Denali National Park Camping Guide: What to Know About Planning & Visiting

Why Camp in Denali?

Camping inside Denali versus staying in hotels like Grande Denali Lodge outside the park entrance puts you right in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness and removes the hassle of commuting in from nearby towns. It's the best way to get the full park experience. There’s something special about falling asleep under the stars with the Alaska Range in the distance, waking to the smell of spruce, and having the park largely to yourself, too. That said, camping in Denali isn’t the same as an overnight in your typical state park. Camping here requires planning, respect for wildlife, and a willingness to embrace a little unpredictability.

Where to Camp in Denali

There are six public campgrounds scattered throughout the park. Denali has one main entrance, located at Mile 237 of the George Parks Highway (Alaska Highway 3), which starts in Anchorage. Denali only has one road, called “Park Road,” that runs all the way through. It's a scenic 92-mile dirt and gravel road that runs east to west. The mile markers of each campground indicate the distance from the road entrance, making it easy to get a sense of how deep into the park your journey will take you.

When choosing a site, Jones also recommends finding one based on your experience and comfort level. Official National Park front-country campsites provide comfort and convenience, while venturing slightly farther gives you a more secluded, "in the wilderness" feel. But regardless of what you choose, make sure to book early, as spots can fill up quickly in peak season. For a more private experience, there are several nearby private campgrounds, though they're a short drive from the park itself.

Riley Creek Campground

Distance from entrance: Mile 0.25
Open: Year-round
Number of sites: 142
Tent/RV: Both
Amenities: Water (seasonal), camp store (seasonal), toilets (flush-seasonal, vault-year round), hot showers (seasonal)

If this is your first time in Denali, Riley Creek is a good place to start. It's near the park entrance so it's easy to access, allows both tents and RVs, and is just a short walk from the visitor center and the camp store, Riley Creek Mercantile. You can grab snacks or a last-minute map and still feel like you’re in the wild.

Why I like it: Great for settling in with plenty of short hikes nearby and easy access to amenities. Although it's the most convenient campground in Denali, it doesn’t offer true solitude and you'll likely hear other campers and some road noise.

Savage River Campground

Distance from entrance: Mile 13
Open: Summer only (May to September)
Number of sites: 32
Tent/RV: Both
Amenities: Water (seasonal), no camp store, toilets (flush-seasonal, vault-seasonal), no showers

Once you’re settled, it's tempting to push farther into the park, and that’s when Savage River Campground's appeal becomes apparent. The atmosphere here shifts immediately with more space between campsites, fewer people, and the sound of the river adding its own soundtrack to your stay. You can still drive in with your RV or tent, but the sense of being deeper in the wilderness is palpable.

Why I like it: It has more space with fewer crowds, and beautiful river views. You can even explore the trails nearby without having to take the free Denali shuttle.

Teklanika River Campground

Distance from entrance: Mile 29
Open: Summer only (May to September)
Number of sites: 53
Tent/RV: Both
Amenities: Water (seasonal), no camp store, toilets (vault-year round), no showers

For a true wilderness immersion, Teklanika River Campground at mile 29 is where things get serious. It has a three-night minimum if you’re driving in, and you quickly understand why. Water is limited, food storage is key, and yes, the bears here are very real. But the payoff is worth it—I spent three nights here, and hiking along Cathedral Mountain and the Teklanika riverbank with access to the high tundra and scree slopes was a highlight. The Alaska Range feels almost touchable with the foothills just a stone’s throw away from the campground. Teklanika reminds you why Denali is unlike anywhere else.

Why I like it: It's peaceful and quiet with plenty of wilderness and uninterrupted Alaska Range views. Camping here does require a lot of preparedness as bears frequent the area. You have to store food in provided storage lockers, make sure you have plenty of water, and also keep bear spray handy even just walking around the campground. This all adds to the campground's remote appeal.

Tent-Only Campgrounds: Sanctuary River, Igloo Creek, Wonder Lake

Distance from entrance: Mile 22 for Sanctuary River, mile 35 for Igloo Creek, and mile 85 for Wonder Lake
Open: Summer only (May to September)
Number of sites: 7 each
Tent/RV: Tent only
Amenities: No water, no camp store, toilets (vault, seasonal), no showers

If you're after the deepest connection with the park, the tent-only campgrounds at Sanctuary River, Igloo Creek, and Wonder Lake are the best places to access unobstructed views of the mountains and glacier filled valleys right from your campsite. Sanctuary River is accessible by transit bus from the entrance—stepping off the bus feels like entering a different world—by bike, or by hiking. Igloo Creek takes it even further, and Wonder Lake, though currently closed through 2026, is legendary for nights under the stars with the 20,310-foot peak of Denali looming overhead.

Why I like it: These three campgrounds don't allow cars, so camping here feels like it’s just you, the trail, and the mountains. You have to take the shuttle bus to and from these campgrounds unless you're going in under your own power, FYI.

How to Book a Campsite in Denali National Park

Booking a campsite in Denali doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does require planning ahead. Reservations open for the next summer on December 1st, and the popular sites fill up quickly, meaning you'll have to plan five to nine months in advance. Think about what kind of trip you want: are you bringing an RV, or is this a tent-only adventure? Do you want to be near the visitor center, or are you chasing total isolation?

Reservations can be made online at reservedenali.com—a third-party reservation system—as the national park does not handle bookings on their website. Reserving online ahead of time is highly recommended, as campgrounds tend to fill up. Campground fees vary, but sites are generally $25 to $50 per night. All campgrounds are free in winter (late September to early May). Senior Pass and Access Pass holders receive 50% off nightly fees.

Once you’ve picked your campground, check-in is simple. When you arrive, stop at Riley Creek Mercantile or the Denali Bus Depot to grab your camping permit, which is your official pass to stay in the park. Be aware of minimum stays and transportation requirements. Teklanika River Campground requires a three-night minimum stay for drive-in campers, while tent-only campers who arrive by bus, bike, or on foot can book for less time. All other vehicle traffic stops at Savage Creek trailhead at mile 15. And don’t forget the park entrance fee, which is around $15 for an adult weekly pass.

Flexibility is key as weather, road conditions, and last-minute changes like campground evacuations due to wildlife can occur, but sometimes these circumstances can lead to the most memorable experiences in the park. Due to a cancellation, I was lucky enough to secure a last-minute camping reservation at Teklanika and because visiting Denali was just one stop on a two-week Alaska road camping trip I was on, we chose to drive in and stay there. Seeing the summit of the highest mountain in North America and wildlife like grizzly, moose and caribou every day of our stay was well worth the trip.

If you'd rather leave the logistics to someone else, outfitters like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel offer multi-day, locally-guided trips to help you get the best out of your time in Denali without having to navigate the fine print.

Tips from My Experience Camping in Denali

I learned a few things during my self-planned experience in Denali that will be helpful to know before you go.

• Not all campgrounds have potable water, so carry a filter or purification method if you don’t want to buy bottled water by the case in bigger cities like Anchorage.
• Supplies are limited near the park. The Three Bears in the town of Healy is one of the few grocery options, so plan accordingly.
• Food must be stored properly because of bears, and cooking is safest away from your tent.
• Fires are only allowed in designated areas, so bring a camp stove for tent-only sites.
• Weather in Denali can change on a dime, so layers, rain gear, and bug spray are essential.
• Bear spray is non-negotiable.
• Check-in and checkout are both at 11 AM.
• Leave No Trace principles are not just suggestions, they are essential to keeping the park wild and beautiful.
• Shuttle buses are free and convenient—use them for traveling around in the park.

“Hiking alone in Denali’s backcountry is risky due to the rugged terrain and presence of wildlife. Always carry bear spray, let someone know your route, and check in regularly if possible,” cautions Jones.

Must-Try Hikes and Other Denali Highlights

In Denali, you can either hike on marked trails or go off-trail in nearly any direction. A few classic routes are worth checking out regardless of your lodging choices. “For a short, accessible hike, the trail from behind the Visitor Center to the suspension bridge and back is a favorite among visitors,” says Jones. “It’s scenic, manageable, and a perfect introduction to Denali’s wilderness.” Horseshoe Lake is another highlight, offering a peaceful loop with beautiful views.

Other must-experience activities include wildlife viewing, ranger-led programs, and even dog sled demonstrations at the Visitor Center, which Jones described as “a unique Denali experience that gives insight into Alaska’s traditional culture and outdoor lifestyle.”

Mount Healy Overlook Trail

Total Distance: 5.5 miles
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Terrain: Hilly
Elevation: 1,700 ft

This is a great day hike that starts near the park entrance and climbs steadily up to a ridge overlooking the Nenana River Valley. It’s about 5.5 miles round trip and the views just keep getting better the higher you go. Keep your eyes peeled for moose in the lower forested areas.

Savage Alpine Trail

Total Distance: 4.2 miles
Trail Type: Point-to-point
Terrain: Hilly and steep
Elevation: 1,463 ft

Starting from Savage River Campground, this hike is roughly four miles round trip. Within that short distance, the trail showcases a Denali highlight reel with alpine meadows, wildflowers in season, and a sweeping view of the Alaska Range.

Triple Lakes Trail

Total Distance: 9.5 miles
Trail Type: Point-to-point
Terrain: Hilly
Elevation: 1,000 ft

The Triple Lakes Trail is Denali’s longest maintained trail at about 9.5 miles one-way, winding through forests, climbing to viewpoints over Riley Creek, and passing three scenic alpine lakes. It’s a moderately strenuous, point-to-point hike with creek bridges, ridge views, and chances to spot wildlife like moose and beavers. This one requires planning to line up with shuttles or other return logistics.