Ultimate Guide to Camping in Denali National Park: Best Campgrounds, Reservations, Fees, And More

Denali National Park, located in Alaska, is renowned for its stunning wilderness, rich wildlife, and the towering peak of Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). The park offers a variety of camping experiences, from well-equipped campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. Here’s a comprehensive guide and the best campgrounds for camping in Denali National Park:

Best Campgrounds in Denali National Park

It has six established campgrounds, each providing different amenities and levels of accessibility:

1. Riley Creek Campground:

Riley Creek Campground is located at Mile 1 on Denali Park Road. It offers nearly 150 campsites amidst spruce trees along Riley Creek. This campground is the most accessible, near park amenities like the Riley Creek Mercantile and Denali Visitor Center. It’s also unique for having cell phone coverage, making it convenient for staying connected.

• Location: Mile 1, Denali Park Road
• Sites: 147 (RV and tent)
• Facilities: Flush toilets, potable water (weather dependent), picnic tables
• Types of Sites:
  • A Sites: For RVs up to 40′
  • B Sites: For RVs less than 30′ and tent campers
  • C Sites: Walk-in tent sites (no vehicle access)
  • Group Site: Accommodates 9-20 people, tent-only, reservations required
• Nearby: Riley Creek Mercantile, Denali Bus Depot, Denali Visitor Campus
• Reservations: Highly recommended during peak season

2. Savage River Campground:

At Mile 12,8 on Denali Park Road, Savage River Campground offers a more remote experience with 32 RV and tent sites. It’s located within a spruce forest and provides access to excellent hiking trails and views of the Outer and Alaska Ranges. Its more secluded setting makes it ideal for those seeking tranquility.

• Location: Mile 12.8, Denali Park Road
• Sites: 33 (RV and tent)
• Facilities: Vault toilets, potable water (weather dependent), picnic tables
• Types of Sites:
  • A Sites: For RVs up to 40′
  • B Sites: For RVs less than 30′ and tent campers
  • Group Site: Tent-only, accommodates up to 10 tents. Reservations required
• Seclusion: More remote, fewer amenities compared to Riley Creek
• Access: Return to park entrance area allowed
• Reservations: Recommended

3. Teklanika River Campground:

Located at Mile 29, Teklanika River Campground offers a unique remote experience with breathtaking views of Cathedral Mountain and Teklanika River. It requires a minimum three-night stay, and visitors must use the park shuttle to travel further. This campground is perfect for those who want a deeper immersion in Denali’s wilderness.

• Location: Mile 29, Denali Park Road
• Sites: 53 (RV and tent)
• Facilities: Vault toilets, potable water (weather dependent), picnic tables
• Requirements: Minimum three-night stay; vehicle access restricted after arrival
• Tek Pass: A special bus ticket is required for shuttle access; it must be reserved in advance
• Recreational Vehicle (RV) Info: Maximum length 40′, trailer must be integral to camping experience
• Reservations: Required

4. Igloo Creek Campground:

Igloo Creek Campground is a small, tent-only site at Mile 32.6, offering a peaceful retreat in Igloo Forest. Accessible by shuttle bus, bike, or on foot, this campground is best for those seeking solitude. It does not have potable water, so campers must bring their purification system.

• Location: Mile 33.6, Denali Park Road
• Sites: 7 (tent only)
• Facilities: Vault toilets, no potable water, no fire pits
• Access: By shuttle bus, bike, or on foot
• Water Source: Igloo Creek (filtration/purification required)
• Reservations: First-come, first-served

5. Sanctuary River Campground:

Situated at Mile 23, Sanctuary River Campground provides a quiet, tent-only camping experience with no potable water or fire pits. It’s accessible by shuttle bus, bike, or on foot. The adjacent Sanctuary River offers a natural water source, though campers need to bring filtration or purification supplies.

• Location: Mile 23, Denali Park Road
• Sites: 7 (tent only)
• Facilities: No potable water, no fire pits
• Access: By shuttle bus, bike, or on foot
• Water Source: Sanctuary River (filtration/purification required)
• Reservations: First-come, first-served

6. Wonder Lake Campground:

Wonder Lake Campground, at Mile 85, offers the closest camping experience to Denali’s peak. With 28 tent-only sites, it provides stunning views of the Alaska Range. Access is by shuttle bus, and while it has potable water, the area can be buggy in summer, so be prepared with mosquito protection.

• Location: Mile 85, Denali Park Road
• Sites: 28 (tent only)
• Facilities: Potable water, vault toilets
• Views: Close to Denali, spectacular Alaska Range vistas
• Access: By shuttle bus
• Reservations: Recommended

Backcountry Camping:

Backcountry camping in Denali National Park offers a unique experience for those seeking solitude and adventure. However, it requires careful planning to park regulations:

1. Permits: Required and free of charge. They can be obtained at the Backcountry Information Center near the park entrance.
2. Zones: The park is divided into 87 backcountry units, each with a specific quota to minimize impact.
3. Bear Safety: Mandatory bear-resistant food containers are provided and must be used.
4. Skills: Campers should have wilderness navigation and survival skills, as trails are unmarked and conditions can be challenging.

Denali National Park Camping Reservations And Fees

To reserve campsites at Denali National Park, book online through the NPS website or recreation.gov or call the park’s reservation office at 1-800-622-7275 (domestic) or 1-907-272-7275 (international). Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are recommended for popular campgrounds like Riley Creek, Savage River, and Wonder Lake.

1. Campground Fees:

• Campground fees range from around $25 to $49 per night.
• Senior Pass and Access Pass holders receive 50% off the nightly camping fees.

2. Entrance Fees:

• Standard Pass: $15 per person for a 7-day pass.
• Annual Pass: $45, covering the entrance fee for up to four adults for a year from the purchase date.
• America the Beautiful Pass: This Pass is free to $80 and includes options for seniors, military personnel, people with permanent disabilities, and families with a 4th grader.

3. Annual Pass Details:

• It covers park entrance fees for the pass holder and up to three other adults. The pass holder must be present and show the Pass and a photo ID. The Pass is valid for 12 months from the purchase date. For example, a pass bought in July 2023 is valid until July 31, 2024.

Where is the best place to camp in Denali National Park?

1. Riley Creek Campground: Best for accessibility and amenities. It’s close to park services and has cell phone coverage, making it ideal for those wanting convenience.

2. Wonder Lake Campground: Best for breathtaking views of Denali. It offers stunning vistas and a remote experience, though it’s more basic with limited amenities.

3. Teklanika River Campground: Best for a more remote experience with easy access to the park’s interior. It requires a minimum three-night stay and offers beautiful views.

4. Savage River Campground: Best for a mix of seclusion and access. It’s a bit more remote and provides good hiking opportunities with some amenities.

5. Sanctuary River Campground and Igloo Creek Campground: These are best for those seeking solitude. They are more primitive, with fewer amenities, and accessible only by shuttle or on foot.

Final Words

Camping here offers a range of experiences, from well-equipped campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. With options like Riley Creek and Wonder Lake Campgrounds, each with its amenities and views, there’s something for everyone. Planning is crucial, especially for popular spots where reservations are recommended. Don’t forget to consider entrance and campground fees, and ensure you have the necessary permits for backcountry camping. Whether looking for a convenient campsite or an adventurous backcountry experience, Camping in Denali National Park provides an unforgettable way to explore Alaska’s stunning wilderness.

FAQs