Denali Camping: Choosing a Campground, Reservations, and Rates

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

Denali has six official campgrounds spread along Denali Park Road, with 269 sites in all. Reservations are essential for most of them. The most sought-after sites go within hours of the calendar opening. One important detail to know up front: private vehicles can travel only the first 15 miles of the park road. Beyond that point, you can reach the interior campgrounds only by park shuttle bus.

Campgrounds in the park (6)

• Campground Riley Creek first come, first served · 142 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Savage River see NPS · 32 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Sanctuary River see NPS · 7 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Teklanika River see NPS · 53 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Igloo Creek see NPS · 7 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Wonder Lake see NPS · 28 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp Inside Denali?

Yes, but only in two tightly regulated ways. The first is a numbered site at one of the six campgrounds, reserved for a fee through reservedenali.com. The second is backcountry camping with a free backcountry permit. No dispersed camping is allowed outside these two options. The park stays open 24 hours a day year-round, but services such as visitor services, shuttles, and stores close at the end of the day.

Campgrounds Inside the Park

Riley Creek

At the park entrance, Riley Creek is both the largest campground and the only one open year-round. It has 142 sites, including 20 tent-only sites and one group site. It also has the most amenities in the park. It is the only campground with showers, laundry, a store, and the park's only dump station. RVs up to 40 feet are allowed. In summer, from mid-May to mid-September, the rate is $25 a night, with check-in and check-out at 11 a.m. Outside that period, camping is free. It is the obvious choice for a late arrival or a first night before heading farther into the park.

Savage River

At 13 miles from the entrance, Savage River is the farthest campground you can reach by car. Its 32 sites include three group sites. Reservations are required, at $39 a night, making it the park's most expensive campground. RVs up to 40 feet are allowed. The campground closes around mid-September and reopens in late May.

Sanctuary River

Seven tent-only sites are available by reservation or on a first-come, first-served basis. The rate is $25 a night. The only services are restrooms and bear-proof lockers. There is no running water or showers. The campground closes in mid-September. It is a good option if you want to experience the silence without committing to a long backcountry hike.

Teklanika River

At 29 miles from the entrance, Teklanika River is the park's second-largest campground, with 53 sites. RVs up to 40 feet are allowed. Reservations are required, at $34 a night. One critical detail: private vehicles that enter cannot leave before the end of the stay. You can return only by park shuttle bus. This restriction requires careful planning. Check the length-of-stay rules on reservedenali.com before booking. The campground closes around mid-September.

Igloo Creek

Seven tent-only sites are available by reservation or on a first-come, first-served basis. The rate is $25 a night. Only basic facilities are available: restrooms and bear-proof lockers. Grizzly bears are especially active in this area during summer, so food-storage rules matter even more here than elsewhere. The campground closes in mid-September.

Wonder Lake

At 85 miles from the entrance, Wonder Lake is the park's most remote and iconic campground. Its 28 sites are tent-only and accessible only by park shuttle bus. The rate is $10 a night, the lowest among the park's reservable campgrounds. On a clear day, the view of Denali from the lakeshore is unmatched. Note that Wonder Lake is currently closed until further notice. Check its reopening status on reservedenali.com before planning your trip.

RV vs. Tent Camping

RVs are allowed at Riley Creek, Savage River, and Teklanika River, with a shared maximum length of 40 feet. No site has electrical hookups, water connections, or a sewer connection. The entire park operates as a dry-camping destination. Riley Creek is the only campground with a dump station, showers, and laundry. Large RVs should check access restrictions before booking. For lodging with amenities 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 as early as June for popular campgrounds, several private campgrounds line Highway 3, especially around Carlo Creek and Healy. They sometimes offer amenities unavailable in the park, including electrical hookups, showers, and groceries. The Denali RV Camping Guide covers these alternatives, along with their contact information and amenities.

Dispersed Camping and Backcountry Camping

Outside the official campgrounds, all backcountry camping requires a free backcountry permit. Pick it up in person at the Backcountry Information Center, inside the main visitor center at the park entrance, no earlier than the day before you leave. The park is divided into units, each with a strict daily quota. You cannot make a reservation remotely, so plan to spend a buffer night nearby before heading into the backcountry. The Denali Hiking Guide explains which units are accessible and which routes suit different experience levels.

How and When to Reserve a Denali Campsite

Make reservations through reservedenali.com. The calendar opens in December for the following season. Teklanika River fills up within days for peak-season dates. Riley Creek and Savage River stay available a little longer, but July weekends go quickly. If you are aiming for Wonder Lake, check its reopening status before locking in your dates. Our recommendation is to book in December for any visit between June and August.

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

Rates range from $10 to $39 a night, depending on the campground. Riley Creek, Sanctuary River, and Igloo Creek cost $25. Teklanika River costs $34. Savage River is the most expensive at $39. Wonder Lake costs $10 a night, but it is currently closed until further notice. Riley Creek is free outside the summer season, roughly from mid-September to mid-May. The park entrance fee is always added separately. Our Rates & Passes page explains entrance fees and the America the Beautiful pass options available in Alaska.

Safety and Best Practices: Grizzly Bears and Weather

Denali is home to a large grizzly bear population. Storing food in the metal lockers provided at every site is required by park regulations. Anything with a scent, including toothpaste, sunscreen, and deodorant, belongs in the locker. Do not leave anything in your tent or in a vehicle's visible passenger compartment. In the backcountry, an approved bear-resistant canister is required. If you encounter a grizzly, speak calmly, back away slowly, and never run. Carry your bear spray on your belt, not in your pack. The Denali Wildlife Guide explains how to respond to different species.

Weather is another factor you should never underestimate. Summer highs in Denali are around 55–61°F, with overnight lows around 39–48°F. Snow can fall in any month of the year. Bring a four-season sleeping bag and a sturdy rain jacket no matter when you visit. The Denali Weather Guide and guide to choosing the best time to visit explain conditions month by month.

Which Campground Should You Choose?

• Family with an RV: Riley Creek (car access, showers, laundry, and a dump station) or Savage River (tundra views right from the start).
• Self-sufficient hiker: Teklanika River (shuttle required, total immersion, book in December). Wonder Lake remains the top choice for scenery, but it is currently closed until further notice.
• First trip to Denali: Savage River, accessible by car and already surrounded by impressive scenery.
• Tight budget: Sanctuary River or Igloo Creek at $25 a night, with some sites available first-come, first-served. Riley Creek is free outside the season.
• Backcountry camping: Get a free backcountry permit at the Backcountry Information Center the day before you leave.

Our complete Denali guide gives you an overview of the park so you can plan a trip that goes beyond camping.

Frequently Asked Questions