The best family-friendly camping in Alaska

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Alaska is a bucket list trip for people around the globe thanks to some of the world's largest intact ecosystems and the chance to spot incredible wildlife. Here you'll find wild salmon runs filling the ocean bays and rivers where brown bears feast, plus giant moose roaming the big river valleys and mountains. While some incredible parts of Alaska are accessible by highways, many areas are so remote that road systems don't exist, meaning access is by bush flight, boat, or on foot. Camping in Alaska can mean everything from pitching tents on a riverbank or enjoying comfortable RV parks adjacent to wild areas.

92% (273) 35 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Alaska

Valdez Adventure Alliance

1. Valdez Adventure Alliance

90%
(411)
Valdez, AK · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Once run by the state but is now managed by VAA. The beautiful Blueberry Lake campground on Thompson Pass has spectacular 360-degree mountain views. 21 sites are available (1-17 on a paved loop road) near the lake. Vault toilets and a water pump are available for use. Several sites work well as group camping sites. There are no RV hookups or pull-throughs. Pets and generators are allowed. Bring your own firewood. The McAllister cabin, at the mouth of Shoup Bay Marine State Park, is best accessed by kayak or boat. There is a narrow, tide dependent channel that leads to the inner lagoon where Moraine and Kittiwake cabins are located. Kayaks recommended for access.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Talkeetna Lake Retreat

2. Talkeetna Lake Retreat

98%
(30)
Talkeetna, AK · 13 sites
Escape the daily grind and indulge in a delightful retreat with us. Welcome to our evolving Alaskan campground – a work in progress that promises a unique experience. Situated on 15 acres, our property offers kayak use included in stay, outdoor showers, outhouse restroom, scenic cross-country walking paths, and an optional propane fire pit tank to add on to your reservation. With 8 electric RV pads and 3 dry RV pads complemented by picnic tables, you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort. Additionally, there's a grocery store, Subway, coffee shop, and gas station within walking distance, ensuring convenience and variety during your stay. You must be able to open and close a gate to enter or exit the property. Discover the Talkeetna Lake Retreat!
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
$35
 / night

Alaska is a bucket list trip for people around the globe thanks to some of the world's largest intact ecosystems and the chance to spot incredible wildlife. Here you'll find wild salmon runs filling the ocean bays and rivers where brown bears feast, plus giant moose roaming the big river valleys and mountains. While some incredible parts of Alaska are accessible by highways, many areas are so remote that road systems don't exist, meaning access is by bush flight, boat, or on foot. Camping in Alaska can mean everything from pitching tents on a riverbank or enjoying comfortable RV parks adjacent to wild areas.

92% (273) 35 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Alaska

Valdez Adventure Alliance

1. Valdez Adventure Alliance

90%
(411)
Valdez, AK · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Once run by the state but is now managed by VAA. The beautiful Blueberry Lake campground on Thompson Pass has spectacular 360-degree mountain views. 21 sites are available (1-17 on a paved loop road) near the lake. Vault toilets and a water pump are available for use. Several sites work well as group camping sites. There are no RV hookups or pull-throughs. Pets and generators are allowed. Bring your own firewood. The McAllister cabin, at the mouth of Shoup Bay Marine State Park, is best accessed by kayak or boat. There is a narrow, tide dependent channel that leads to the inner lagoon where Moraine and Kittiwake cabins are located. Kayaks recommended for access.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Talkeetna Lake Retreat

2. Talkeetna Lake Retreat

98%
(30)
Talkeetna, AK · 13 sites
Escape the daily grind and indulge in a delightful retreat with us. Welcome to our evolving Alaskan campground – a work in progress that promises a unique experience. Situated on 15 acres, our property offers kayak use included in stay, outdoor showers, outhouse restroom, scenic cross-country walking paths, and an optional propane fire pit tank to add on to your reservation. With 8 electric RV pads and 3 dry RV pads complemented by picnic tables, you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort. Additionally, there's a grocery store, Subway, coffee shop, and gas station within walking distance, ensuring convenience and variety during your stay. You must be able to open and close a gate to enter or exit the property. Discover the Talkeetna Lake Retreat!
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
$35
 / night

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The best family-friendly camping in Alaska guide

Where to go

Bristol Bay

Bristol Bay is an expansive region with massive lakes, huge ocean bays and wild rivers. It’s known for abundant salmon runs that draw anglers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Visit Katmai National Park and Preserve to watch bears catch salmon on Brooks Falls or fish for salmon and giant rainbow trout on the mighty Kvichak River. Lake Iliamna and the rivers in this area offer incredible fishing, sightseeing and boating.

Kenai Peninsula

Some areas in Alaska are road accessible, making them perfect for camping and exploring at your own pace. The Kenai Peninsula is one of those special places where you can experience the best of Alaska from RV sites and tent camping areas at private and public campgrounds in places like Soldotna. Go fishing on the mighty Kenai River for salmon and trout, take a cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park, take a dog sledding tour or go hiking on the many miles of trails on this wild peninsula.

Southeast Alaska

The rugged Southeast coastline is dotted with small communities, many of which are isolated from any highway systems. Ketchikan and Juneau are two hubs to visit for access to the expansive Tongass National Forest. Prince of Wales Island has limited services but rental vehicles and island roads allow for access to go fishing and hunting in this remote area.

Denali National Park

Accessible by road system, Denali National Park leads many visitors to fly into Anchorage and rent a vehicle or RV to visit. The incredible peak is more than 20,000-feet high and the surrounding Alaska Range is absolutely stunning. If you want an unforgettable view, consider flightseeing tours to gain elevation and really get into the mountains. Moose and bear sightings are common and the trails offer a range of hiking options for visitors. This park is fantastic and is accessible for a wide range of budgets and camping styles.

Alaska is a two-season state where it’s either feeling like summer or winter. In summer, the days are long, leaving plenty of time to explore and very little darkness to help you sleep. The inverse is true during the winter months. The first snowfall, also called termination dust, typically arrives sometime in September and it coincides with rapid color changes and shorter days. Most visitors arrive during summer when the salmon are running and bush flights operate in places like Bristol Bay on regular flight schedules. Although summer is ideal for most campers, winter does have special events like dog sledding races and views of the northern lights.

Top state and regional parks in Alaska