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laurie V.
Guide
GuideKings River
Kings River
Right on the river. Several spots. Rocky
Best Dispersed Camping in Alaska
Alaska offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities across its vast wilderness areas. Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area provides free primitive camping near Seward with spectacular mountain views. The entrance can be difficult to spot, marked by large boulders, and requires high-clearance vehicles to navigate the bumpy access road. Mineral Creek near Valdez offers pristine riverside camping with good mountain views. Creekside Parking provides a small but convenient overnight spot for smaller rigs with good cell service.
Most dispersed sites in Alaska lack basic amenities. No drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities are available at most locations, requiring campers to pack out all waste. According to reviews, East Fork Chulitna Wayside offers over 10 free campsites with pit toilets and fire rings, making it a valuable alternative when other areas are closed. Several campers noted that mosquitoes can be extremely problematic throughout Alaska, particularly in summer months. Bear safety precautions are essential at all sites.
Road conditions vary significantly across Alaska's dispersed camping areas. The Denali Highway is considered excellent for dispersed camping with multiple pull-offs offering privacy and views. Moose Pass, approximately 25 miles from Seward, features a large open area where seaplanes occasionally take off from the adjacent lake. Mile 48 on Chena Hot Springs Road provides access to two small lakes popular for fishing, with weekend crowds giving way to midweek solitude. Maximum stay limits typically range from 8-14 days, though enforcement varies by location and season.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds in Alaska (54)
1. Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area
11 ReviewsKenai Fjords National Park, AKWebsite"Driving from the road is BUMPY, you'll need a vehicle with high clearance. We rented mobile saunas, and I highly recommend doing it, it was awesome!!"
"Boondocking galore!!! It gets five stars for what it is. Beautiful spots right by the river and five minutes from Seward and shopping one way and five minutes from Kenai Fjords NP the other."
2. Roadside Camp on Parks Highway
6 ReviewsHealy, AK"Looking for a place to camp near Denali as main campground full. I don’t know why more people are not here! Have a great tucked in flat site."
"While it is just off the highway, there is a buffer of trees that kept traffic sounds to a minimum."
3. Kings River
6 ReviewsSutton, AK"Right off the highway but tons of room. There’s open spots, shady spots, and some close to the river!"
"As others have stated, multiple dispersed sites right by the Kingsriver. Directly off the road. The bridge for the road above is located at the end of the area."
4. Creekside Parking
4 ReviewsValdez, AK"No trash or picnic tables. Good cell signal. Open enough for Starlink and solar. Creek next to lot provides white noise for sleeping."
"Drive past it, there is PLENTY of space on the creek bank. Only caveat is that it’s popular for local ATV owners and walkers. Just don’t set up on the trail along the tree line."
5. Mineral Creek, Valdez, AK
4 ReviewsValdez, AKWebsite"Primitive dispersed camping. No facilities. Next to glacier creek. Salmon run Aug-early Sept. Google map Mineral Creek Rd, take it to end then keep going down gravel road."
"I parked at this coordinate. I found two RVs there. (61.1415202, -146.3619950). The Mineral Creek trailhead is cross the bridge."
6. Moose Pass
4 ReviewsMoose Pass, AK"Moose Pass Trailhead As with most BLM trailheads, zut services."
"Some spots are tucked into trees for more privacy while others are open for better Starlink and solar. Some spots right on the water."
7. East Fork Chulitna Wayside
4 ReviewsCantwell, AK"Over 10 free campsites, no electric, no water. Pit toilets available. Sites have tables and fire rings. This is a gem of a find!"
"Not getting much maintenance done around here. But any free camping spot with fire rings and picnic tables gets a good review from me."
8. Tustumena Lake
3 ReviewsKasilof, AK"It has a lake with boat ramp access and is used frequently, during summer months. Campsites have firepits. Some sites can be quite muddy to get to. Very nice. No cell service at sites."
9. Susitna River Banks
4 ReviewsTalkeetna, AK"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."
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos in Alaska
50 Photos of 54 Alaska Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dispersed Camping Reviews in Alaska
46 Reviews of 54 Alaska Campgrounds
- BBill C.Guide
Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area
Boondocking with rocks
Nice view plenty of room to scatter out from other boobdockers.
- ttiffany T.Guide
Tustumena 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
- ttiffany T.Guide
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.
- ttiffany T.Guide
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
MG S.GuideGeorge Parks Hwy Pullover Dispersed
Probably 3.5/5 - good enough!!
My husband and I stayed here before heading to Denali the next day. It is just a pull-off from the highway, and if you have the right car you can go up the steep hill to find more spaced-out spots (that is what we did). Mind you— all of the photos are from up on the hill. The maps are accurate and show the pull-off where the RVs and other vehicles were. I can only speak for tent camping up on the hill. The ground was pretty tough to sleep on and I think it popped my camp pad. Uncomfortable mostly, but beautiful scenery and way better than paying for a hotel. Love a free option. Less than 5 miles to town to do the touristy things; less than 15 miles or so to the entrance of the park. Really not a bad spot if you can tough it out.
Erik I.GuideMoose Pass
Incredible views
A great open spot for many vehicles, including big rigs. Some spots are tucked into trees for more privacy while others are open for better Starlink and solar. Some spots right on the water. Right off the road but far enough back that the noise isn’t too bad.
- Erik I.Guide
Kings River
Right by the river
As others have stated, multiple dispersed sites right by the Kingsriver. Directly off the road. The bridge for the road above is located at the end of the area. I actually camped underneath the bridge for a few nights to get out of the constant rain that Alaska seemed to be going through while I was there.
Reid S.
TravelerExit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area
Best car camping experience
We stayed here over the fourth of July weekend in 2024! The mount marathon race brought a ton of people into town, so the site was full of vehicles. The mountains are incredible, and it's a perfect nook between Seward and Kenai Fjords NP.
Guide to Alaska
Experience the thrill of dispersed camping in Alaska, where breathtaking landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. From stunning mountain views to tranquil lakes, these spots offer a unique way to connect with nature.
Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers
- Enjoy the stunning scenery and proximity to Seward activities at the Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area, where snow-covered peaks surround you.
- Experience the beauty of Tustumena Lake, a small area with individual sites and a boat ramp, perfect for fishing and enjoying the outdoors.
- Discover the pristine wilderness at Decision Point Dispersed Camping, accessible by a scenic kayak trip from Whittier, offering tent platforms and breathtaking views.
Top Activities While Free Camping in Alaska
- Go fishing and enjoy the peaceful surroundings at Mile 48, Chena Hot Springs Road, where you can find tranquility and solitude.
- Hike the trails leading to Lost Lake from the Lost Lake Trailhead, where you can immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the area.
- Explore the backcountry and witness incredible wildlife at Backcountry Unit 31: Polychrome Mountain — Denali National Park, a remote location perfect for adventurous campers.
Dispersed Campers Should Check Out These Features
- Experience the unique opportunity to rent a mobile sauna while camping at Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area, adding a touch of luxury to your outdoor adventure.
- Enjoy the convenience of pit toilets and picnic tables at the East Fork Chulitna Wayside, making it a comfortable stop for families.
- Take advantage of the large, open spaces at Moose Pass, where you can find plenty of room for various rig sizes and enjoy the stunning lake views.
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