Best Dog-Friendly Camping in Alaska

Alaska is the biggest state in the U.S., more than twice the size of Texas. Yet it’s the least densely populated state in America, and one of the most sparsely populated areas in the world. There’s a lot of land waiting to be explored. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out the best place to go if you’re thinking about camping in Alaska. Fortunately, we’re here to help.

Located within a short day’s drive from Anchorage, Denali National Park covers six million acres of wild, untamed land. A destination for mountaineers, explorers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, the park is home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali—formerly Mount McKinley. The mountain alone attracts visitors from all over the world to climb its rugged peaks, ski its snowy slopes, and take in all the natural wonder camping in Alaska has to offer.

Established by Congress in 1917 as a park to conserve Dall sheep from hunting, Denali is home to all sorts of wild animals, such as wolves, bears, moose and reindeer. The park has six campgrounds but keep in mind there is no National Park Service-run lodging. But tent and RV camping are welcome.

If fishing is part of your camping experience, then the Russian River is the perfect place for you. Rated the most popular sockeye salmon stream in Alaska and one of the top-rated spots for rainbow trout, the Russian River is located on the Eastern Kenai Peninsula in the Chugach National Forest, which spans more than five million acres of raging rivers, mountains and beautiful terrain.

More than 100,000 people visit the Russian River area annually and enjoy activities such as hiking the Russian Lakes Trail, visiting the K’beq Interpretive Site—where tribe members guide visitors through interpretive walks showcasing archaeological sites, stories and culture—along with biking and boating. The campground has 83 campsites and is open from May through September.

As one of the ultimate bucket list camping destinations for campers like you, finding camping in Alaska can be overwhelming and, at times, competitive. Trust authentic campground reviews on The Dyrt to guide you through the wilderness in the 49th state.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites in Alaska (381)

    1. Homer Spit Campground

    46 Reviews
    Homer, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 235-8206

    "Homer Alaska. It is a very small town that gets lots of visitors in the summer months."

    "Dog friendly but not much room for them if they need to stay outside. Great fishing close by in the hole or at the end of the spit for flounder."

    2. Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park

    40 Reviews
    Chugiak, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 345-5014

    $5 - $100 / night

    "Rode our bikes down the lake side trial, people were nice and respectful. Also the dogs and kids love playing on the beach."

    "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."

    3. Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park

    36 Reviews
    Healy, AK
    Website
    +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."

    "Within walking distance to "Glitter Gulch" and trails at the entrance to the park. We've camped there for many years and always had a peaceful nights rest."

    4. Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park

    33 Reviews
    Eagle River, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 694-7982

    "River is very fast, so advise watching pets and children carefully. Close to Anchorage, but far enough out of town to get away from the hustle. Still a slightly busy campground in summer months."

    "Great spot close to our home of Anchorage for when we don't want to go too far. Large pavillion great for get-togethers right along the river and includes it's own bathroom."

    5. Seward City Campgrounds

    31 Reviews
    Seward, AK
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Indian, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 269-8400

    "All spots are close to one bathroom or another. Train does run by at 6 am so it makes a great alarm clock. Quiet time ends at 6 am. Half the camp sites are next to the bike path so watch your dogs."

    "Stayed at Bird Creek for 2 nights while car camping/traveling through Alaska. Very clean faculties, lots of space between sites and countless activities."

    7. Mendenhall Lake Campground

    24 Reviews
    Auke Bay, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 586-8800

    $20 - $36 / night

    "Although you are aware of others around you, there is enough forest between most campsites so you get the real roughing it kind of feel without actually hiking out."

    "I stay here every summer with my s.o. and our pets and absolutely LOVE it here."

    8. Byers Lake Campground

    17 Reviews
    Trapper Creek, AK
    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."

    9. Ranch House Lodge

    13 Reviews
    Glennallen, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 822-5634

    "The campground is right off the highway."

    "It was pouring down rain so we joined the owners in their roadhouse for a bowl of chili and pizza instead of sitting outside in the rain."

    10. Savage River Campground — Denali National Park

    13 Reviews
    Denali National Park, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 272-7275

    "We walked to the savage river at the back of the campground and explored this area, attended a great ranger talk and had some fabulous mountain views."

    "This campsite was in the Savage River Campground in Denali National Park, just outside the bus station for the park transit and close to the bathrooms."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in Alaska

1632 Reviews of 381 Alaska Campgrounds


  • Melissa F.
    Aug. 13, 2019

    Tangle Lakes Campground

    Just a little buggy

    Tangle lakes campground has nice clean sites, lots of hiking (some a small drive) boat launch, bathrooms can be a bit of a walk from some sites. In mid August the little nats were horrible but that’s camping in Alaska!

  • Tanya B.
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Gold Creek Gold Mine

    Camp anywhere you can find

    This is the best camping in Alaska. Just find a spot big enough for your rig it tent and pull off. There are many regularly used sites that have rock fire rings already made. Always make sure you are not in a drive way and that there are no POSTED signs to keep off property. Bug shelters highly recommended because depending on the year it’s mosquitoes, flies, or bees.

  • Riley N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2022

    Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site

    Very beautiful and clean spot

    We really enjoyed camping here. This was our first place we camped in Alaska and it was very clean. It has a beautiful view with the lake right there and the beavers are very active. Clean bathrooms

  • Taylor W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 18, 2018

    Cooper Creek South

    Great spot on the Kenai

    Cooper Creek is a great, smaller campground to choose when the popular nearby spots fill up with anglers. For some reason, this spot is not as in demand as the Russian River campground, despite having many of the same amenities.

    This campground is great for group camping trips, as each site is rated for 8 people and a few can have up to 12. There are many ada-acessible sites to choose from as well, which was a great help when bringing along family in need.

    The gravel roads can sometimes mean backing-in is a bit more strenuous than other paved campgrounds, but if you're camping in Alaska, you probably already know how to reverse park a camper! Picnic tables were always well maintained, and the deep firepits came in handy for our large fires. They even have grills built in!

    Toilets are well maintained, but we always had to supply our own method of handwashing - hand santizer, in our case to leave as little trace as possible.

    Don't forget to bring your fishing poles (get that permit first!) and keep an eye out for bear activity.

  • A
    Aug. 16, 2022

    Lake Lucile Campground

    City campground

    Minutes away from the amenities of a small city. Not much privacy between spots but there are some trees. There’s a lake with some small walking trails which are nice in the morning. Pit toilets, picnic tables, fire pit. Best part is the price. $10 for dry camping and $20 for electric! Also, there’s a fenced dog park for dog lovers and playground for kiddos.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Fairbanks / Chena River KOA

    One of the Best KOAs We've Stayed

    For once in a long time on our journey through Alaska, the campground (CG) was not right off the highway. We followed our RV GPS to the Badger Road exit and found the CG tucked back from the main road. Check-in was busy but quick. We were assigned pull-through site 133D with full hookups and 50 AMP. This site has special routing instructions—staff had us drive a few hundred yards down Old Badger Road, which runs adjacent to the CG, to enter through the back KOA gate. From there, it was an easy approach into our site. Site 133D is a KOA Patio site with a deluxe Trex deck, outdoor furniture, propane fire pit, and a Weber propane grill with tools. The gravel pad was long enough for our 40’ toy hauler and F450, with room to put down our rear patio. On arrival, the CG WiFi was unusable, but we got an email update that they were working on it. A later speed test showed 4.97 Mbps download—good enough for email and light browsing. Starlink worked but was slower than usual in this area despite a clear sky view. We got one bar on both Verizon and T-Mobile. This is a well-run KOA, with staff constantly mowing, cleaning, and maintaining the grounds. During our stay, several RV caravans came through—they had their own designated area and even buses for tours. The CG has spaces for all types of campers, from tents to big rigs. There’s a laundry facility, two fenced dog parks, swing benches by the river, and plenty of space to walk your dog. All in all, this is one of the best private CGs we’ve stayed at. If you need a great vet while in the area, we highly recommend Dr. Dawn Brown at North Pole Veterinary Hospital. They are an AAHA accredited clinic and we’ sure all the vets are great, but we definitely had a wonderful experience with Dr. Brown during our appointment with our two Braque's. The CG made an excellent base for exploring the Fairbanks area.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Ranch House Lodge

    One of our Best Campground Experiences

    We stayed here overnight on the way to Valdez and enjoyed it so much that we returned for two nights on the way back. The campground is right off the highway. Check-in was easy, and we were allowed to pick between two site options, and Karen was offering sites that were not next to another camper since the park wasn't full. We chose back-in site 52 with full hookups (50/30/20 AMP) in their new back area both times. Backing in was easy, and we appreciated that the pad has two sewer hookups, with water and electric centered. Water pressure was decent, around 40 psi. Pine trees surround many of the campsites; we had some, but still got a very usable Starlink signal. Verizon showed 4 bars and T-Mobile 1 bar. This campground is essentially off-grid Alaska, with all the challenges and rules that come with that. For example, black tank flushing isn’t allowed due to septic limitations, trash is burned on-site so flammable or unburnable items are prohibited, and the potable water may have some discoloration. The owners, Karen, who is very hospitable, and Andy, have put tremendous effort into creating this beautiful creekside campground. Campers are expected to respect the rules and Andy, rightfully so, lacks a bedside manner for those who do not. It was a delight to have no neighbors and a wonderful water-view site on Tolsona Creek, where we could hear the flowing water. There’s no formal dog park, but plenty of space to walk your dog. Arctic Grayling fishing was excellent while we were there in August. After over 360 reviews with RV Life, this campground ranks on our Top 10 list for Best Campground Experiences.

  • Shadara W.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Lake Lucile Campground

    Beautiful!

    Tons of trails, lake access, dog park, playground, electric hookups, forested descent separation between sites, group site, restrooms, swimming, kayaking, canoe, and fish, 2 pavilions, 2 playgrounds too.

  • Tanya B.
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Lake Lucile Campground

    Campground could is a little love

    This is one of the better mat su campgrounds. It does have some great day use parking and 39 campsites. On clear days the lake is beautiful. The trails are nice and well-maintained we also enjoyed the dog park. There are a number of pavilions that can be used but people with reservations to have priority.


Guide to Alaska

Alaska offers a stunning backdrop for pet-friendly camping, allowing you and your furry companions to explore the great outdoors together. With a variety of campgrounds that welcome pets, you can enjoy nature without leaving your four-legged friends behind.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Homer Spit Campground

  • At Homer Spit Campground, pets are allowed, making it a great spot for families looking to enjoy beachfront camping.
  • The campground features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for a cozy evening with your pet by your side.
  • With easy access to the beach, your dog can enjoy plenty of space to run and play during low tide.

Dog owners appreciate Eklutna - Chugach State Park

  • Eklutna - Chugach State Park offers a peaceful retreat with wooded sites that provide a sense of seclusion for you and your pet.
  • The park features hiking trails nearby, allowing for adventurous walks with your dog in a beautiful natural setting.
  • Clean vault toilets and water spigots are available throughout the campground, ensuring convenience during your stay.

Tips for camping with dogs near Riley Creek Campground

  • At Riley Creek Campground, pets are welcome, and the spacious sites provide a comfortable environment for your furry friends.
  • The campground is conveniently located near Denali National Park, offering numerous trails for hiking with your dog.
  • With access to a mercantile store nearby, you can easily stock up on supplies for both you and your pet during your camping adventure.