Camping in Wrangell–St. Elias: 10 NPS Sites, Backcountry Camping, and Practical Tips

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

Wrangell–St. Elias is the largest national park in the United States, bigger than Switzerland and the Netherlands combined. That sheer scale has a direct effect on camping. Developed facilities are few, but places to camp are almost limitless. There is just one official campground inside the park, with 10 sites in all. Beyond that, it's raw wilderness as far as you can see. No entrance fee, no permit required for dispersed camping, and a comfortable camping season concentrated between June and mid-September. Here's what matters.

Campgrounds in the park (1)

• Campground Kendesnii Campground see NPS · 10 sites Directions ↗

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Can you camp inside Wrangell–St. Elias?

Yes, with few restrictions. The park is open year-round, even though the visitor centers close from mid-September through late April. You have two options: the park's 10 developed sites at its only NPS campground, available 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 only developed campground managed by the NPS inside the park. It's near Slana, at the start of Nabesna Road. The campground has 10 primitive sites for tents and RVs up to 25 feet long. Amenities include toilets, picnic tables, and trash receptacles. There is no running water or electricity. Sites are first come, first served, so reservations aren't available. Camping is free. Check the NPS website for current conditions before you leave.

Kendesnii is officially open year-round, 24 hours a day. In practice, it isn't maintained or plowed in winter. The site remains accessible, but no services are guaranteed. The most comfortable camping season runs from June through mid-September.

Nabesna Road, a roughly 42-mile gravel road from Slana, starts at the campground and then crosses spectacular tundra. Pullouts along the road also allow dispersed camping as long as you follow LNT rules.

Camping along McCarthy Road

McCarthy Road, a roughly 60-mile gravel road from Chitina, is the only access route to the Kennecott area. There is no official NPS campground along the road, but several pullouts allow overnight tent camping. Private operators also offer sites with basic services around McCarthy. See the next section.

RVs vs. tents

At Wrangell–St. Elias, tents are a much better fit than RVs for one practical reason. Both access roads into the park are gravel and include bridges with limited clearances. Large RVs aren't recommended on McCarthy Road because of the rough road and bridges. On Nabesna Road, Kendesnii accepts RVs up to 25 feet, and 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 the clearance restrictions on each access road.

Camping nearby: private campgrounds outside the park

When Kendesnii fills up, which happens often in July with only 10 sites, the gateway communities offer good 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 land. The Wrangell–St. Elias lodging guide lists the available accommodations in the area.

Dispersed camping and backcountry camping

This is the park's signature experience. Wrangell–St. Elias doesn't require a permit for backcountry camping, unlike most American national parks. You can pitch your tent wherever you like 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 set out. It's not a legal requirement, but it improves safety. 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 is no reservation platform for NPS campgrounds in the park, including Recreation.gov. During peak season in July and August, arrive early on a weekday to improve your chances of finding one of the 10 sites.

For private campgrounds outside the park, some operators take reservations 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 the weather becomes unpredictable. The When to visit Wrangell–St. Elias guide explains the best windows for different activities.

How much does a night of camping in Wrangell–St. Elias cost?

There is no entrance fee. Kendesnii Campground is free, but check the NPS website for current conditions. Backcountry camping is completely free, with no paid permit. Private campgrounds near the park charge roughly $20 to $40 per night for a tent site, depending on the amenities. For an estimate of your trip's overall budget, see our Fees & Passes page.

Safety and best practices

Grizzly and black bears

Both species live in the park. You could encounter one anywhere, including at the campground. Follow three non-negotiable rules:

• Store all food and scented items such as toothpaste, soap, and sunscreen in a certified bear canister or a bear box whenever one is available. Don't leave anything scented in your tent.
• Make noise while hiking so bears know you're there. Talk, sing, or use 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 insulating properties when damp. A waterproof shell jacket is the minimum; a tent with good waterproofing under tension is even better.

Water in the backcountry

There are no potable 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 is right for you?

You're an experienced tent camper: backcountry camping is made 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, with 10 first-come, first-served sites and on-site toilets. 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 vehicles up to 25 feet. 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 smaller vehicles. The guide to visiting Wrangell–St. Elias with kids adds practical advice for families with young children.

Frequently asked questions