Alaska is America’s last frontier, topping travelers’ bucket lists with remote landscapes and abundant wildlife. Alaska campgrounds are just the starting point, but they can be just as beautiful and exciting as the distant mountains and glaciers you’ll explore.
Where to go camping in Alaska
Nature runs the show here, from the stony coasts of salmon-filled rivers, to the highest peak in North America. You’ll want to immerse yourself in the outdoors — and camping is the best way to do that! These are our top 5 favorite Alaska campgrounds to check out along the way.
1. Exit Glacier Campground
Image from Dyrt user Amber A.
Take a drive down Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and you’ll find Exit Glacier within the Kenai Fjords National Park. The campsite itself is very close to Exit Glacier, where you can take a short hike to see the glacier or relax at your tent-only campsite. Be prepared. You might see a moose or a bear!
Reviews & Photos2. Wonder Lake Campground
Image from Dyrt user Alison G.
Reaching Wonder Lake is a commitment. It’s the very last campground on the long road to Denali National Park, and can only be reached after a 5.5-6 hour bus ride. But once you arrive, nothing really compares. This is the only campsite in the park that gives you views of Denali. Since a lot of people are deterred by the distance, you’ll likely have plenty of space to soak in the bright white peak that demands the sky on clear days.
Reviews & Photos3. Valdez Glacier Campground
Image from Dyrt user Staci J.
This is where you should go if you want to find a spacious spot to relax. Most of the sites are fairly spread out and separated by lots of trees. The views of Valdez Glacier are immaculate, as are the views of all the wildlife in the area.
Reviews & Photos4. Juneau Lake Cabin
Image from Dyrt user Bart R.
Juneau is a camper’s wonderland, and this is a cozy little cabin for you and your group to enjoy. The Forest Service (USFS) owns and maintains several cabins throughout Alaska, and they all vary in age, amenities, distance, etc. Juneau Lake Cabin requires a 10-mile hike, but visitors are rewarded with exceptional views, a canoe to use on the lake, a wood stove, and wildlife galore.
Reviews & Photos5. Porcupine Campground
Image from Dyrt user Laura H.
This is arguably the most peaceful and scenic campground in the area. Sites fill up fast, due to its close proximity to the bay, where you can watch windsurfers skipping across the glassy water. You might even spot a beluga whale break the surface with their adorably round face.
Reviews & PhotosWin Gear for Camping in Alaska!
There are so many different places to camp in Alaska and every place has its own unique features. Whether you’re looking for glaciers, open water, wildlife, or big mountains, you’re going to find it in Alaska. While you’re exploring and camping in Alaska this summer, you can win some amazing gear from brands like Beyond Clothing and Belmont Blanket, just by reviewing your campsites on The Dyrt.
The weather in Alaska is notoriously unpredictable, so you’ll need to pack clothing that can withstand all types of weather. Beyond Clothing adapts to your environment, making it the go-to gear for travel and camping in Alaska. Take a look at their AXIOS layering system that will keep you protected, dry, and warm.
Created to fill the void in quality adventure blankets, the Belmont Blanket is the perfect, functional accessory for your Alaska trip. The fleece will keep you warm when the temperature drops, and the waterproof lining will keep you dry in downpours. Not only are Belmont Blankets dependable for any adventure, but they look good too!
Want to win some of this great gear all summer long? Go camping and review campsites on The Dyrt! Check out our contests here.
Check out our friends at Outliers Overland as they camp and overland on a Southern Alaskan beach at low tide.
