seward City Campgrounds
31 ReviewsSeward, AKWebsite+1 (907) 224-4055$10 - $20 / night
"They had last minute room to boondock in an adjacent parking lot, which was also full in August. We stayed 2 nights, the second in an rv site in Resurrection."
"It is so relaxing having your coffee at the oceans edge in the morning. You can see otters and eagles. So much to do and enjoy in Seward. The Sealife center is only a mile away."
6. Bird Creek Campground — Chugach State Park
27 ReviewsIndian, AKWebsite+1 (907) 269-8400"Stayed at Bird Creek for 2 nights while car camping/traveling through Alaska. Very clean faculties, lots of space between sites and countless activities."
"This campground is only a short drive from Anchorage, but far enough so you feel like you are away from the hustle and bustle of town. There are great trails for hiking."
7. Mendenhall Lake Campground
24 ReviewsAuke Bay, AKWebsite+1 (907) 586-8800$20 - $36 / night
"This is a very nice campground set back from Mendenhall lake and the famous Mendenhall Glacier. Bears frequent this area and sometimes wolves too. "
"The proximity to the glacier and the views from around the lake are astounding. Mt McGinnis on the west and Mt Bullard and Thunder Mountain to the East."
8. Byers Lake Campground
17 ReviewsTrapper Creek, AKWebsite+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."
9. Porcupine Campground
17 ReviewsHope, AKWebsite$23 / night
"We wish we had gotten a better site, but there is plenty of hiking around to see the water and mountains."
"There are two great hikes nearby within driving or walking distance. A perfect weekend getaway from Anchorage! You'll adore this beautiful spot."
10. Wonder Lake Campground — Denali National Park
16 ReviewsDenali National Park and Preserve, AKWebsite+1 (907) 683-2294$16 / night
"Yes, the mosquitoes are bad, but I honestly didn’t find them to be that much worse than elsewhere in Alaska."
"Camping at Wonder Lake in Denali National Park, close by the tallest peak in North America, seemed like the perfect way to end our trip to all 59 national parks. It was even more than we expected."
Recent Camping Photos in Alaska
330 Photos of 790 Alaska Campgrounds
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River Park Campground - May-Su Borough
Tanya B.
Klondike RV Park & Cottages
Staci J.
Mariner Park
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Fairbanks / Chena River KOA
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Backcountry Unit 18: Muldrow Glacier — Denali National Park
Gillian H.
Backcountry Entrance Units — Denali National Park
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Captain Cook State Recreation Area
Wes F.
Waugaman Village RV Park
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Valdez RV Park
Joe L.
Stump Creek B&B
Mike H.
Denali's Doorstep: Dry Cabin with beds for 4, incredible views, kayaks, and a Fire Pit
Recent Reviews in Alaska
1646 Reviews of 790 Alaska Campgrounds
Ricky R.
GuideBorrow area dispersed
Good overnight stop
Large open area about 200 yards off highway. Has some gravel areas, could hold several large rigs. Open sky for Starlink. Creek nearby.
- ttiffany T.Traveler
Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area
Great spot
Took a small travel trailer in with a truck . Huge area with at least 7 other campers and we were not even close to each other. Sandwiched between mountains. If you go slow and pay attention to dips and rocks you shouldn’t have an issue.
Mary M.
ScoutNenana RV Park & Campground
Just Okay
As with most camp sites we utilized during our interior Alaska tour, it’s nothing special. The positives were the trees were trimmed providing a little sun/shade, the water/electric worked as it should. The laundry and showers areas were just okay, but IMO could use an overhaul. For the cost of a site, definitely over priced and in need of some TLC
Dana S.ScoutSeward KOA
Beautiful & strategically located close to all you'd want to see in Seward
We stayed 4 nights at the Seward KOA, which had full hookups, clean bathrooms, great kids area(where our kids played happily with other camper kids!) and a good location close to town. We've stayed at many KOAs before and on this trip, and no doubt, this is one of our better experiences.
- ttiffany T.Traveler
Kings River
Beautiful river front
Stopped here for an overnight before heading into Palmer. Plenty of room to drive in with truck and tow behind 18 ft camper . Stayed right on the river bank
- AAshley G.Scout
Mount Prindle Campground
Quiet, beautiful area!
Will be one of our favorite local places!
rosskrista@ymail.comScoutMiller's Landing
Get rustic
I went to the Salmon and Song Festival in Seward AK. I wish I'd ventured out more, but between the wind, rain and temps in the 30's, I spent most of the time in my tent. It does look nice.
- Jerry H.Scout
Talkeetna RV & Boat Launch
Rustic
Quiet, rustic site.
Guide to Alaska
Camping in Alaska offers breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature like never before. From stunning mountains to serene lakes, there’s something for everyone, but it’s important to know what to expect.
What to do
- Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Wonder Lake Campground — Denali National Park, offer access to incredible trails. One camper mentioned, “It has great fishing and hiking and just out of this world.”
- Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot wildlife. One review from Savage River Campground — Denali National Park noted, “As soon as we get there we spot caribou right at the river.”
- Fishing and Canoeing: At places like South Rolly Lake Campground, you can enjoy canoe trails and fishing. A review stated, “There are canoe and kayak rentals and the dock is great for fishing or swimming!”
What campers like
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views. One camper at Byers Lake Campground said, “Some of the best views of the tallest mountain in North America can be seen from hiking within Denali State Park.”
- Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A review from Nenana RV Park & Campground highlighted, “The shower house was very clean with a new shower mat provided for each shower.”
- Friendly Hosts: Campers appreciate the hospitality. One review from King Mountain State Rec Area noted, “The host was nice and there to greet us.”
What you should know
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs. A camper at Wonder Lake Campground warned, “The mosquitoes are INSANE. Just unreal.”
- Weather Variability: The weather can change quickly. A review from Riley Creek Campground mentioned, “The weather is quite variable. We had sunny days with AMAZING mountain views and driving rain downpours.”
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A camper at Teklanika River Campground pointed out, “None of the campsites offered electrical hookups, so bring your solar panels.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities for kids. One review from Nenana RV Park & Campground mentioned, “My kids enjoyed the park across the road and had mini golf and a Rhoades car available for use.”
- Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A camper at South Rolly Lake Campground said, “There are tons of hiking trails accessible from the campground.”
- Pack for Comfort: Bring items to keep everyone comfortable. A review from K’esugi Ken Campground noted, “This place was so clean and well taken care of.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Matanuska River Park Campground mentioned, “Some caution needs to be exercised when driving. Trees made Starlink coverage a bit spotty.”
- Book in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A review from K’esugi Ken Campground advised, “You have to book these sites well in advance.”
- Utilize Dump Stations: Make use of facilities like dump stations. A camper at Matanuska River Park Campground noted, “Water station and sani-dump usage included.”
Camping in Alaska can be an unforgettable experience if you’re prepared and know what to expect!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any campgrounds in Alaska with full hookups for RVs?
Are there any campgrounds in Alaska with full hookups for RVs?
Yes, Alaska has several RV-friendly campgrounds with full hookups. Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground offers full RV hookups right off the highway, making it convenient for travelers. The Springer RV Park & Campground provides full hookup sites with access to amenities like a community fire pit and nearby attractions. For those needing military access, Seward Military Resort offers various accommodation options including RV sites. Many Alaska RV parks are strategically located near popular attractions, though availability is typically seasonal with most operating from May through September. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months when Alaska's camping spots fill quickly.
What are the best camping spots in Alaska for tent camping?
What are the best camping spots in Alaska for tent camping?
Alaska offers exceptional tent camping experiences with scenic views and natural settings. Donnelly Creek State Rec Area provides spacious sites perfect for multiple tents, complete with fire rings and picnic tables. For a more remote experience, Deadman Lake Campground offers lakeside sites with a secluded feel, situated within the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. Many tent campers also enjoy dispersed camping along Gold Creek, where established sites often feature rock fire rings. When tent camping in Alaska, come prepared for weather changes and insects - bug shelters are highly recommended, especially in mid-August when gnats can be prevalent.
What are the state-operated campgrounds in Alaska like?
What are the state-operated campgrounds in Alaska like?
Alaska's state-operated campgrounds offer well-maintained facilities in spectacular natural settings. Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site features clean facilities, beautiful lakefront views, and active wildlife like beavers. Tangle Lakes Campground provides clean sites, hiking trails, and a boat launch, though bathrooms may be a walk from some sites. State campgrounds typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Most operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some accept reservations. Fees are generally reasonable, ranging from $10-25 per night depending on amenities. While most lack hookups, they compensate with scenic locations and wilderness access. State campgrounds are typically open from May through September, weather permitting.
When is the best time of year to go camping in Alaska?
When is the best time of year to go camping in Alaska?
The prime camping season in Alaska runs from late May through early September, with mid-June to mid-August offering the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours. Centennial Park & Campground and other Kenai Peninsula locations are excellent in August when salmon are running. Signal Creek Campground near Ward Lake is ideal in summer when trails are accessible and wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Late August brings fewer insects but cooler temperatures and shorter days. May and September offer less crowded campgrounds but prepare for cooler weather and potential snow at higher elevations. Winter camping is possible for experienced adventurers but requires specialized gear and knowledge of extreme cold weather survival techniques.
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