The best 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% (1.1K) 4,161 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Alaska

Valdez Adventure Alliance

1. Valdez Adventure Alliance

90%
(414)
Valdez, AK · 24 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.
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Pinochle Trail Campground

2. Pinochle Trail Campground

95%
(263)
Glacier View, AK · 24 sites · Tents, RVs
Escape to Glacier View, Alaska, and experience the rustic charm of Pinochle Trail Campground, with breathtaking views of the Matanuska Glacier. The campsites feature flat gravel pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Our cabins provide direct access to hiking and riding trails. Amenities include a coffee counter, comfortable foam mattresses, electricity, a heater, a Keurig coffee maker, and a hot water kettle. Please bring your own drinking water. A 250-gallon water tank is available for campfire use. Outhouses are located near each cabin and throughout the campground. There are 23 flat, gravel sites situated directly across Pinochle Trailhead in Glacier View, Alaska. Perfect for hiking, biking, ATV riding, or snowmobiling on historic trails. Tents, trucks, cars, campers, RVs, dogsleds—whatever fits is welcome. We offer sites with tables and fire rings. Additionally, there's an "Open Camping Area" at the back, suitable for larger groups. While a site may be assigned at booking, simply choose the best available spot that works for you upon arrival. Except for the 4th of July, when the site will be assigned upon your arrival. Please bring your own water and keep your camp tidy. Follow simple and common camping rules. Pinochle Trail extends north into the backcountry for about 12 miles, connecting with other trails. Pinochle Trail is part of the historic Knik - Nelchina Trail, used by natives, trappers, miners, and hunters for centuries. It follows the natural route from the Matanuska Valley over the mountain range into Copper River country. Hicks was one of the early guides who had a cabin at Hicks Creek. Along with U.S. Army Lieutenant Joseph Castner, he helped blaze a trail northwest for Captain Glenn in 1898. Described in his journal as a "Tale of Hardship and Suffering," they ended up eating their mules and shoes before reaching their distant goal to the north. Today, we use these trails with relative ease compared to the early explorers, but the scenery and mud holes still remind us of what they endured.
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Seaside Farm

3. Seaside Farm

100%
(127)
Homer, AK · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Seaside Farm is a 30 acre, magical, park like farm on the shores of Kachemak Bay, just outside of Homer, a few miles down from the Kilcher Homestead where I grew up in the 1940's! . Now a song bird sanctuary, with trails, lawns, gardens, trees, hay fields, and a private beach, cabins, a clover camping meadow, Seaside was once part of an original Alaska pioneer homestead. It is also the home of hundreds of songbirds, moose, coyotes, wild hares, flocks of sandhill cranes, two sweet Morgan Horses, an assortment of chickens and visitors seeking peace, nature, wildlife, pristine beaches, in a real Alaska, non touristy setting. This property has three different types accommodations: Rustic, cozy cabins, a big field for tent campers, and a few spaces reserved for 4 wheel drive vans, and small vehicle camping, including rooftop tents If you prefer camping away from the tourist crowds, you will find our soft clover meadows and well kept lawns, a deluxe and memorable experience. The beach is a short walk down the trail, where its peaceful and private, with only the sound of the seagulls and waves. Van campers have a few special areas to park their vehicles, with views of the glaciers and mountains. There is limited parking and turnaround space, and we like our farm not too crowded, to provide a special rural experience to all who visit. It helps to call or text before you arrive to make sure we are on site and can help you with parking! There are three cabins sprinkled throughout the property. Two are off grid, close to the beach, private and magical, with wood stoves. All cabins are able to use the main farm lodge amenities, just a few minutes walk away but have their own outhouses, all with amazing views! You can walk on the beach from the main lodge parking area, there is a covered camping pavilion available to all guests, a communal campfire spot and bbq grill, lovely maintained walking trails and meadows, and even wifi! We allow most dogs, but ask you to contact us before booking with us, so we can let you know our rules before you travel. All dogs must be well behaved, social, on leashes and at owner's side at all times to protect our trusting wildlife from accidental harm, like our baby pheasants, moose, bunnies, and songbird nests!
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Chugach National Forest

4. Chugach National Forest

96%
(48)
National forest in Alaska · 414 sites
Surround yourself with millions of acres of wild forests, mountains and river valleys.
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Denali National Park & Preserve

5. Denali National Park & Preserve

99%
(53)
National park in Alaska · 278 sites
See the tallest mountain on the continent at this Fairbanks-area park.
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Twin Rivers Wilderness

6. Twin Rivers Wilderness

Homer, AK · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Twin Rivers Wilderness is a 520-acre private wilderness area, uniquely situated as a private inholding within the Fritz Creek/Anchor River Critical Habitat Area. It offers an exceptionally private and remote wilderness experience despite being only 8 miles, as the crow flies, from downtown Homer—about a 30-minute drive along a beautiful scenic route. AWD or four-wheel drive is recommended, especially during rainy conditions, as access requires traveling 3.3 miles on a dirt road. No RVs, please. We have miles of trails, including both maintained and game trails, that wind through extensive moose habitat. Wildlife commonly seen on the property includes moose, bears, lynx, porcupines, birds, and many other species. The communal areas are still under development as of June 2026, and some construction activity is taking place near the basecamp yurt and several of the unique clear polycarbonate domes. As a result, we are currently welcoming adventurous travelers who enjoy rustic camping experiences and do not require luxury accommodations. While our infrastructure is still limited, we do provide water, power, and Wi-Fi near our runway hangar camping area, which is suitable for tent and car camping. The property is located on the toe of a ridge above the confluence of the Anchor River and Twitter Creek. Beyond the rivers, we are surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine, undeveloped public wilderness. Enjoy spectacular views of the volcanoes across Cook Inlet to the west and the Kenai Mountains across Kachemak Bay to the south. Our nearest neighbors are miles away. The landscape includes wetlands, meadows, forests, steep valleys, streams, and creeks. In addition to our extensive trail network, we offer guided hikes, guided e-bike tours, and unique packrafting day trips on the Anchor River. At our sister property, located nearby, we also offer ATV tours of the surrounding countryside.
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Albatross Campground RESERVATIONS

7. Albatross Campground RESERVATIONS

94%
(24)
Kenai, AK · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover tranquility at our campground, boasting serene surroundings and offering full hookup RV sites, as well as tent sites. Immerse yourself in the convenience of our amenities, including a laundry room and outdoor kitchen area. Additionally, we provide all the essential facilities for processing and preserving your catch, such as freezers, cleaning tables, vacuum sealers, community fire pit, outdoor kitchen, and a smokehouse. Experience a seamless blend of comfort and nature at our peaceful retreat. Pricing: Cleaning table free (first come first served) Fire wood $5/bundle Showers closed for maintenance. Laundry (quarters required) $4/load Vacuum sealing $1/bag Freezing $1 per pound per day 50 fish smokehouse $20/12hrs Parking for extra vehicles $20/day (no camping/sleeping in parking spots) Cancel booking 24hrs in advance of stay for 100% refund.
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Full hookups
Evenson Heritage Lodge in Kenai

8. Evenson Heritage Lodge in Kenai

96%
(14)
Nikiski, AK · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a lakeside spot for RV or tent camping (bring your own RV or camping gear). There is a picnic table and a fire pit. Water and solar power are available. When camping there, the private area of surrounding wilderness is about 5 acres. The cleared camp site is 45x75 feet. The property in it's entirety is about 150 acres shared with a lodge and a couple of other sites separated by wilderness and having two lakes. This site has direct access to Marie Lake which is suitable for swimming and play. Renters of the campsite will be given access to Bishop Lake, which can be fished for trout when open and your motorcraft can be used.
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Stump Creek B&B

9. Stump Creek B&B

99%
(50)
Eureka Roadhouse, AK · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
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Electrical hookup
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Tongass National Forest

10. Tongass National Forest

86%
(14)
National forest in Alaska · 351 sites
You could spend a lifetime exploring southeast Alaska's massive Tongass National Forest.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park

11. Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park

100%
(3)
State park in Alaska · 13 sites
Boat or fly out for a camping adventure in Alaska’s first state park.
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Denali State Park

12. Denali State Park

100%
(3)
State park in Alaska · 131 sites
This park acts like an extension of Denali National Park with several hundred thousand wild acres.
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Kenai River Special Management Area

13. Kenai River Special Management Area

100%
(3)
State park in Alaska · 128 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Kenai River Special Management Area.
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Creekside Campground

14. Creekside Campground

97%
(36)
Willow, AK · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a small, family-run campground in the heart of Willow, AK just off the Parks Highway FEATURING 🔌Electric - 30 and 50 amp 💧 Water fill up available from our well 🌳 Gravel and natural forest sites both suitable for RVs or tents 🔥 Picnic tables and fire pits at each site 🚿 Shower house with toilet and hot water shower 🏞️ A relaxing, babbling creek 🐾 Minutes away from downtown Willow, including the start of the Iditarod and the entrance to Hatcher Pass. We have fresh cut firewood available for purchase. Our family lives on site and is available for anything you may need during your stay.
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Float-n-Fish Campground

15. Float-n-Fish Campground

100%
(9)
Cooper Landing, AK · 11 sites · Tents, RVs
Float-n-Fish Campground is a tiny family-owned campground on 2.4 acres right off the bustling Sterling Highway in Cooper Landing, Alaska.
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North 40 Basecamp

16. North 40 Basecamp

100%
(1)
Sutton, AK · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Tucked along the banks of the Matanuska River, North 40 Basecamp is where mountain views meet campfire nights, and the sound of rushing water becomes your nighttime soundtrack. This hidden spot captures the quiet beauty of Alaska’s backcountry—without being far from the road. Each site offers wide-open views of the Chugach peaks and the kind of stillness that reminds you why you came north in the first place. Simple, scenic, and wonderfully wild — it’s a place to slow down, breathe deep, and feel Alaska all around you.
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Twin Peaks Sleeps

17. Twin Peaks Sleeps

100%
(4)
Chugiak, AK · 1 site
Escape the hustle and bustle of crowded campgrounds and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Eklutna Valley at Twin Peaks Sleeps. With astounding mountain views, staying at TP Sleeps will take your breath away when you step out your door. Nestled on the north edge Anchorage, Alaska, our sites provide a perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Explore the stunning surroundings, play at Eklutna Lake and stay in quiet comfort at our RV site with electric, water & sewer hookups. Checkin at the Ice Cream Shop, Twin Peaks Treats. No check-ins after 9pm. Twin Peaks Sleeps is your gateway to a peaceful escape amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Eklutna Valley.
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Full hookups
Jim Creek Blank Land

18. Jim Creek Blank Land

98%
(28)
Palmer, AK · 30 sites
Welcome to Jim Creek 10 — Voted Runner-Up for Best Campground! Escape to raw, open Alaska for just $12/night. This spacious, untouched land is located in the beautiful Butte area of Palmer, right off Walling Road (address: 18748 Walling Rd). No signs, no frills—just you and the wild. Camp your way: • Choose your perfect spot—under the trees, in the open grass, or tucked into your own little hideaway. • Self-contained rigs are welcome (RV, camper, van, tent). • No hookups, no amenities. Just nature. • Pack it in, pack it out—please take all trash with you. What makes it special: • Direct access to Jim Creek ATV trails—ride straight from your site! • Excellent nearby fishing and wildlife spotting—moose are regular guests. • No designated pads—freedom to roam and set up as you like. • Campfires allowed, unless there’s an active State fire ban. Why stay here? Tired of paying $100 a night for hookups you don’t need? This land gives you freedom, space, and an unbeatable price. Perfect for off-grid adventurers, ATV enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore the Jim Creek area on their own terms.
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Howling Wolf Resort

19. Howling Wolf Resort

71%
(7)
Seward, AK · 14 sites · RVs, Lodging
Enjoy glamping in Seward, Alaska at Howling Wolf Resort—where comfort meets the outdoors. Nestled in beautiful wilderness, it’s the perfect spot for both first-time campers and seasoned adventurers. No experience needed—just come ready to relax, explore, and enjoy a cozy stay in nature.
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Full hookups
Talkeetna Lake Retreat

20. Talkeetna Lake Retreat

98%
(30)
Talkeetna, AK · 11 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. Open June 1 2026-September 15 2026. 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!
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Alaska camping 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Alaska, you can park your RV for free in various locations, such as pullouts, rest areas, and some public lands. It is important to respect any posted signs and regulations, as well as to practice Leave No Trace principles. Here are some nearby RV camping options in Alaska:

Keep in mind that these options may not all be free, but they provide a variety of RV camping locations in Alaska for your convenience.

In Alaska, you cannot camp anywhere, but there are vast areas of public land where you can find dispersed camping opportunities. Alaska is home to numerous campgrounds, national parks, state parks, national forests, and wilderness areas where camping is permitted. However, it's essential to follow the rules and regulations of the specific area where you plan to camp, as some locations may have restrictions or designated camping sites.

Dispersed camping is allowed on most public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. When camping in these areas, be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles, respect private property, and stay at least 100 feet away from lakes and streams. Some popular destinations for camping in Alaska include fishing campsites, glamping sites, and forest campsites.

Yes, Alaska is an excellent destination for camping, offering a wide range of camping experiences from remote wilderness locations to well-maintained campgrounds. The state's vast and diverse landscape, including mountains, glaciers, forests, and coastal areas, provides an unparalleled backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular camping destinations in Alaska include Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Additionally, there are numerous state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds throughout the state to suit various camping preferences. Keep in mind that due to Alaska's northern location, the camping season is generally shorter than in other parts of the United States, with the best time to camp being from late May to early September.

Campground fees in Alaska can vary depending on the location, amenities, and type of site. On average, you can expect to pay around $10 to $25 per night for a basic tent or RV site at public campgrounds. More developed campgrounds with additional facilities and services may charge higher fees.

Yes, it is generally safe to sleep in your car in Alaska, as long as you follow certain precautions and guidelines. Make sure to park in designated camping areas or RV parks, and be aware of the weather conditions, as temperatures can drop significantly at night. It's important to have proper sleeping gear, food, and water supplies, as well as a plan for restroom facilities. Additionally, be cautious of wildlife, such as bears, and store food and scented items securely. You can find some suitable locations for car camping in Alaska on Hipcamp, such as Safety Cove, Sealion Cove, and Sunny Cove.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top state and regional parks in Alaska