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 Sites in Alaska (45)

    1. Exit Glacier Road Designated Special Use Area

    6 Reviews
    Kenai Fjords National Park, AK
    Website

    "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. Mineral Creek, Valdez, AK

    5 Reviews
    Valdez, AK
    Website

    "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."

    3. Creekside Parking

    3 Reviews
    Valdez, AK

    "No trash or picnic tables. Good cell signal. Open enough for Starlink and solar. Creek next to lot provides white noise for sleeping."

    4. Denali Highway Mile 6.5

    2 Reviews
    Fort Greely, AK
    Website

    "Clean rest stop, and detail  interpretive signs, some times the trash over flows though"

    5. Mile 48, Chena Hot Springs Road

    2 Reviews
    Eielson AFB, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 269-8700

    "Mile 48 pond access on Chena Hot Springs road. Two small lakes filled with fish. Busy on the weekends but empty during the week. Beautiful"

    6. Roadside Camp on Parks Highway

    2 Reviews
    Healy, AK

    "I ended up doing car camping here on a whim because it was super rainy and I wanted somewhere I could comfortably car camp without running into the risk of being disturbed and let me tell you this was"

    7. East Fork Chulitna Wayside

    3 Reviews
    Cantwell, 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!"

    "You'll have to make your own path to the river, grass is high. Watch out for bears."

    8. Tustumena Lake

    2 Reviews
    Kasilof, 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. Moose Pass

    2 Reviews
    Moose Pass, AK

    "Moose Pass Trailhead

    As with most BLM trailheads, zut services."

    "Saw two seaplanes take off from the lake (take the Southern spot for this).

    Hwy is loud but manageable, train as well.

    Recommendable overnight position on the way to SEWARD."

    10. Decision Point Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Whittier, AK
    Website

    "A number of tent platforms, 2 toilets and a few bear proof boxes. From this camp ground it is time to "decide" which way you want to go as the sound really opens up to you."

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Showing results 1-10 of 45 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in Alaska

30 Reviews of 45 Alaska Campgrounds



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

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.