Alaska Camping Guide — Every Campground Listed
Table of Contents
Introduction
Best Time to Visit Alaska
Permits and Regulations
Safety in Alaska: Bears, Weather, and Daylight
What to Bring
National Parks and Forests
+ Denali National Park and Preserve
+ Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
+ Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
+ Katmai National Park and Preserve
+ Kenai Fjords National Park
+ Tongass National Forest
+ Chugach National Forest
State Parks and Recreation Areas
+ Chugach State Park
+ Haines State Forest
+ Misty Fjords National Monument
+ Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands
Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
+ Anchorage RV Park
+ McNeil River State Game Sanctuary RV Park
+ Kenai Fjords Resort and RV Park
Conclusion and Checklist
Introduction
Alaska is a camper’s paradise, offering unparalleled access to pristine wilderness, majestic mountain vistas, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. With millions of acres of protected lands, Alaska has something for every type of camper, from backpackers and hikers to RV enthusiasts and car campers. In this comprehensive Alaska camping guide, we’ll explore every campground listed in Alaska, from national parks and forests to state parks and private RV parks. Whether you’re a seasoned Alaskan or planning your first trip to the Last Frontier, this guide has everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable camping adventure.
Best Time to Visit Alaska
The best time to visit Alaska depends on your interests and the activities you have planned. For camping, the summer months (June to August) offer the longest days and warmest temperatures, with average highs ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). However, this is also the peak tourist season, and campgrounds can be crowded and expensive. If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, consider visiting during the shoulder season (April to May or September to October), when the crowds are smaller and prices are lower.
Permits and Regulations
Before camping in Alaska, make sure to check the regulations and obtain any necessary permits. Some national parks and forests require a free permit, while others may charge a fee. Additionally, be aware of any specific regulations, such as bear-resistant food storage requirements and campfire restrictions. For a list of national parks and forests in Alaska, visit the National Park Service website.
Safety in Alaska: Bears, Weather, and Daylight
Alaska is known for its incredible wildlife, including bears, moose, and wolves. To stay safe, always follow bear country guidelines, such as carrying bear spray and making noise while hiking. Additionally, be prepared for unpredictable weather, with layers and a waterproof jacket. Finally, be aware of the limited daylight during the summer months, with the sun rising around 4 am and setting around 10 pm.
What to Bring
When camping in Alaska, it’s essential to pack the right gear for the unique conditions. Bring:
Waterproof jacket and pants
Insulating layers
Bear spray
Camp stove and fuel
First aid kit
Map and compass
Headlamp or flashlight
Sleeping bag and pad
Tent
Bear-resistant food storage container
Water filter or purification tablets
National Parks and Forests
Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park and Preserve is home to North America’s highest peak, Mount Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). The park offers several campgrounds, including Wonder Lake Campground, which is accessible by shuttle bus only.
Wonder Lake Campground
+ Location: 86 miles north of park entrance on Wonder Lake Road
+ Elevation: 2,100 ft (640 m)
+ Difficulty: Easy
+ Distance: 3.5 miles from shuttle bus stop
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, with over 13 million acres of wilderness. The park offers several campgrounds, including the popular Kennecott Campground.
Kennecott Campground
+ Location: 10 miles north of Kennecott on the Kennecott Road
+ Elevation: 3,500 ft (1,067 m)
+ Difficulty: Moderate
+ Distance: 1.5 miles from Kennecott townsite
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is the most remote national park in the United States, accessible only by air or foot. The park offers several campgrounds, including the popular Noatak Wilderness Campground.
Noatak Wilderness Campground
+ Location: 10 miles north of Noatak River on the Noatak River Road
+ Elevation: 1,000 ft (305 m)
+ Difficulty: Moderate
+ Distance: 2 miles from Noatak River
Katmai National Park and Preserve
Katmai National Park and Preserve is home to the famous Brooks Falls, where brown bears congregate to catch salmon. The park offers several campgrounds, including the popular Brooks Falls Campground.
Brooks Falls Campground
+ Location: 10 miles east of Brooks Falls on the Brooks Falls Road
+ Elevation: 1,000 ft (305 m)
+ Difficulty: Easy
+ Distance: 2 miles from Brooks Falls
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is known for its stunning fjords and glaciers. The park offers several campgrounds, including the popular Aialik Campground.
Aialik Campground
+ Location: 10 miles north of Aialik Bay on the Aialik Bay Road
+ Elevation: 500 ft (152 m)
+ Difficulty: Easy
+ Distance: 1.5 miles from Aialik Bay
Tongass National Forest
Tongass National Forest is the largest temperate rainforest in the United States. The forest offers several campgrounds, including the popular Hoonah Campground.
Hoonah Campground
+ Location: 10 miles north of Hoonah on the Hoonah Road
+ Elevation: 500 ft (152 m)
+ Difficulty: Easy
+ Distance: 1.5 miles from Hoonah
Chugach National Forest
Chugach National Forest is known for its stunning mountain vistas and glaciers. The forest offers several campgrounds, including the popular Crow Creek Campground.
Crow Creek Campground
+ Location: 10 miles north of Crow Creek on the Crow Creek Road
+ Elevation: 2,000 ft (610 m)
+ Difficulty: Moderate
+ Distance: 1.5 miles from Crow Creek
State Parks and Recreation Areas
Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park is located near Anchorage and offers several campgrounds, including the popular Gull Rock Campground.
Gull Rock Campground
+ Location: 10 miles north of Gull Rock on the Gull Rock Road
+ Elevation: 500 ft (152 m)
+ Difficulty: Easy
+ Distance: 2 miles from Gull Rock
Haines State Forest
Haines State Forest is located near Haines and offers several campgrounds, including the popular Fish Creek Campground.
Fish Creek Campground
+ Location: 10 miles north of Fish Creek on the Fish Creek Road
+ Elevation: 500 ft (152 m)
+ Difficulty: Easy
+ Distance: 1.5 miles from Fish Creek
Misty Fjords National Monument
Misty Fjords National Monument is located near Ketchikan and offers several campgrounds, including the popular Rudyerd Bay Campground.
Rudyerd Bay Campground
+ Location: 10 miles north of Rudyerd Bay on the Rudyerd Bay Road
+ Elevation: 500 ft (152 m)
+ Difficulty: Easy
+ Distance: 1.5 miles from Rudyerd Bay
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands
BLM Lands are located throughout Alaska and offer several campgrounds, including the popular Chena Hot Springs Campground.
Chena Hot Springs Campground
+ Location: 10 miles north of Chena Hot Springs on the Chena Hot Springs Road
+ Elevation: 500 ft (152 m)
+ Difficulty: Easy
+ Distance: 2 miles from Chena Hot Springs
Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Anchorage RV Park
Anchorage RV Park is located near Anchorage and offers full hookups and amenities such as laundry and showers.
Location: 10 miles north of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway
Elevation: 500 ft (152 m)
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5 miles from Anchorage
McNeil River State Game Sanctuary RV Park
McNeil River State Game Sanctuary RV Park is located near Homer and offers full hookups and amenities such as laundry and showers.
Location: 10 miles north of McNeil River on the McNeil River Road
Elevation: 500 ft (152 m)
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5 miles from McNeil River
Kenai Fjords Resort and RV Park
Kenai Fjords Resort and RV Park is located near Seward and offers full hookups and amenities such as laundry and showers.
Location: 10 miles north of Seward on the Seward Highway
Elevation: 500 ft (152 m)
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5 miles from Seward
Conclusion and Checklist
Alaska offers endless opportunities for camping and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or planning your first trip to the Last Frontier, this guide has everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable camping experience. Before heading out, make sure to:
Check the weather forecast and road conditions
Obtain any necessary permits and regulations
Pack the right gear, including bear spray and a bear-resistant food storage container
Bring a map and compass, as well as a first aid kit and emergency shelter
Plan for limited daylight during the summer months
With this comprehensive Alaska camping guide, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure in the wilds of Alaska. Happy camping!
Plan Your Alaska Adventure
- 🧭 Find a Certified Guide
- 🎒 Rent Outdoor Gear
- 📅 Book a Guided Trip
- 🚐 Trailhead Shuttle Services
- 🏠 Cabin & Lodge Rentals