Best Tent 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 Tent Sites in Alaska (115)

    1. Wonder Lake Campground — Denali National Park

    16 Reviews
    Denali National Park and Preserve, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 683-2294

    $16 / night

    "Well worth the long drive in, the sites are large with plenty of space around you so that feel almost as if you're out there alone."

    "Drive alllll the way to the end of the road in Denali. As if you weren't already rewarded by the trip through the park, this campground is incredible."

    2. Exit Glacier Campground — Kenai Fjords National Park

    16 Reviews
    Seward, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 422-0500

    "Camping is free and no registration required, just set up in an open spot. Spots are secluded and spaced far apart. Sites are nothing but a gravel pad."

    "This is a nice little walk in campground. The sites aren't very far from the car and the food storage/shelter/eating area isn't far from the car either."

    3. Lower Skilak Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Soldotna, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 262-7021

    "Was amazed with the beauty and trails in this area. The campsite for tents have to be hiked in to get to. The RV sites can accommodate tent camping, with smaller tents."

    "There is not charge for these spots and most have picnic tables and are right on the shore of the lake."

    4. Bartlett Cove Campground — Glacier Bay National Park

    6 Reviews
    Gustavus, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 697-2627

    "The campground has 36 individual walk-in sites (3-group sites) and the closest are around 1/4 miles from the parking lot. The park provides wheelbarrows to help tote your camping gear to the site."

    "Great primitive campground a short walk (less than 1/2 mile) from the parking lot."

    5. Alaska Marine Highway

    5 Reviews
    Whittier, AK
    Website
    +1 (800) 642-0066

    "You can pitch a tent on the deck, or sleep under the heated overhang. You can also get a private cabin if you’d like, or find a quiet place in other places on board."

    "This is the state of Alaska's public ferry system and runs from Bellingham, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK."

    6. North Beach at Caines Head State Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Seward, AK
    Website

    "The vault toilets and covered group cooking/eating areas were in great shape and stayed dry.

    From the campground, we hiked up to explore the abandoned WWII fort, Fort McGilvray."

    "WHAT YOU MUST KNOW: The campground is either accessible via boat or hiking in at LOW TIDE ONLY."

    7. Portage Cove Campground

    4 Reviews
    Haines, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 269-8400

    "Just a short walk from 'downtown' Haines, this lovely little campground is just great! There is easy access to the beach, with a wonderful view of Haines and the fjords and mountains."

    "There are plenty of affordable RV parks in the area, but I prefer pitching it on the coast at Portage Cove (no RVs, walking or bike only). It's not far from the ferry terminal or downtown."

    8. Tonsina Point at Caines Head

    3 Reviews
    Seward, AK
    Website

    $5 / night

    "Tonsina Point Campground is the first campground, 2.1mi hike in from Lowell Point, on the way out to Caines Head/North Beach or is a great destination to camp on its own."

    "Hiking in, which we did on the way in. It is very important to check the tides, and it is recommended to avoid hiking along the beach once the tide reaches +3."

    9. Brooks Camp Campground — Katmai Bay National Park

    3 Reviews
    Port Lions, AK
    Website
    +1 (907) 246-3305

    $23 / night

    "If you are a national parks enthusiast, or even remotely interested in them, you’ve probably heard of this spot in Alaska where you can witness bears grabbing salmon straight out of a waterfall."

    "Flew from Florida to Seattle to Anchorage to King Salmon .. and then took a little puddle jumper to Brooks Camp."

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Showing results 1-10 of 115 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in Alaska

1334 Reviews of 115 Alaska Campgrounds



Guide to Alaska

Tent camping in Alaska offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in breathtaking natural landscapes, from rugged coastlines to serene lakes. With a variety of campgrounds available, adventurers can find the perfect spot to pitch their tents and enjoy the great outdoors.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

  • The Bartlett Cove Campground is free but requires a permit, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for those looking to explore Glacier Bay National Park.
  • At Copper River Campground, overnight camping costs $20, providing access to stunning views and fishing opportunities along the river.
  • Pasagshak State Recreation Site offers a beautiful yet primitive camping experience with no fees, perfect for those seeking solitude by the bay.

Explore local activities like hiking and wildlife viewing

Discover specific local attractions and stunning views

  • Galbraith Lake Campground provides access to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife, making it a picturesque destination for campers.
  • The Crescent Creek campground is nestled in a secluded area, offering a magical atmosphere with opportunities for bear sightings and beautiful hiking trails.
  • Tonsina Point at Caines Head boasts stunning beach views and a nearby pavilion, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.