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Camping In Denali

There are six campgrounds located within Denali National Park and Preserve. All are operated by Doyon Limited, Aramark, a Denali National Park Concession Joint Venture. Reservations are required for most campsites unless otherwise stated.

You may make your camping reservation as early as December 1 of the year before your visit. Rates range from $29 - $49 per night. Senior/Access pass holders receive a 50 percent discount. During the winter season (late September to early May), camping is free.

Below is a quick rundown of the campgrounds. For more detailed information, click on each campground name.

A site at Riley Creek Campground, Denali National Park and Preserve / NPS file

Riley Creek Campground (Mile 0.25) is open year-round and is the largest campground in the park, offering 142 sites and one group site. Several sites are designated as wheelchair accessible. There are three loops, and a small section of the third loop is tent-only, walk-in offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Maximum length for RVs/trailers is 40 feet (12.2 m). Potable water, flush toilets, dump station laundry, and hot showers are seasonal. Vault toilets are available year-round. There are no hookups.

The group site will accommodate up to 12 people and can only be used by non-commercial groups (including groups like Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, etc). There are no fire rings at the site, and tents must be set up on the established tent pads.

Large RV (40 ft / 12.2 m) sites: $49 per night
Small RV (30 ft / 9 m) sites: $38.50
Tent-only sites: $24.75
Group site, tent-only: $49

The landscape view a short walk southwest of the Savage River Campground, Denali National Park and Preserve / NPS file

Savage River Campground (Mile 13) is open only during the summer (May 20 – mid-September) and offers 32 sites plus 3 group sites. While none of the sites are ADA accessible, several restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Maximum length for RVs/trailers is 40 feet (12.2 m). There are no hook-ups. Flush toilets and potable water are seasonal, and vault toilets are year-round.

The standard group site can accommodate up to 8 people in up to 3 tents. For groups larger than 8 people, call 866-761-6629.

Large RV sites (30 – 40 ft / 9 – 12.2 m): $49 per night
Small RV (<30 ft / 9 m) / tent $38.50 per night
Standard group site: $49

Sanctuary River Campground (Mile 23) is open only during the summer (May 20 – mid-September) and offers 7 tent-only sites. Accessible only by camper bus, this campground offers no ADA accessible sites. Vault toilets are seasonal and campfires are prohibited. Three tents and up to 8 people may use a single site for $24.75 per night.

A Tek River campsite, Denali National Park and Preserve / NPS - Emily Mesner

Teklanika River Campground (Mile 29) is open mid-May – mid-September and is the second-largest campground in the park, offering 53 sites (none are ADA accessible but there are accessible restrooms). While most vehicles are turned around at Mile 15, those with personal vehicles staying at this campground are the exception, with a 3-night minimum stay. You can camp at Tek River with an RV (less than 40'), a car, or just a tent. Potable water is seasonal, vault toilets are year-round, and fires are allowed using the established fire grate (bring your own firewood). The cost is $40 per night, regardless of whether you have an RV, car, or just a tent. Each site can accommodate 8 people and up to 3 tents.

Since you are only allowed to use your vehicle to access this campground and cannot drive it any further into the park, purchase of a Tek Pass bus ticket is highly recommended for $33.25, allowing you to use transit buses throughout your stay to explore the park.

Igloo Creek Campground (Mile 35) is open May 20 – mid-September and offers 7 tent-only sites for $24.75 per night. There are no ADA accessible sites but the restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Three tents and up to 8 people may use a site. This campground is reached via camper bus. Vault toilets are open year-round and open fires are prohibited (bring your own cook stove).

A campsite at Wonder Lake, Denali National Park and Preserve / NPS file

Wonder Lake Campground (Mile 85) is currently closed until further notice due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide. When open, it offers 28 tent-only sites and is accessed by transit bus. There are no ADA accessible campsites but the restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Potable water and flush toilets are seasonal, vault toilets are year-round. Open fires are prohibited (bring your own cook stove).

To stay at this campground, there is a one-time $8 reservation fee that applies whether you stay one night or fourteen (or a number in between). Park passes do not waive this fee, as it is charged by the concessionaire. In addition to the one-time $8 fee, the nightly fee is $16. Up to four people may use a single site.

Traveler’s Note: camping along the road shoulder or in a pullout is prohibited.

Backpacking

Setting up camp in the backcountry of Denali National Park and Preserve / NPS file

To really get a feel for Denali National Park and Preserve, why not camp out in the backcountry. There are no trails, designated routes, or backcountry campsites. You will need a permit and must plan thoroughly, as backcountry camping in this national park and preserve is not to be taken lightly.

Click here to start planning your backpacking adventure.

Denali National Park And Preserve

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