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What's the most underrated Alaska camping? Hiking in! Pitch your tent and build a campfire after admiring the scenery on your hike for an unforgettable evening under the stars. You're sure to find the perfect hike-in campsite for your Alaska backpacking adventure.

Alaska

The Best Hike-In Camping in Alaska

Diamond M Ranch Resort is located in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula. Winner of Trailer Life’s “Top 300 Parks in the US” Award, our goal is to help each guest have the Alaska experience of their dreams. Whether you want spacious RV sites with full hook-ups, gorgeous historical suites with a view, or a tent space with access to all the resort amenities, we have what you need–and strive to provide even more!

We are blessed to be situated on the bluff overlooking the famous Kenai River and Cook Inlet, between the town centers of Soldotna and Kenai. This is a central homebase for your Alaskan adventure with easy day trips to Seward or Homer.

Diamond M Ranch Resort was awarded “Outstanding Business in Tourism” for a commitment to excellence and active involvement in the local community. Your visit creates a ripple effect for good because we strategically reinvest in our community, especially focusing on at-risk youth. Check out Matti’s Farm for more information. With your help, our entire business also operates as green-ly as possible! Ask about how you can help conserve Alaska’s wild resources.

  

\*Discounts are not available in July

Diamond M Ranch Resort

A quiet, relaxing stop between Fairbanks and Denali State Park. A great place to stay and get the laundry done, catch up online, bike around the village, and still have less than a hour access to the major attractions of Fairbanks and Denali Park. In Athabaskan, Nenana means “a great place to camp between two rivers”. We agree!



Nenana RV Park & Campground

The lodge is located on the Denali Highway in the majestic Maclaren river valley near the base of the Maclaren Glacier. This is high alpine country, the Denali Highway is the states second highest highway pass.

The Denali Highway during the winter months is closed to thru traffic. Access during the winter months to the lodge is via snowmobile, dog team, or air transportation.

Maclaren River lodge has a full service restaurant. We offer breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We offer comfortable, clean, rustic lodging for individuals or groups. There is a common relaxation area with satellite TV and wireless internet connection available in the lodge.

Maclaren River Lodge

Chena Hot Springs Resort 

Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground

Gwins Lodge

## Overview

Spencer Bench Cabin is located at 1,900 feet in elevation at the end of the Spencer Bench Trail.   
The trail climbs away from the lake revealing breathtaking views of the Placer River Valley, Spencer Lake and the Spencer Glacier below. The cabin sits just below several alpine meadows with vegetation of low shrubs, grasses and summer wildflowers.   
  
  
Spencer Bench Cabin is available for rent year round. 

Spencer Bench Cabin is available to rent on Recreation.gov from Labor day through May 31 annually. 

During the summer season, from June 1 through Labor Day, the Alaska Railroad provides access to the area as well as reservations for Spencer Bench Cabin. To reserve the cabin during the summer season, please contact the Alaska Railroad at 800-544-0552. Summer reservations go on sale the First Friday in March annually. 

Please verify schedules at the Alaska Railroad website (www.alaskarailroad.com) prior to relying on the train for transportation. 

Outside of the core summer season, the Placer river valley (and Spencer Lake) is accessible via jet boat and float plane. 

## Recreation

Spencer Bench provides a picturesque view into the heart of the Chugach National Forest. Although the Spencer Bench Trail currently ends at the cabin, the open alpine areas just above the cabin offer excellent off-trail hiking and sightseeing opportunities during the summer months. Glaciers and peaks around the cabin offer experienced climbers a challenging adventure.

For winter recreationists, this cabin provides an incredible base camp for backcountry skiing and snowmachine adventures. It takes an advanced skillset and knowledge of avalanche hazards to access this Cabin via skis or snowmachines in the winter. Some parties do opt to charter a ski plane or helicopter to provide quick and easy winter access. More information on avalanche hazards in this area can be found at the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center website (www.CNFAIC.org). 

## Facilities

The cabin is a 15x17-foot, trapper-style cabin made entirely out of Alaskan yellow cedar. It can sleep six to eight people and offers a small kerosene heater, wooden bunks, a table with benches, fire extinguisher, and an outhouse. Electricity, water and fuel (kerosene) for the heater are not provided. Guests are responsible for supplying their own drinking water, kerosene for heater (Typically 1 gallon/ day is sufficient), a cook stove, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, mattresses, toilet paper, garbage bags, cookware, dishes and utensils. A creek is located near the cabin site but water should be treated before consumption.

## Natural Features

Black and brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine and moose inhabit the area. Mountain goats, marmots, arctic ground squirrels and spruce grouse may be spotted on the terrain around the cabin. Crow berries and Salmon Berries are plentiful in the late summer, along with low-bush blueberries.

## Nearby Attractions

The Placer River Valley and Spencer Lake developed Recreation area offers diverse recreational opportunities including easy hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing, rafting and fishing during the summer months. In the winter this area is popular with backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.

Spencer Bench Cabin

## Overview

Barber Cabin offers a remote lodging experience on the Eastern Kenai Peninsula of south-central Alaska. The rustic cabin has few amenities, but provides access to the great outdoors and a scenic mountain lake. There is great fishing in Lower Russian Lake, and hiking and biking trails abound. Wildlife viewing is good in the area as well, though visitors should watch out for bears.   
  
The cabin can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing, horseback or floatplanes. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Recreation

Visitors enjoy boating and rainbow trout fishing on Lower Russian Lake. A rowboat with oars is provided at the cabin. Fishing equipment is not provided and permits are required to fish in the state ([click here](http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=regulations.main) for Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations). The lake freezes during winter months.   
  
A variety of trails and unexplored areas exist near the cabin. Hikers and bikers can explore varying terrain, including muskeg, meadows and high-canopied forest along the 21-mile Russian Lakes Trail, toward the Upper Russian Lake Cabin. There is a high avalanche hazard on Russian Lakes Trail in the winter ([learn about avalanche safety](http://www.cnfaic.org/)). Snow can remain on the trail until early June. Hunting is popular along the trail and in the surrounding area.

## Facilities

The accessible log cabin has bunk space for six and a maximum occupancy of eight people. It is equipped with counter space, table, benches and a wood stove for heat. A splitting maul and hand saw are available. An outhouse is also provided.   
  
There is no electricity, potable water, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils or cut firewood at the cabin. Visitors should bring sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear and food. Water taken from the lake should be treated or boiled before consumption.

## Natural Features

The cabin is close to Cooper Landing off the Sterling Highway, in a fairly flat area on the east shore Lower Russian Lake. It is surrounded by a scattered spruce forest, and meadows with shrubs and brush, providing scenic mountain views.   
  
A variety of wildlife make its home in the area, including moose, black and brown bears and wolves. The surrounding area has a particularly high concentration of bears. For more information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and [outdoor safety and ethics](https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r10/recreation/safety-ethics), please contact the Seward Ranger District.

Barber Cabin

## Overview

Dale Clemens Cabin is a rustic cabin in south-central Alaska. It offers great views of the surrounding mountain peaks, and Resurrection Bay and Seward in the distance. Visitors enjoy hunting and exploring, as well as fishing in nearby Lost Lake.   
  
The cabin can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing and snowmobile. It is open year-round, though conditions may impact travel plans. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Recreation

Visitors enjoy fishing for rainbow trout in Lost Lake. Hunting is available in season for moose, black and brown bears, wolves, mountain goats and ptarmigan.   
  
Hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are also popular activities.

## Facilities

The two-story cabin has two entrances via stairways at ground level. A wooden deck with seating overlooks the surrounding peaks. The cabin is oufitted with a Nordic oil drip stove for heat. Cabin users are responsible for supplying his/her own kerosene/number one fuel oil at a rate of one gallon per day June-August and two gallons per day the rest of the year. Contact the Seward Ranger District for more information. Heating system will be changed to Nordic oil stove on September 11, 2019. Users are responsible for supplying kerosene/number one fuel oil after September 11, 2019.   
  
  
  
Inside the cabin are wooden bunks and a loft that will sleep up to eight people. Counterspace,table,benches, and an oil drip heater are provided. An outhouse is located outside the cabin. There is no electricity, potable water, mattresses, bedding or cooking utensils. Visitors should bring kerosene/heating oil at a rate of one gallon per day June-August and two gallons per day the rest of the year, sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear and food. Water from the lakes or streams should be treated or boiled before consumption.

## Natural Features

The cabin is located west of Seward Highway at an elevation of about 1,750 feet. The cabin sits just above tree line, amid mountain meadows and groves of hemlock and spruce trees, as well as grasses and abundant wildflowers.   
  
Winter snow can linger into July and the cabin is susceptible to heavy fog and rain in the summer, as well as whiteout conditions in the winter.   
  
A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area. For more information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and [outdoor safety and ethics](https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r10/recreation/safety-ethics), please contact the Seward Ranger District. 

## Nearby Attractions

Resurrection Peak and Mt. Ascension tower above the area, at 4,700 and 5,700 feet respectively.

Dale Clemens Cabin

## Overview

Starrigavan Campsites lie within Starrigavan Recreation Area about seven miles north of Sitka. Visitors enjoy hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, picnicking, fishing and kayaking. Learn more about the campsites [here](  http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/districts/?cid=stelprdb5396292).   
  
Access to Sitka is by boat or airplane. The campsites are a two-minute drive from the Alaska Marine Highway Sitka Ferry Terminal or a seven-mile drive from downtown Sitka or the airport. 

## Recreation

Hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing are popular pursuits at Starrigavan. Visitors also enjoy fishing in saltwater and freshwater areas. Many bird and wildlife viewing opportunities exist. Hiking options include the Estuary Life Boardwalk Trail, Forest and Muskeg Trail, the Mosquito Cove Trail and numerous intertwining path and roadways of the recreation area.  
  
For information about fishing permits and seasons, visit the [ Alaska Department of Fish and Game ](http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/). 

## Facilities

This primitive camping area is fully accessible and offers a variety of accommodations, including group tent sites, individual campsites (both drive in, one is pull through, and hike-in) and [ Starrigavan Creek Cabin]( http://www.recreation.gov/camping/starrigavan-creek-cabin/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72073). Several sites overlook Starrigavan Bay; others are close to Starrigavan Creek. Maximum RV length accommodated is 38 feet.  
  
Two small group tent sites accommodate up to 20 people, offering twice the amount of tent space and vehicle parking as individual campsites. They also have covered cooking shelters with two picnic tables, a large grill and a fire ring with two log benches.  
  
Picnic tables, campfire rings, gravel tent pads and gravel parking spurs are furnished at the individual sites. Vault toilets, drinking water, bear-proof food lockers and seasonal trash collection are provided. Firewood is provided for a small fee. A dump station is located in Sitka, seven miles away. 

## Natural Features

The campsites are situated within a typical temperate rainforest of hemlock and spruce trees with salmonberry bushes, low shrubs and mosses covering the forest floor.  
  
The Starrigavan Recreation Area is home to a diverse range of forest, estuary and marine habitats. Depending on the season, visitors might spot brown bear, spawning coho (silver) and pink (humpy) salmon, common merganser, bufflehead, bald eagle, great blue heron, kingfisher, river otter or Sitka black-tailed deer. 

## Nearby Attractions

The State of Alaska's Old Sitka State Historic Site is nearby. Visitors can take half or full-day kayak trips to Katlian Bay and Siginaka Islands.

Starrigavan Campsites

Anchorage, AK is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Anchorage is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Anchorage, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Anchorage

The Best Camping in Anchorage | Alaska Campgrounds

Fairbanks, AK is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Alaska camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Fairbanks

The Best Camping Near Fairbanks, Alaska

Are you in need of a campground near Juneau, AK? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Juneau campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Juneau camping trip.

Juneau

The Best Camping in Juneau, Alaska | Alaska Campgrounds

Are you in need of a campground near Eagle River, AK? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Eagle River, AK. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Eagle River

The Best Camping Near Eagle River, Alaska

Searching for the best camping near Badger, AK? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Badger, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Badger, AK. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Badger

The Best Camping Near Badger, Alaska

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Knik-Fairview, AK has a lot to offer. Knik-Fairview is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Knik-Fairview, AK. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Knik-Fairview

The Best Camping Near Knik-Fairview, Alaska

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, College, AK is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—College is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near College, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

College

The Best Camping Near College, Alaska

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Sitka, AK has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Sitka campgrounds just for you. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Sitka and user-submitted reviews.

Sitka

The Best Camping Near Sitka, Alaska

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Lakes. Lakes is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Alaska camping adventure.

Lakes

The Best Camping Near Lakes, Alaska

Tanaina is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Tanaina, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Tanaina, AK. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Tanaina

The Best Camping Near Tanaina, Alaska

Chugach National Forest, AK is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Chugach National Forest

The Best Camping Near Chugach National Forest, Alaska

Some of the best camping in Alaska is found at Denali National Park and Preserve, where campers can pitch a tent or stay in a cabin with views of the tundra and Denali, the highest peak in North America with a summit at more than 20,000 feet. Near Denali National Park is Healy, AK. There, tent and RV campers can gather supplies and plan their trip to the extensive park. Summer campsites offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and biking along the trails. Adventurous hikers can tackle the high mountain trails. The campgrounds also offer many chances to see the native wildlife like moose, wolves, caribou, grizzly bears, and Dall sheep.

Denali National Park

The Best Camping Near Denali National Park, Alaska

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Tongass National Forest, AK is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Tongass National Forest. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Tongass National Forest camping trip.

Tongass National Forest

The Best Camping Near Tongass National Forest, Alaska

Sitting on a peninsula in southern Alaska is some of the best camping in the state at Katmai National Park and Preserve. Near the aptly named city of King Salmon, AK, it’s a good idea to stock up on supplies before heading to the campgrounds. Camping near Brooks Falls puts campers close to the salmon and the foraging brown bears. Campsites close to the forests and mountains get hikers close to the park’s miles of winding trails. You also won't want to miss the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes formed by ash and lava flows. RVs will need to stay close to the lodge to ensure they have the necessary hookups.

Katmai National Park & Preserve

The Best Camping Near Katmai National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Searching for the best camping near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, AK? Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Alaska camping adventure.

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

The Best Camping Near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Looking for the best campgrounds near Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, AK? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge

The Best Camping Near Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Home to everything from mountains and glaciers to temperate rainforests, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve has some of the best camping spots in southeast Alaska. Near Juneau, AK, campers can explore the trails running through the temperate forests and beach meadows where brown and black bears are common sights, along with majestic moose. Campsites close to the beach provide views of seals and whales. It’s also the ideal spot to put a kayak in to get a closer look at the glaciers and explore the fjords. Most campgrounds accommodate all types of campers, including RVs. Along with spots for tents, visitors can also stay in warm cabins and yurts.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

The Best Camping Near Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Denali National Park & Preserve, AK has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Denali National Park & Preserve is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Denali National Park & Preserve and user-submitted reviews.

Denali National Park & Preserve

The Best Camping Near Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Camping near the Harding Icefield in Alaska is an unforgettable experience. Campers can pitch tents close to the outflowing glaciers or by the fjords and islands on the coast. Campsites near Kenai Fjords offer kayaking and boating excursions. Any supplies campers forget, they can easily pick up in Seward, AK. RV drivers will want to fuel up in the city before heading to the campgrounds. When the weather’s too cold for tent sleeping, there are cozy cabins in the area complete with a range of amenities.

Kenai Fjords National Park

The Best Camping Near Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Denali National Park and Preserve, AK is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Denali National Park and Preserve is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Denali National Park and Preserve, AK. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

THE BEST Hike-In CAMPING INAlaska

About Alaska Hike-In Camping

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