Camping in Wrangell–St. Elias: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations, and Rates

By Erika Müller · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Wrangell - St Elias

Wrangell–St. Elias is the largest national park in the United States, covering more ground than Switzerland and the Netherlands combined. That sheer scale has a direct effect on camping. Developed facilities are scarce, but there is almost unlimited room for backcountry camping. There is just one “official” campground inside the park. Everywhere else, you’ll find open wilderness stretching to the horizon. There’s no entrance fee, no permit required for dispersed camping, and a season concentrated between June and mid-September. Here’s what matters.

Campgrounds in the park (1)

• Campground Kendesnii Campground see NPS · 10 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp Inside Wrangell–St. Elias?

Yes, with few restrictions. The park stays open year-round, even though the visitor centers close from mid-September through late April. You have two options: the developed sites at the park’s only NPS campground, which are first-come, first-served, or free backcountry camping on any public land away from private structures. You don’t need a permit for dispersed camping, but Leave No Trace (LNT) rules are strictly enforced. There’s no entrance fee.

Campgrounds Inside the Park

Kendesnii Campground (Nabesna area)

This is the park’s only developed campground managed by the NPS. It’s near Slana, at the start of Nabesna Road. About a dozen primitive sites accommodate tents and small vehicles. Available amenities include pit toilets, picnic tables, and trash receptacles. There’s no running water or electricity. Sites are first-come, first-served, so reservations aren’t available. Rates are free or nominal, depending on the season. Check the NPS website for current conditions before you leave.

Nabesna Road, about 42 miles of gravel from Slana, continues from the campground through spectacular tundra. Pullouts along the road also allow dispersed camping as long as you follow LNT rules.

Camping Along McCarthy Road

McCarthy Road, about 60 miles of gravel from Chitina, is the only access route to the Kennecott area. There’s no official NPS campground along the road, but several pullouts allow overnight tent camping. Private operators also offer sites with basic services near McCarthy. See the next section.

RV vs. Tent Camping

At Wrangell–St. Elias, tents are a much better fit than RVs for one practical reason. The two access roads into the park are gravel and include bridges with limited clearance. RVs longer than 30 feet aren’t recommended on McCarthy Road. Compact RVs can reach Kendesnii on Nabesna Road without trouble, but the road deteriorates quickly beyond that point. There are no electrical hookups or water connections inside the park. If you’re traveling by RV and need hookups, private campgrounds around Glennallen or Copper Center offer more services. The Wrangell–St. Elias RV camping guide explains clearance restrictions on each access road.

Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds Outside the Park

When Kendesnii is full, which happens often in July, the gateway communities offer reliable alternatives. Glennallen, Copper Center, and Chitina have private or municipal campgrounds with drinking water, showers, and, depending on the property, electricity. Around McCarthy, several lodges and outfitters offer tent sites on their grounds. The Wrangell–St. Elias lodging guide lists the accommodations available in the area.

Dispersed Camping and Backcountry Camping

This is the park’s signature experience. Unlike most American national parks, Wrangell–St. Elias doesn’t require a permit for backcountry camping. You can pitch your tent wherever you want on public land, at least 200 feet from water and away from marked trails.

The NPS still recommends checking in at a visitor center before you leave. It isn’t a regulatory requirement; it’s a safety measure. In a park without cell service, your registration can speed up a rescue in an emergency. The Wrangell–St. Elias hiking guide covers routes suited to self-supported overnight trips.

How and When to Reserve a Campsite in Wrangell–St. Elias

You can’t reserve Kendesnii. There’s no reservation platform for the park’s NPS campgrounds, including Recreation.gov. During the busy season in July and August, arrive on a weekday and early in the day to give yourself the best chance of finding a site.

For private campgrounds outside the park, some operators accept reservations directly by phone or through their own websites. The ideal planning window runs from late May through the first half of September. After September 15, several visitor centers close and weather conditions become unpredictable. The When to Visit Wrangell–St. Elias guide explains the best windows for different activities.

Rates: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost in Wrangell–St. Elias?

There’s no entrance fee. Kendesnii Campground is free or asks for a nominal donation, so check the NPS website for current conditions. Backcountry camping is completely free, with no paid permit. Private campgrounds at the park’s gateways generally charge about $20 to $40 per night for a tent site, depending on the amenities. For an estimate of your trip’s overall budget, see our Rates & Passes page.

Safety and Best Practices

Grizzly Bears and Black Bears

The park is home to both species. You could encounter one anywhere, including at a campground. Three rules are nonnegotiable:

• Store all food and scented items, including toothpaste, soap, and sunscreen, in a certified bear canister or a bear box when one is available. Don’t leave anything scented in your tent.
• Make noise while hiking to announce your presence by talking or using bells.
• Stay at least 300 feet from any bear you see. Carry bear spray and practice using it before you leave.

The Wrangell–St. Elias wildlife guide explains how to respond to each species found in the park.

Cold and Hypothermia

Even in July, temperatures can drop sharply with wind and rain. A synthetic or DWR-treated down sleeping bag is essential because it retains its performance when damp. A waterproof shell jacket is the minimum. A tent with good waterproofing under tension is even better.

Backcountry Water

There are no drinking-water sources inside the park outside the visitor centers. Always filter or purify water from backcountry streams and rivers with a pump filter, tablets, or UV treatment. Giardia is present in Alaska’s wild waters.

Which Camping Option Fits You Best?

You’re an experienced tent camper: backcountry camping is for you. Check in at the Copper Center visitor center, choose a valley away from the roads, and enjoy a level of solitude that few American national parks can still offer.

You prefer a structured base: Kendesnii Campground is your best option on Nabesna Road. In the Kennecott area, private operators near McCarthy offer slightly more comfort.

You’re traveling in a compact RV: Nabesna Road to Kendesnii is manageable. For hookups, stay at private campgrounds in Glennallen or Copper Center.

You’re traveling with young children: Kendesnii’s proximity to the Slana visitor center is a real logistical advantage. In the Kennecott area, private campgrounds offer welcome comfort for families with small children. The Wrangell–St. Elias family travel guide adds advice geared toward young kids.

Frequently Asked Questions