Discover the best mountainous campgrounds in Alaska

United States
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Alaska

93% (354 reviews)

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12 top mountainous campgrounds in Alaska

91%

(222)

Valdez Adventure Alliance

27 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Valdez, AK

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. 20 sites are available 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. 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.

96%

(170)

Pinochle Trail Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Sutton Alpine, AK

Flat, gravel spaces at Pinochle Trailhead in Glacier View, Alaska. Great hiking, biking, ATV or snow machine on historic trail. Tents, trucks, cars, campers, RVs, dogsleds .... whatever you can fit is welcome. 8 spaces with tables and fire rings. There is also an "Open Camping Area" in back that larger groups may like. Although a number may be assigned at booking, just pick the best available camp space that works for you on arrivial. You'll need to bring your own water and keep a clean camp. Pinochle Trail goes north into the backcountry for around 12 miles and joins other trails. Pinochle trail is a section of the ancient Knik - Nelchina Trail used by natives, trappers, miners and hunters for eons. It traverses the natural route from the Matanuska Valley up and over the mountain range into Copper River country. Hicks was one of the early guides who had a cabin at Hicks Creek and served with U.S. Army Lieutenant Joseph Castner to brushwack a trail northwest for Captain Glenn in 1898. Described in his journal as at "Tale of Hardship and Suffering" they ended up eating their mules and shoes before reaching their goal far to the north. Today we use these trails with relative ease compared to the old timers but the scenery and mud holes remind us of what they went through.

93%

(15)

North 40 Stays

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Sutton, AK

Camp right on the banks of the Matanuska river while staring at the magnificent King Mountain, Pinnacle mountain, and Craig Mountain! Over 10 acres with only 5 camp sites! Close to Kings river and some of the best ATV trails in the State! The Matanuska river offers some of the best rock hounding in the area and when the river is low, kids love playing in the shallow river streams and sandbars! This is an adult, kids and dogs dream play area! Come relax and get away from the busyness of life!!

Stump Creek B&B

3 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Eureka Roadhouse, AK

The property at this location is very special to us because my grandfather homesteaded here in the 60s and it’s still in the family. This location was his and his wife’s main home of living where they made this homestead and rented cabins and had a little store to produce extra income to raise their family.

Rustic Riverside Camp

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Pleasant Valley, AK

Welcome to our beautiful, private, rustic camp situated along the bank of the North Fork Chena River just 55 miles NE of Fairbanks lies the perfect camping experience just 2 miles from Chena Hot Springs Resort. We are located a 1/2mile off Chena Hot Springs Road, on the famous Yukon Quest Trail. Our camp is accessible to those exploring Alaska by vehicle, motorcycle, bike, truck camper, travel van or small RV. Come stay in one of our cute cabins, park or pitch your tent under the midnight sun – enjoy fishing, hiking, atving, berry picking, wildlife watching and more. We are a seasonal camp Open May 23, 2024 - August 16, 2024.

Denali's Doorstep Dry Camping Cabin

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Cantwell, AK

Just 30 minutes away from the South Entrance to Denali National Park, this is one of the BEST private camping cabins on the Parks Highway! Strategically located on a secluded homestead from the 1960s, you'll be able to see Mount McKinley on a clear day! The nearby Summit Lake is perfect for fly fishing and local hiking trails are accessible right from the front door. We've got a couple kayaks for rent if you'd like to explore the local lake. Experience a TRUE Alaskan living experience in this DRY cabin with Modern touches. Since there's no interior running water or septic system, we encourage our guests to stop by the local gas station to pick up a couple gallons of water and some water bottles for drinking/washing hands. We do provide a camping toilet (5 gallon bucket with seat and trash bags) but you'll have to haul the bags out with you when you leave - along with your trash. Electricity is provided via a Generator that we provide - but you will need to refill the fuel you use at the local gas station. There is heat provided via a Fuel Oil stove. To save costs on cleaning fees - you'll be responsible to leave the cabin in as good - if not better condition than you find when you arrive. We practice the "Leave No Trace" principles. Since we don't have a local cleaning team in place, you'll also need to bring your own bedding (recommend a sleeping bag) and linens/towels etc. If you're flying in to Anchorage we recommend you stop in at the local Walmart and buy a cheap sleeping bag to carry with you on your journey throughout the state. It will be about the same cost as a typical cleaning fee. Trust us, the extra work to enjoy this cabin is worth it! It has the most INCREDIBLE scenery! Bring S'mores and some firewood for the fire pit and enjoy an Alaskan experience at Denali's Doorstep!

100%

(17)

The Quiet Serene Wild Wellness Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Anchor Point, AK

Come stay in the epicenter of the historic Homer Smith cattle ranch on the edge of the 1900 acre Anchor River Fritz Creek Critical wildlife Habitat in one of the quiet most beautiful places in the South Kenai peninsula. Relax in a mountain wildflower meadow looking out towards the ocean, hills and mountain tops. Decompress down at the local river, have a bon fire, go for a walk from the land, or drive to the countless adventures, amenities that Homer and Anchor Point offer. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent behind a grove of spruce trees in a blooming fireweed meadow, adjacent to Homer Smith's Historic barn on our farm stead over looking the view of the 1900 acre Fritz Creek Anchor River Critical Wildlife Habitat, the Ocean (Kachemak Bay), and the jagged peaks of the Kenai mountains. Learn about regenerative farming practices with our flock of 100+ Hens and Mr. Rooster in their egg mobile. Find peace above our bee hives, enjoy the calls of the sandhill cranes and other birds and the quietude of the pristine wilderness that surrounds us. Pick some veggies from the garden, check our food forest and walk a few minutes away to two peony farms. Some hiking, beach walks, yoga, meditation, biking and river access are just minutes away. Our camp sites offer lots of space between them, allow for personal space, privacy and all have an incredible view. We built raised wooden platforms to accommodate most tents. Raising the site up allows for a warmer, level, more soft place to place your tent and enjoy the quietude and views above the Anchor River valley. Homer is arguably one of best places to experience all Alaska has to offer and our farm is absolutely one of the best places in Homer area to see the Aurora Borealis, and for star gazing. Our neighborhood could qualify as one of the dark zones because we are out tucked into wilderness. Come reconnect with nature, you'll find some warm hearted folks here welcoming into their home.

100%

(4)

The Raven's Den of the Chugach

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Tonsina, AK

As a Heli-Ski Guide in the Chugach, I found my slice of Heaven. I am excited to share it with you! Learn more about this land:Stunningly beautiful location in the heart of the Chugach Mountains ~45 miles east of Valdez, Alaska. Snow capped and glaciated mountains with active waterfalls surround this quaint valley known as the "Serendipity Homestead." Google search Mt. Billy Mitchell, Alaska, and you'll see what your campsite view will be, as this location is literally at the base of this gorgeous mountain. 2 rivers, the Tsina and Tiekel, and Stewart Creek (All glacially fed...) converge in this valley. Listen to the waterfalls cascading from the Mt. Billy Mitchell Glacier, or rapids of the 3 waterways, as you doze off to sleep. Thanks, Host, Robb Maris

100%

(13)

Kilcher Homestead MiracleMeadow

6 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Homer, AK

A few things that make my place unique: My 5 acres is part of the famous 620-acre Kilcher Homestead, as seen on “Alaska the Last Frontier” TV show. I am the 7th of the 8 children; Atz and Otto are my brothers. There is a special feeling here vibrating in the land, and why our parents picked this spot. Full outdoor kitchen with all you need to cook and wash up; BBQ, hotplate, pure drinking water, spices, pots/pans/dishes etc. Outdoor hot shower and outhouse with great views! The atmosphere feels so pure, so silent, so wild yet comfortable. Drive-in access sometimes, or have to walk 15 minutes, and no issues with mosquitoes!!! You get to meet me and maybe other family members as you cruise around. Homer is 35 minutes away, with oodles of things to do there: great restaurants, a lap pool, fun shopping, etc. We have quite good cell reception here. Lots of options to enjoy your stay!

Booked 6 times

Haines River Camp

4 sites · Tents6 acres · Haines, AK

We have owned this property since 1996 and have found it to be a special healing place and have now decided to share it with other special people. It is approximately 6 acres on the Chilkat river, with about 1200 feet of river frontage. The Cathedral Peaks are directly across the river from the property, which has southern exposure and each campsite has sunset views. All the salmon species swim up the river. The subject property has nursery streams for the salmon. They do not spawn here, but the fry come from upstream spawning grounds to grow up a bit before heading out to the ocean. Swans nest in a nearby pond and sometimes play in the river out front. Evenings and nights are quite and peaceful

Booked 3 times

Historic Wharfsite at Sunrise AK

10 sites · Tents10 acres · Sunrise, AK

Learn more about this land: Sixmile Creek empties into Turnagain Arm next to this picturesque area. River rafting and fishing is nearby as well as the goldrush town of Hope just eight miles away. High tides twice a day can turn this into an island if they are over 29 feet. This property is about a half mile walk down a gold-rush era road to the wharf site of the gold rush town of Sunrise City. The buildings and tents of the approximately 10,000 miners who lived in this area are long gone. But the scenic views, peacefulness and quiet of this rugged area of south central Alaska are not soon forgotten. There are no paved trails or boardwalks. No crowds or hot dog vendors. Imagine fishing without crowds--catching pink and silver salmon or trout with awesome views of the Chugach National Forest. Don't expect amenities. This is camping outdoors in Alaska. There is a communal firepit with a portable firepit and grill that can be moved to whereever you set up your tent. Usually your group will be alone on your adventure here. There is nothing like this location anywhere else along Turnagain Arm.

Saved 4 times

A Place in the Woods; Close 2 town!

1 site · Lodging1 acres · Tanaina, AK

Learn more about this land:In the Woods, 2-5 minutes from “town” (but “miles” from the city lights!) Enjoy “the adventure of camping out in the woods” without having to pay for a crowded “RV park site, have to set up, level camper, connect water, propane, waste waters, etc. (Yuck!) Just relax, read, or start a camp fire 🔥, use the gas BBQ, watch birds, squirrels, the local Moose! This unique “Retro 1960s” Experience, is camping, at it’s best! Our VINTAGE, classic ‘nearly-restored’ 1968 “Allah’s Choice Travel Camper Trailer” is all set up, for your immediate use on arrival w/full hookups, WiFi, easy Parking, on our Pvt. One-Acre Property, & just 2+ miles from WASILLA w/ restaurants, stores, and more. The adjacent property is over 25+ acres of Natural Forest with an abundance of all the flora & fauna so common in Alaska! It’s our “Stay-Cation-Escape” (not how we used to ‘go camping’,) we now share how to avoid paying nightly rent for “hookups”, set up 5-10’ away from ‘too many people’ crowded into their huge “Homes on Wheels!.” We SHARE our “Little Travel Trailer, set it up on our property for you to enjoy. Come on out to adventure, sans the hassle! Call for more info!

Mountainous camping in Alaska guide

Overview

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.

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.