Independent guides to the U.S. national parks
Screen-printed illustration: A tent and its picnic table occupy a wooded site at Savage River Campground.

Denali Camping: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations, and Rates

By Erika Müller · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Denali

Denali has six official campgrounds along Denali Park Road, with about 270 sites in all. Reservations are essential for most of them. The most sought-after sites fill within hours of the calendar opening. One important detail to know from the start is that personal vehicles can travel only the first 15 miles of the park road. Beyond that, the park bus is the only way to reach the backcountry campgrounds.

Campgrounds in the park (6)

Map: Campgrounds in the park Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp Inside Denali?

Yes, but only in two strictly regulated ways. The first is a numbered site at one of the six campgrounds, with a paid reservation through reservedenali.com. The second is backcountry camping with a free backcountry permit. Outside these two options, dispersed camping isn't allowed. The park is open 24/7 year-round, but services such as reception, shuttles, and stores close at the end of the day.

Campgrounds in the Park

Riley Creek

Located at the park entrance, about 0.3 miles from the gate, Riley Creek is the only campground open year-round. It accommodates tents and RVs, has flush toilets, and offers the park's only dump station. Capacity is about 147 sites. It's the obvious choice if you're arriving late or want a first night to get settled before heading farther into the park.

Savage River

At 13 miles from the entrance, this is the most accessible of the park's deeper campgrounds for personal vehicles. Sites accommodate tents and RVs up to about 40 feet. The tundra views are already striking, and caribou regularly pass through the area, always a surprising sight. It's a good balance between accessibility and immersion.

Sanctuary River

Seven tent-only sites, about 22 miles in. No reservations are available, so sites go to the first come, first served. The silence is complete. It's an excellent introduction to the backcountry for anyone who wants to test the isolation without committing to a long hike.

Teklanika River

At 29 miles in, Teklanika offers sites for tents and RVs. Here's the rule you need to understand: stays of at least three nights are required, and RVs that drive in can't leave before the stay ends. They can return only by bus. This isn't a minor formality. It's a logistical constraint that requires real planning.

Igloo Creek

Seven tent-only sites, 34 miles in, with no reservations. Grizzlies frequent this area in summer, so food-storage rules are even more critical here than elsewhere. See below.

Wonder Lake

The park's most iconic campground is 85 miles from the entrance. On a clear day, Denali's summit is reflected in the lake, creating a sight you'll remember for a long time. There are 28 tent-only sites, accessible by park bus. The season is short, from June to early September, and sites are booked months in advance. If you're targeting Wonder Lake in July, book as early as December.

RVs vs. Tents

RVs are allowed at Riley Creek, Savage River, and Teklanika River. No site has electrical hookups, running water, or a dump connection. The entire park operates as dry camping. Riley Creek remains the only campground with a dump station. Large RVs, over 40 feet, should check access restrictions before booking. For lodging with services such as lodges and cabins, see hotels and lodges near Denali.

Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds Outside the Park

When the park is full, which is common by June for popular campgrounds, several private campgrounds line Highway 3, especially around Carlo Creek and Healy. They sometimes offer services not available in the park, including electrical hookups, showers, and a grocery store. The RV camping guide for Denali covers these alternatives, with contact information and details about their facilities.

Dispersed Camping and Backcountry Camping

Outside the official campgrounds, all backcountry camping requires a free backcountry permit. You must pick it up in person at the Backcountry Information Center, in the main visitor center at the park entrance, no earlier than the day before departure. The park is divided into units, each with a strict daily quota. You can't reserve remotely, so plan to spend an extra night nearby before heading into the backcountry. The Denali hiking guide introduces the accessible units and routes suited to different experience levels.

How and When to Reserve a Denali Campsite

Reservations are made through reservedenali.com. The calendar opens in December for the following season. Wonder Lake and Teklanika River fill up within days for peak-season dates. Riley Creek and Savage River remain available a little longer, but July weekends go fast. Our recommendation is to reserve your dates as soon as the calendar opens in December if you're targeting June through August.

Rates: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost in Denali?

Reservable sites generally cost around $30 per night. Check the exact rate on reservedenali.com because it may change. Sanctuary River and Igloo Creek are free and available first come, first served. The park entrance fee is always added: $15 per person for a standard visit, or $45 for the Denali annual pass. Our Rates & Passes page explains entrance fees and the national passes that can be used in Alaska.

Safety and Best Practices: Grizzlies and Weather Conditions

Denali is home to a dense grizzly population. Storing food in the metal food lockers provided at every site is required by park regulations, not merely recommended. Anything with an odor, including toothpaste, sunscreen, and deodorant, belongs in the locker. Don't leave anything in your tent or in plain sight inside a vehicle. In the backcountry, an approved bear canister is required. If you encounter a grizzly, speak calmly, back away slowly without running, and don't flee. Keep your bear spray on your person, at your belt rather than in your pack. The Denali wildlife guide explains what to do with each species.

Weather is another variable you should never underestimate. Summer in Denali brings highs around 55 to 61°F and nighttime lows around 39 to 48°F. Snow can fall in any month of the year. Bring a four-season sleeping bag and a sturdy rain jacket, whatever your travel dates. The Denali weather guide and the guide to choosing the best time to visit cover conditions month by month.

Which Campground Is Right for You?

  • Family with an RV: Riley Creek, with vehicle access, restrooms, and a dump station, or Savage River, with tundra views from the moment you arrive.
  • Self-sufficient hiker: Teklanika or Wonder Lake, where a bus is required and the immersion is complete. Reserve in December.
  • First trip to Denali: Savage River, accessible by car and already surrounded by spectacular scenery.
  • Tight budget: Sanctuary River or Igloo Creek, both free and first come, first served.
  • Backcountry camping: Get a free backcountry permit at the Backcountry Information Center. You must obtain it in person the day before.

Our complete Denali guide provides an overview of the park to help you plan a trip that goes beyond camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Denali National Park?

Denali is in Alaska, accessible via Highway 3, also known as George Parks Highway. Anchorage is about 5 hours south, and Fairbanks is 2 hours north.

Can you tent camp in Denali?

Yes. Five of the park's six campgrounds accept tents, and three of them, Sanctuary River, Igloo Creek, and Wonder Lake, are tent-only. A free backcountry permit also lets you camp in the wilderness.

Which campground should you choose in Denali?

For a first trip by car, choose Savage River, 13 miles from the entrance, with personal-vehicle access and remarkable views. For the most memorable experience, choose Wonder Lake, 85 miles in, with bus access only and a direct view of the summit on clear days.

When should you reserve a campground in Denali?

As soon as the calendar opens in December on reservedenali.com. Wonder Lake and Teklanika River fill within days for dates from June through August.

How much does a night at a Denali campground cost?

About $30 per night for reservable sites. Sanctuary River and Igloo Creek are free, first come, first served. The park entrance fee is charged separately at $15 per person. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the national parks Rates & Passes page.

Can you encounter bears while camping in Denali?

Yes. Grizzlies roam throughout the park, including near the campgrounds. Storing food in the metal lockers is required. Keep your bear spray on you at all times, especially around Igloo Creek and in the backcountry.