Best Tent Camping in Alaska

Alaska's wilderness offers exceptional tent camping opportunities across its national parks and state recreation areas. Wonder Lake Campground in Denali National Park provides tent-only walk-in sites with unparalleled mountain views when skies are clear. Exit Glacier Campground in Kenai Fjords National Park features 12 secluded tent sites with gravel pads and communal cooking areas. Bartlett Cove Campground in Glacier Bay National Park offers 36 walk-in tent sites accessible via a quarter-mile trail from the parking area. North Beach at Caines Head State Recreation Area provides tent platforms and beach camping accessible only by boat or hiking at low tide.

Most tent campgrounds in Alaska require proper food storage due to bear activity. Bear-proof lockers or food caches are provided at established sites, with specific regulations about where cooking can occur. Exit Glacier Campground prohibits food storage at individual campsites, instead providing communal storage areas. At Bartlett Cove, campers must attend a mandatory orientation on bear safety protocols and must prepare food only in designated areas. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with rain common throughout the summer season. Vault toilets are standard at most locations, but running water is limited. According to reviews, mosquitoes can be intense, particularly at Wonder Lake, where head nets and strong repellent are recommended.

Primitive tent camping in Alaska offers remarkable solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities. One visitor reported that Wonder Lake sites are "large with plenty of space around you so that you feel almost as if you're out there alone." At Tonsina Point, campers noted the option to either use established forest sites or camp directly on the beach for glacier views. Backcountry tent camping is available throughout Alaska's parks with proper permits. Campers at Exit Glacier described sites as "secluded and spaced far apart" with "non-potable well water" available. Many walk-in tent sites require carrying gear short distances, with Bartlett Cove providing wheelbarrows to transport equipment from the parking area to campsites. Pack rain gear regardless of the forecast, as weather conditions can shift quickly.

Best Tent Sites in Alaska (118)

    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

    9 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

    $45 / 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 118 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in Alaska

1366 Reviews of 118 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.