Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Most campsites in Denali State Park are first-come, first-served sites. K'esugi Ken Campground is the exception with reservable sites through Alaska State Parks.
- Lower Troublesome Creek Campground is remote, making it less likely to fill. The trails are not always maintained, however, so prepare to clear brush and clean up your campsite.
- This region is loaded with private campsite alternatives. If you want full hookups or something serene and private, secure a campsite via Hipcamp.
- Denali North and Denali South offer additional Denali State Park camping options with tent and RV sites within park boundaries. Both have toilets, water, and trail access.
When to Go
Denali State Park is a summer and fall destination for campers, as the seasonal campgrounds, facilities, and roads close during the winter months. Summer brings salmon into the rivers and long days that attract campers to the state and national park. Trailheads are also more accessible during the summer and fall months. The park remains open in winter, but road access is limited and camping is unlikely. The lowland river and creek valleys are perfect for dog sledding, which is offered by local outfitters. Additionally, winter brings excellent snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Be vigilant about winter travel and carry emergency supplies.
Know Before You Go
- Denali State Park is large and remote. Bring adequate gear for backcountry travel and always have emergency supplies and communication abilities.
- Although summer is the peak season for camping, there is room to spread out. The state park sees less traffic than the national park and is a great destination throughout the entire season.
- Denali State Park has ADA-accessible facilities, toilets, and water in its developed campground areas. Rangers are also present to provide assistance.
- Be bear aware in the park and store food inside bear-proof containers at night.
Denali State Park
This park acts like an extension of Denali National Park with several hundred thousand wild acres.
Situated between Anchorage and Denali National Park, Denali State Park has over 300,000 acres of wild space to explore, and anyone visiting the area should consider stopping before or after entering the large national park to the north. This state park protects critical lowland ecosystems where rivers and creeks cut pathways toward the Cook Inlet, and its western border even adjoins Denali National Park, creating a massive tract of interconnected mountain and river valley ecosystems where wildlife and migratory salmon are abundant. Campers can find extensive trail systems, fishing, and camping here, along with opportunities for berry picking and wildlife viewing. The George Parks Highway cuts through the park, offering excellent access to the many trailheads and campgrounds.
Situated between Anchorage and Denali National Park, Denali State Park has over 300,000 acres of wild space to explore, and anyone visiting the area should consider stopping before or after entering the large national park to the north. This state park protects critical lowland ecosystems where rivers and creeks cut pathways toward the Cook Inlet, and its western border even adjoins Denali National Park, creating a massive tract of interconnected mountain and river valley ecosystems where wildlife and migratory salmon are abundant. Campers can find extensive trail systems, fishing, and camping here, along with opportunities for berry picking and wildlife viewing. The George Parks Highway cuts through the park, offering excellent access to the many trailheads and campgrounds.
Activities in the park
5 campgrounds in Denali State Park
Denali View North offers great views of the imposing 20,000-foot peak. Campers looking for a day hike can head out on the 3. 3-mile Little Coal Creek Trail. Want to conquer the 22-mile K’esugi Ridge Trail? Denali View North is the best place to start! You’ll traverse for miles of rolling alpine terrain with stunning views of the heart of the Alask Read more...
Lower Troublesome Creek Campground is great for campers looking to get into the water. Being that it's near the banks of the cascading Chulitna River, rafting is the most popular way to explore the area. This glacially-fed (brrr!) river offers awesome views of Susitna Valley and the Alaska Range. Bring your waterproof camera!Read more...
Campers looking for breathtaking views will not be disappointed at Denali View South. Visitors can pitch their tents in open, grassy areas, and as the name suggests, everyone will be rewarded with awesome vistas of Denali—a 20,000-foot peak—and arguably the best views of the Alaska Range to be found anywhere. Read more...
Byers Lake Campground sits on the shores of the chilly lake and the 22-mile K’esugi Ridge Trail passes near the campground. Not up for the entire trail? There are also shorter trails perfect for day hiking nearby. Cascade Trail is two miles each way, and it takes visitors past an impressive waterfall and out to great views of the park at Tarn Poin Read more...
Byers Lake Lakeshore Campground is perfect for campers looking for a secluded experience in Denali’s wilderness. The campground has views of the glistening lake and is about two miles from the Byers Lake Loop Trail. The hiking trail is a 5. 3-mile loop around the lake and over Byers Creek, with panoramic views of the Alaska Range and Denali. Hiker Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Denali State Park is a summer and fall destination for campers, as the seasonal campgrounds, facilities, and roads close during the winter months. Summer brings salmon into the rivers and long days that attract campers to the state and national park. Trailheads are also more accessible during the summer and fall months. The park remains open in winter, but road access is limited and camping is unlikely. The lowland river and creek valleys are perfect for dog sledding, which is offered by local outfitters. Additionally, winter brings excellent snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Be vigilant about winter travel and carry emergency supplies.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —