The best camping in Denali National Park & Preserve, AK
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Denali National Park & Preserve adventure.
Top-rated campgrounds in Denali National Park & Preserve
1. Wonder Lake Campground
2. Teklanika River Campground
3. Savage River Campground
4. Igloo Creek Campground
5. Sanctuary River Campground
6. Riley Creek Campground
Denali National Park & Preserve camping guide
Overview
About
A 2-hour drive south of Fairbanks, Denali National Park protects Denali, the largest mountain in North America, and the area surrounding it. Spread out over nearly 9,500 square miles, this park attracts hikers, birders, and camping enthusiasts in the summer months and is a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the wintertime. Features include six campgrounds and three nature centers, and rangers give talks and lead hikes and sled dog demonstrations during the peak season. Most of the park is closed to private vehicular traffic, so visitors must join a narrated tour or hop on a transit bus to get from point to point.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for families: Riley Creek Campground offers convenient access to the highway and a nearby general store.
- Best for views: On clear days, Wonder Lake Campground offers views of Massive Mount McKinley.
- Best for wildlife-spotting: The Teklanika River Campground is a great place to go to spot hares, squirrels, and—if you're lucky—moose or caribou.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Denali has its own online reservation system, where campsite bookings go live on December 1 for the following year.
- RV camping is only available at Riley Creek, Savage River, and Teklanika River campgrounds. No park campgrounds have electrical or water hookups.
- You won't be able to book a specific campsite; rather, campers choose sites upon arriva. Some campgrounds have campsite "types”—if you book a specific type, you'll need to choose an unoccupied site of the same type when you arrive.
When to go
Denali is open throughout the year, though most people opt to visit in the summer months, when the bulk of facilities are open. The summer bus service through the park runs from May 20 until the second week after Labor Day. The Denali Visitor Center is only open in the summer months, but the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station and the Murie Science and Learning Center are open year-round.
Know before you go
- Private vehicles are only allowed in a small section of the road, and most of the park is only accessible on foot, by bicycle, or by hopping aboard one of the green transit buses (or by booking a tour on a narrated tour bus).
- Pets are allowed in campgrounds and on the main road, but not out in the wilderness.
- Visitors can collect dead wood ground or purchase bundles at the Riley Creek Mercantile. Fires are allowed in the Riley Creek, Savage River, and Teklanika River campgrounds, but are prohibited at Sanctuary River, Igloo Creek, and Wonder Lake.
Reviews for Denali National Park & Preserve Campgrounds
Frequently Asked Questions
Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska offers various campgrounds, each with its own unique features and attractions. One of the best campgrounds is Riley Creek Campground. It is conveniently located near the park entrance, has easy access to park facilities, and offers a mix of tent and RV sites. Additionally, it is open year-round, making it a popular choice for visitors.
Another great option is the Teklanika River Campground, which is situated deeper within the park and offers a more remote experience. This campground requires a minimum 3-night stay and a Teklanika Campground Pass for your vehicle, but it provides a more immersive Denali experience with opportunities for wildlife viewing and access to the Teklanika River.
Ultimately, the best campground for you will depend on your preferences, desired level of amenities, and the type of experience you're looking for in Denali.
To reserve a campsite in Denali National Park and Preserve, you'll need to visit the Recreation.gov website, which handles reservations for the park's campgrounds. There are six campgrounds in Denali: Riley Creek, Savage River, Sanctuary River, Teklanika River, Igloo Creek, and Wonder Lake. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance for the summer season, which typically runs from mid-May to mid-September. Campsites fill up quickly, so it's a good idea to book as early as possible.
Yes, you can stay overnight in Denali. There are several options for overnight stays in and around Denali National Park and Preserve, including campgrounds, cabins, and other unique accommodations. The park has six campgrounds, ranging from tent camping to RV spots, with varying amenities. You can find more information about these campgrounds here. For a more unique experience, you can explore various accommodations in Denali State Park and nearby areas, including cabins, yurts, treehouses, vacation rentals, and more. Check out these options on Hipcamp.
