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Camping in the Alaskan wilderness is like no other adventure. At Denali National Park, experience days with 22 hours of functional sunlight in the summer and the Aurora Borealis in the late fall to early spring. This park features a single, long road that stretches for 92 miles, aptly named Denali Park Road. Off this road, you can see breathtaking views and access various campgrounds, trailheads, and scenic points.
Keep reading to discover how to camp at this National Park, where the best camping sites are, and learn expert tips for a unique but safe trip.
Can I Camp Anywhere in Denali National Park?
No, you can’t pick just any location to camp in this park. Denali National Park offers six designated campgrounds. Between these campgrounds, the park offers RV, tent, and backcountry camping. If you’re solo camping, pick a spot that works best for you. For larger groups, ensure there’s a site available to accommodate everyone.
Which Campground Is Best in Denali?
Wonder Lake Campground
Nestled at the 85th-mile maker, Wonder Lake Campground offers the best picturesque views of Denali (Mount McKinley). The mountain sits 26 miles south of the campground. When the weather is clear, you’ll wake up to Denali in all its glory. Wonder Lake is the furthest campground from the park entrance, accessible by hiking or via the Camper Transit Bus. Enjoy both on-trail and off-trail adventures, with trails leading around the lake or to the shores of McKinley River.
- Cooking: Open fires are prohibited at this campground. Prepare meals using a camping stove or other appliances. Due to bears, cooking is not allowed at individual campsites, and food must be stored in a food locker at the cooking shelter.
- Amenities: Find convenient vault toilets year-round and flush toilets seasonally.
- Safety: This area is known for its mosquitoes from June to late August, so bring bug repellent.
Teklanika River Campground
Located 29 miles on Denali Park Road, Telanika River Campground is the furthest point RVs or other private vehicles can access. No RV hookups allow for a truly off-grid experience, and generators can be run only at specific times of the day. Keep your devices charged without hookups with a portable power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus. If you want to explore Denali deeper while staying in your campervan, shuttle buses provide access to areas beyond the campground. This campground sits alongside the Teklanika River, offering a serene and secluded atmosphere.
- Activities: Enjoy narrated bus tours, ranger-led hikes, river rafting, horse pack trips, and berry picking here.
- Cooking: Open fires are also prohibited, but you can cook at your campsite, unlike at Wonder Lake.
- Amenities: Each campsite has year-round vault toilets, potable water stations, and picnic tables.
Riley Creek Campground
Consider this campground the gateway to Denali National Park, located right at the park entrance and accessible year-round, meaning it’s the only one available for winter camping. The woodsy campsites, spread across three loops, accommodate tens, RVs, and other vehicles with no minimum stay requirement. Unlike other campgrounds in the park, it doesn’t offer views of the mountain ranges. During summer, Riley Creek is the warmest campground in the park, with temperatures ranging from 70–80°F. An EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner is recommended, providing cooling and heating at a quiet hum.
- Supplies: Riley Creek Mercantile is the last stop on Denali Park Road, so if you forgot something, you can buy it there.
- Cooking: Open fires are allowed in designated areas with convenient grated fire pits.
- Amenities: Hot showers and flush toilets are available seasonally, and vault toilets are available year-round.
Savage River Campground
At Mile 13, you’ll find Savage River Campground. This campground is perfect for those seeking a quieter experience while still being easily accessible. It accommodates tents, RVs, and other vehicles. Savage River features a woodsy setting until you walk down to the river. There, you’ll find an opening in the trees with views of Denali on clear days. Easy river access makes this a popular spot for catch-and-release fishing.
- Access: Easy access to Denali’s nearby hiking trails and wildlife-watching
- Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits at the campsites.
- Cooking: Open fires are prohibited unless at one of the designated spots.
Backcountry
Backcountry camping in Denali National Park requires careful planning and preparation. Once you’ve obtained a backcountry permit, which is free but required, you’re eligible to tent camp at designated wildness areas. There are many backcountry areas, but the best ones are the Savage River, Teklanika River, Kantishna Hills, and Wonder Lake Area. While dispersed camping, utilize an EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W). Weighing less than 12 lbs, this easy-to-pack power station provides unlimited, eco-friendly electricity to power laptops, tablets, and cell phones.
- Solitude: Campers are encouraged to stay a mile away from established trails or campgrounds.
- Primitive: There are no facilities in the backcountry areas; campers must bring all necessary gear.
- Wildlife Safety: Safe camping habits, such as maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, must be practiced.
What Should I Pack for a Denali National Park Camping Trip?
- Sleeping gear is essential for any type of camping. Think pillows, tarps, sleeping pads, and blankets.
- Power Bank: The EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank magnetically connects to the back of your phone to keep it charged while hiking or relaxing.
- Infrared binoculars for spotting nocturnal animals in low light.
- Bug spray.
- Layer clothes for staying warm, as it’s still pretty cold in the spring and fall.
- Camera or video camera.
- Weather radio for real-time updates while off-grid.
6 Denali National Park Camping Tips
- Reserve Campsites Early: Denali is a popular destination, especially in peak summer, so reserve your spot well in advance. Opt for a spring camping trip to avoid crowds.
- Prepare for Changing Weather: The weather here can be unpredictable, with varying temperatures, winds, and rain.
- Understand The Shuttle Bus Service: You can only take your vehicle to certain campgrounds. To go beyond designated vehicle-accessible points, you’ll need to take one of the shuttle buses unless you want to hike.
- Know the Fire Regulations: Open fires are prohibited, but some campgrounds offer designated fire rings. Camp stoves are recommended for cooking.
- Expect Limited Services: Stock up on supplies before entering the park. Many campgrounds are remote and do not offer food services.
- Practice Pack-in and Pack-out: The park has limited waste disposal facilities, so bring trash bags to pack out all of your waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
All visitors aged 16 and over must pay a $15 per person entrance fee valid for seven days. Camping fees vary depending on the campground and the type of site but generally range from $15 to $40 per night. Group sites and cabins have different fees.
The summer months, from late May to early September, offer moderate weather. Near the summer solstice, there are 22 hours of functional daylight. During this season, bus tours and visitor centers are fully operational. Additionally, wildlife is more active, and the park’s beauty is at its peak.
The ideal duration depends on your interests and desired activities. Three to four days is recommended to explore the park through guided bus tours. You’ll have plenty of time to observe the bears, moose, and caribou. Of course, you’ll need a day or two to relax and enjoy the serene landscapes.
Final Thoughts
Experience a range of campgrounds and remote backcountry sites while enjoying the views of Mt. Denali at Denali National Park. Riley Creek Campground is conveniently located near the entrance. At Mile 14, stay at Savage River in an RV or tent on the edge of the park’s wilderness. Find Teklanika River grounds at mile 29. The furthest is Wonder Lake, which offers stunning mountain and lake views. Or go completely off-grid with serene backcountry camping. No matter what, you’ll need a power source since there are no power hookups. For reliable power, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series is small enough to be portable but robust enough to charge your essential electronics while staying at Denali National Park.