Valerie S.
Traveler
TravelerSlide Mountain Cabins and RV Park
The hosts were extremely helpful and generous. 1 shower is included in your reservation which was absolutely heavenly. The kids loved the play set. Great views for stargazing!
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, and Alaska BLM camping spots provide additional options for those seeking remote experiences. 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 Campgrounds in Alaska (122)
1. Wonder Lake Campground — Denali National Park
16 ReviewsDenali National Park and Preserve, AKWebsite+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 ReviewsSeward, AKWebsite+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. Girdwood Campground
12 ReviewsGirdwood, AKWebsite+1 (907) 343-8373"These are walk in tent sites. There are no spots for RVs or trailers. Firewood is a fun place and not too far from Anchorage."
"Small private walk up sites. Parking is close. There is a large common area for a camp fire and covered picnic tables. I enjoyed the common areas as that facilitates meeting new people."
4. Lower Skilak Lake Campground
9 ReviewsSoldotna, AKWebsite+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."
5. Bartlett Cove Campground — Glacier Bay National Park
6 ReviewsGustavus, AKWebsite+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."
6. Alaska Marine Highway
4 ReviewsWhittier, AKWebsite+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."
7. North Beach at Caines Head State Rec Area
4 ReviewsSeward, AKWebsite"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."
8. Portage Cove Campground
4 ReviewsHaines, AKWebsite+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."
9. Tonsina Point at Caines Head
3 ReviewsSeward, AKWebsite$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."
10. Drop Anchor Seaview Glamping Homer Alaska
3 ReviewsHomer, AK+1 (907) 299-9805$100 - $250 / night
"Mel has some fabulous, AK born and raised 3rd generation, stories, she shared with us. she could write a book about her life. "
"Loved having a common indoor area with flush toilets In town bike path right out front of the front of their property, about a 3 minute bike ride to downtown Homer
We have our own firepit with bbq grill"
Recent Tent Camping Photos in Alaska
36 Photos of 122 Alaska Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Three Sisters Overlook CampsiteJ
Brooks Camp Campground — Katmai Bay National Park
Wonder Lake Campground — Denali National Park
Portage Cove CampgroundK
Maclaren River Lodge
Glamping Adventures in Alaska
Backcountry Unit 13: Mount Eielson — Denali National Park
Backcountry Unit 18: Muldrow Glacier — Denali National Park
North Beach at Caines Head State Rec Area
Alaska Marine Highway
Healy Overlook
Girdwood Campground
Tent Camping Reviews in Alaska
1523 Reviews of 122 Alaska Campgrounds
- LLarry L.
ScoutKing Mountain State Rec Area
Amazing view
Driving a 34’ boat trailer with sailboat from Bend, OR up the Alaska Highway, was one of the most amazing campsite views of the trip, yes, parking that trailer was ‘interesting’, and not suggested, but was a life saver, end of a long day driving, was delighted with the find, stay here whenever I am driving by, calm, clear, restfull, not crowded, not fancy, just AK right!
- G
Gabi T.TravelerMooseberry Acres on Nancy Lake
Beautiful spot on Nancy Lake
Very friendly and welcoming hosts. Nice spot complete with a few water/electric sites
- JJay W.Traveler
King Mountain State Rec Area
Very good stay
Smaller sites. Any trailer over 23 feet, would be tough. Host was very helpful and all the sites were clean. One water hand pump with boil warning. Sites next to river very nice. If you like quiet and seclusion, this is your camp. Chickaloon store right down the highway!
Janel H.ScoutWhiskey Gulch Campground
Bottom of a sketchy steep road
Do not go down this road if you don’t have 4wd or AWD and good tires. If it is muddy or raining and wet the way back up could be impassable if you don’t have the a capable vehicle. There’s definitely some permanent resident tents. I backed into a spot across from the beach. Beware that this place can flood if there’s big surf and a high tide. It’s a popular place for atvs and loud parties. Relatively clean with a pit toilet. I felt safeish here, glad I brought my dog. Nice beach for walking.
KristieScoutRoadside Camp on Parks Highway
Convenient state land
This gravel pit area is on state land. While it is just off the highway, there is a buffer of trees that kept traffic sounds to a minimum.
- JJulie A.Scout
Savage River Campground — Denali National Park
Extremely nasty hostess and appalling welcome to Denali
Positive points as follows:-
- Fabulous location inside the park with fantastic wildlife viewing on route(we saw moose and a grizzly bear at the side of the road)-
- Nice wooded sites
What we didn’t like:
- I made my reservation months in advance and received an email confirmation with a reference number. I assumed that this email was all I needed to confirm my booking on arrival.
- Within the main body of the email there is a big heading stating“important information” and in that section the only item that is highlighted is the lack of WiFi service at the campsite.
- We arrived at 11pm at night. There was no notice of where to check in or indeed which site to go to. At previous campsites I had received a lovely email to welcome us and provide directions for our arrival
.- The next morning, one of the most unpleasant, nasty people that I have ever had the misfortune to meet came banging on our RV door. There was no welcome or kind words or even a smile. She introduced herself as the camp hostess (clearly she is in the wrong line of work) and demanded that we leave the site immediately, stating we had 6 minutes to vacate and instructing us to drive 30 mins down the road to another campsite where the check-in reception was located and where we had to buy our park permits. No understanding or interest in our long journey the night before, nor the fact that we were a family with young children.
- We discovered after the fact that the there was a link within the confirmation of reservation email that you have to click on to take you to a separate website with all the information about check-in! This information should be in the main body of the email NOT on a click through.
- We spoke to other people in the campsite who had experienced exactly the same issues. They had been unaware of the check-in procedure and had received the same nasty treatment from the same nasty old woman!
Recommendations:
-Key information about check-in should be in the main body of the email especially if check-it is at an entirely separate location, a 30 minute drive away;
- That lady should not be employed in the hospitality business and certainly not as a hostess!! She has absolutely no people skills, kindness or understanding. She is a terrible introduction and first impression to anyone visiting Denali as a tourist. She really put a bad taste in our mouths and was not a nice representative for Alaska and its people!
- MMATTHEW R.
RangerTok River State Rec Area
$18 if paid within 30 min
Otherwise $20 so bring exact change. Close to the alaska highway so some car noise but very nice
- Abbey P.
GuidePinochle Trail Campground
Beautiful Campground
This was my second time staying here - we love it! Both times we were able to snag one of the spots facing the glacier and it was just so peaceful and beautiful. Some sites are definitely less level than others but it was worth it. Pit toilets are comfortable and the water for putting out campfires was a great touch. Cabins also look cute!
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
- The North Beach at Caines Head State Rec Area features hiking trails that lead to historical sites like Fort McGilvray, providing a mix of adventure and history.
- Lake Kontrashibuna Backcountry camping offers serene hiking opportunities with minimal crowds, allowing for peaceful exploration of the surrounding wilderness.
- At Rabbit Lake Primitive Campsites, visitors can enjoy hiking trails that lead to stunning views, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
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.
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