The best camping in Alaska

·

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.

93% (1.4K) • 4,211 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Alaska

Pinochle Trail Campground

1. Pinochle Trail Campground

96%
(350)
Glacier View, AK · 25 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 25 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Valdez Adventure Alliance

2. Valdez Adventure Alliance

92%
(514)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Glacier Breeze

3. The Glacier Breeze

95%
(10)
Palmer, AK · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging
The Glacier Breeze is located in Alaska’s beautiful Knik River Valley surrounded by breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains. With the numerous adventures that you can take in the Knik River and Matsu areas, it makes for a perfect base camp. The property also makes for a great beginning or ending of your Alaskan trip with it being conveniently located a short hour drive from Anchorage. Why be in the city when you can be emersed in Alaska!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Chugach National Forest

4. Chugach National Forest

96%
(49)
National forest in Alaska · 414 sites
Surround yourself with millions of acres of wild forests, mountains and river valleys.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Denali National Park & Preserve

5. Denali National Park & Preserve

99%
(54)
National park in Alaska · 278 sites
See the tallest mountain on the continent at this Fairbanks-area park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lazy J Ranch

6. Lazy J Ranch

98%
(81)
Homer, AK · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
My grandparents, Stany and Nelda Jones homestead here, my father was just a toddler when they moved here with his family from Texas. They homestead this area before there were roads, and could only travel to this location via the beach and climbing the bluff.My mothers family also Homestead on the Kenai, in Ninilchik, she was born and grew up there in the small river village. When her and my dad married they continued the Jones family tradition of ranching and farming. We decided to offer our family land and share its beauty with others. Your camping spaces are on a corner of the ranch property, near the shared gazebo fire pit. We hope you love it as much as we do!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Howling Wolf Resort

7. Howling Wolf Resort

70%
(10)
Seward, AK · 17 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Jim Creek Blank Land

8. Jim Creek Blank Land

94%
(41)
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.
Pets
Sven's Basecamp Hostel

9. Sven's Basecamp Hostel

80%
(15)
Fairbanks, AK · 23 sites · Tents, Lodging
Sven's Basecamp Hostel is a small hostel that's open to campers and travelers from all over the world. It is owned and run by Sven, who came to Alaska from Switzerland when he was 21. He has run the hostel for 9+ years now and loves meeting people traveling to Alaska! Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent in our on-property forest! We have unlimited space for campers, and can't wait to meet you and hear your stories. We are a traveler's hostel with plenty of room for tent campers, so expect to meet people from all over the world. You will have access to 3 flush toilets, a sink area, coin-operated showers (25 cents per minute), a full kitchen with a stove, microwave, and refrigerators, and a community fire pit.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
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.
Pets
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lulu's Glamping on the Knik River

14. Lulu's Glamping on the Knik River

96%
(47)
Palmer, AK · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Located on the river's edge of the Knik River in Palmer, Alaska, our glamping tents offer a unique experience. Unplug, unwind and kickback in our Stout canvas style bell tents. Each tent is stylishly outfitted with a queen size bed, linens, rugs, stylish decor and other amenities. You also will have your own smokeless Solo Stove with seating for two outside your tent. Only 45 minutes north of Anchorage, our location boasts incredible views with access to all things outdoor! There are shared porta toilets with foot pump sinks with soap for hand washing on site. There is one on demand outdoor shower! We have an outdoor kitchen with a BBQ grill, pots, pans, dishes, silverware, salt, pepper and other items for guest use. Half of the property is an adult glamping experience. Half of the property allows children, as long as you understand that we are located right on the river and children should be supervised. Our property is the perfect basecamp with easy access to hiking for all abilities; Bodenburg Butte, Lazy Mountain, Pioneer Peek and Pioneer Falls. Located right on the Knik River we can help you plan a day of fishing, kayaking or riverboat touring. Other local activities include ATV rentals, glacier helicopter tours, exploring the town of Palmer, the Alaska State Fair, a trip to the Reindeer Farm, Independence Mine State Historical Park, the Musk Ox Farm, horseback riding, touring our breweries, enjoying the local golf course, sled dog tours and so much more! Although we love pets, in order to keep tents clean and odor fee, pets are not allowed without permission. No smoking 🚭 Check in 4pm Check out 11am We ask that shoes be removed before enter the tent.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Creekside Campground

15. Creekside Campground

98%
(49)
Willow, AK · 8 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Kilcher Homestead MiracleMeadow

16. Kilcher Homestead MiracleMeadow

97%
(30)
Homer, AK · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
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. 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!
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Albatross Campground RESERVATIONS

17. Albatross Campground RESERVATIONS

92%
(48)
Kenai, AK · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
This isn't your mom's RV park... and we're okay with that. If you're looking for a resort with a lazy river, valet parking, and someone bringing you fancy drinks by the campfire... you might want to keep driving. But if you're looking for a clean, affordable place to park your RV or pitch a tent while you enjoy everything the Kenai Peninsula has to offer, you've found it. We offer: • Spacious RV and tent sites • Hot showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities • A fish cleaning station • Vacuum sealer is currently broken for the foreseeable future. • Friendly hosts who are happy to answer questions, share local tips, or help however we can Whether you're here to chase salmon, explore Alaska, or just need a comfortable place to rest after a long day of adventure, we'd love to have you. No frills. No fuss. Just good people, clean facilities, and a great home base for your Alaskan adventure. This summer we added a second shower and restroom for the convenience of our campers as well as a Wi-Fi extender in hopes to strengthen signal at the back end of the property. We know staying connected is important, but encourage you to unplug and enjoy the beauty of Alaska. We unfortunately do not have the space to accommodate boat parking, so we ask that you please park your boat off property to keep the camp organized and enjoyable for all guests.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
The Dacha

18. The Dacha

100%
(5)
Sitka, AK · 1 site
Remote 350 square foot cabin with Jotul woodstove and loft, with a review of Warm Springs Bay. The cabin is a quarter mile from the forest warm springs, and 100 yards down the boardwalk from the baths. Fully equipped with bathroom and cold water, a kayak, fishing rods, a generator and solar. There is a covered deck we use as a kitchen. Please be advised: access only by hiking, floatplane, or boat. Propane lights give heat and illumination. Great fishing for salmon in bay and cutthroat in lake. This is about as remote as it gets! There are no stores, no gas, and brown bears are a concern. Welcome to the most beautiful place on earth.
Pets
Campfires
Stump Creek B&B

19. Stump Creek B&B

99%
(58)
Eureka Roadhouse, AK · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Talkeetna Lake Retreat

20. Talkeetna Lake Retreat

99%
(40)
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!
Electrical hookup
Pets

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