Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, McCarthy, 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 McCarthy campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near McCarthy, AK. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"Great spot for families, only 1/2 from McCarthy and 5 miles from Kennicott. Over the footbridge you can take public shuttles for a fee to Kennicott."
"Perfect Campground for the jumping off into Kennicott and McCarthy. Listen to the Raging River as you fall asleep."
"Beautiful views close to McCarthy's walking bridge. Picnic Benches. Very friendly host. Must try the Roadside Potatohead! It was about a 10 minute walk from our campsite."
"Our campsite had a short walk to a waterfall the family and I played in. It was an amazing experience. The showers/bathrooms here weren’t terrible."
"Like other national parks in Alaska that we encountered, there is often an expensive route and a very affordable route for exploring the park. Wrangell-St. Elias was no exception."
$25 / night
"This campground is only suitable for those with their own transportation as it is a considerable drive from the footbridge, but the trek is worth it."
"Booked three nights after driving the McCarthy Road Area is pretty open with fire rings and a few pit toilets. The ground is not paved or graveled so it’s bumpy coming back."
LegendBooked three nights after driving the McCarthy Road
Area is pretty open with fire rings and a few pit toilets.
The ground is not paved or graveled so it’s bumpy coming back.
We parked our pickup camper with a view of the glacier out our door.
Easy walk to McCarthy foot bridge.
Need to pack out trash as there is no local pickup.
$35 a night for small rigs, $45 for large.
GuideWhile this campsite might be basic in amenities, the views are unbeatable! This also give great access to McCarthy and Kennicott shuttles. Be very careful on the road here, we got a flat on the way out but some very kind Alaskans helped us out and got us on the way.
LegendThis place is so far out of the way and worth it. We only stayed one night but there was enough around and the site was so great, I wish we could have stayed for two. The road to get here isn't hard, just extremely long. When it's wet and the potholes are full of water, you have to treat each of them like they're a foot deep since you have no depth perception. It took us about 3 hours on Nabsena road in our rental jeep compass. We were here in shoulder season and had our pick of spots. We set up right along the water. It was extremely peaceful and relaxing. You could sit here to just enjoy the scenery. Walking into McCarthy is fun too and has a couple of dining options. The city's public outhouses are night, the home made pits on the campground are okay (the dimensions are a little off and they're awkward to sit on). I can't remember if they have wood available but don't count on any amenities. Being shoulder season, we were treated to less than 10 others in the campground (any RV's should be prepared to bondock). Plenty of bear tracks sited hiking in the area and locals said the grizzly's were coming out at night. We even got a glimpse of the Northern Lights but the stars alone are incredible here. This site was well worth travelling for.
LegendStopped here before our hike up to root glacier. The drive there was so beautiful but definitely challenging.
RangerGreat spot for families, only 1/2 from McCarthy and 5 miles from Kennicott. Over the footbridge you can take public shuttles for a fee to Kennicott.
Warning- McCarthy can attract a lot of partying, some visitor may be louder and stay up late.
LegendParking/campground at the end of the road. 25$ for very limited service. The view of the glacier is nice but the rest of the campground has no charm. If you have time, look for a dispersed site 10miles or so before McCarty.
GuideThis campground is only suitable for those with their own transportation as it is a considerable drive from the footbridge, but the trek is worth it. Nice level tent sites near the river with a picnic table and stone fire ring. Outhouse and showers are a short walk away. Guides for river rafting trips live in walled tents nearby if you need anything. Breeze near the river keeps insects at bay and some greenery between sites provide privacy. A nice place to camp away from the hubbub at the end of the road.
LegendThis is less of a campsite and more of a just roughing-in it (boondocking) on the side of the river on some gravel. Gorgeous views in every direction so worth the gravelly spots. Perfect Campground for the jumping off into Kennicott and McCarthy. Listen to the Raging River as you fall asleep. Friendly host went out of his way to let us use his phone to check up on grown kids at home. No real fire puts to speak of, we used rocks to enclose our fire and there were plenty of those. No table either but considering the price we really didnt mind for being close to the bridge into McCarthy.
TravelerThe host was really friendly and helpful, easy going guy who owns the property. It’s a flat rate and you can camp wherever you want! There is lots of space to have your own spot. There are lots of fire pits and picnic tables around, as well as outhouses. Great location right by the river and bridge and a short walk to the lake with amazing views of the glacier!
Camping near McCarthy, Alaska, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and a sense of adventure. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a base for exploring the great outdoors, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near McCarthy, Alaska, is all about embracing the wild beauty of nature while enjoying the thrill of adventure. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the views, there's something for everyone in this stunning part of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near McCarthy, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near McCarthy, AK is Base Camp Root Glacier with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
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