It's hard to make a list of the best campgrounds in Alaska because each campground holds something special and unique for every individual. So instead, we've compiled a list of awesome campgrounds from around the state that all feature different activities and attractions. If you love camping in Alaska, this list is for you!
Brushkana Campground is located in the Denali National Park off of Brushkana Creek. The campground offers easy access to wilderness exploration and animal sightings. RV's, car, and tent campers alike are welcome here and have access to a public bathroom! Learn more about the amenities available at Brushkana Campground.
Quartz Creek Campground near Cooper Landing, is another excellent camping spot. The allure of Quartz Lake is not just the beautiful scenery but the abundance of fish in the lake. Spend your weekend fishing and relaxing on the banks of the lake with some of the most breathtaking views on the horizon.
If you've ever wanted to camp out under the midnight sun, then Chena River Lakes is the campground for you. Located in Fairbanks, Alaska, a major perk about this campground is the spectacular views of the Northern Lights when they make an appearance. Find out more about visiting the Chena Lake Recreation Area.
Hidden Lake Campground is located on Cooper Landing in Alaska. The campground is well maintained and offers three loops of campsites, one of which is on the lake. In the summer, there is always a bear warning, but the beautiful sites and the cleanliness of the campground make the need for storing your food out of a bear's reach a little more worth it. Find out more about planning your camping trip at Hidden Lake Campground. You can take a virtual tour of Hidden Lake Campground when you watch the video below:
The Denali National Park Campground leaves little to be desired. Amazing views, fun activities like climbing, hiking, touring, site-seeing, fishing, boating, and much more. This place has it all and it's a must on your list of places to camp in Alaska! For even more travel inspiration, check out this epic drone video of Denali National Park:
Camping at Mendenhall Lake is quite the treat. Who wouldn't want to wake up to views of a massive glacier butting up to a beautiful Alaskan lake? In the summer when the conditions are warm, you will find endless activities to keep you busy. If you'd like, you can hop on over to Juneau for a day on the town! Find out more about camping at Mendenhall Lake Campground.
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7. Gulkana National Wild and Scenic River Campgrounds, Glenallen
The Gulkana National Wild and Scenic River offers great camping and amazing sport fishing opportunities. If you are an avid fisherman then be sure to spend some time camping near Gulkana River in Glenallen, Alaska.
If you've been to any of these campgrounds, feel free to leave tips and advice in the comments section. We would love to hear all about your camping adventures!
If you love the idea of camping but prefer a bit more comfort, check out our recommendations for some amazing glampsites in Alaska. There's something for everyone on the list! And, of course, there are always cozy vacation rentals in Alaska that are perfect for some time away.
Alaskans love to get out into the great outdoors! The state has countless campgrounds, whether they are privately owned, or run by the state. There are so many ways to get out and play all summer long, and you'll want a great place to lay your head at night. If you're looking for one of the more private campgrounds in Alaska that you haven't visited yet, you may find the perfect one here! Because visiting secluded places in Alaska is what this state is all about. It’s so huge, and there’s so much to see, that much of it is perfect for a private getaway into the wilderness.
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1. Harding Lake State Recreation Area, Salcha, Alaska
This gorgeous campground is about 45 miles south of Fairbanks, in the stunning interior of Alaska. This is a rather large campground, with around 90 campsites, situated right on the shores of Harding Lake. These include a few more secluded "walk-in" sites in this area, for groups that want a little more space and privacy. If you’re going camping in Alaska, this is one great place to visit! You’ll love everything this secluded area offers. Check out the Harding Lake State Recreation Area website.
2. Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site, Valdez, Alaska
Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site is in the visually arresting Thompson Pass. Every visitor who drives through this magnificent mountain-studded area wishes they didn't have to leave -- and now you don’t have to! You can rent a site at this campground and feast your sight on mountains as far as the eye can see. You'll be hard-pressed to find a prettier place to spend the night in all of Alaska. This is one of the lesser-known campgrounds in Alaska, and it is a must-see! Visit the Blueberry Lake State Park Recreation Site website.
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While you're there, check out the Blueberry Lake Trail, a relatively easy, 2.7-mile out-and-back trail that rewards you with beautiful views.
3. Delta State Recreation Site, Delta Junction, Alaska
This campsite hidden in the woods is a beautiful spot to relax the weekend away. You get a wilderness feel, but with plenty of amenities within only a couple minutes of driving. Across the street, you can even be treated to views of the Alaska Range! Right on the Richardson Highway, this makes a great stopover if you’re heading north. Read about this campsite at Reserve America. You can certainly hide away at this campground which is one of the most secluded campgrounds in Alaska.
You can check out this campground tour from CampgroundTour.com:
Tolsona Wilderness Campground is a secluded little spot that is privately owned in Glennallen. This quaint campground has sites all along a beautifully wooded creek. There are even spots for RVs, but you won't notice them, as there is plenty of privacy. There are also plenty of amenities, including a shower, washer and dryer, and more. Read more about this gorgeous private campground on the Tolsona Wilderness Campground website.
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5. Caines Head State Recreation Area, Seward, Alaska
Caines Head State Recreation Area is only accessible if you hike or boat in. Take a kayak, or enjoy the moderate hike out to the gorgeous sites hidden in the forest right on the waters of Resurrection Bay. This area is incredibly quiet and not busy, and you get to enjoy the sound of the water lapping on the shore while you snooze away in your tent. When you wake up, be treated to the otters playing in the water right off the shoreline, or maybe you’ll even see some whales cruising by! Visit the Alaska DNR website.
Marion Creek Campground is isolated out on the Dalton Highway. While it's quite a drive to reach, the views along the way are completely worth it! Enjoy every bit of the Brooks Range before you bed down for the night in the Arctic Circle! This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip. This location is first-come, first-serve, with campers needing to arrive in person to secure a campsite (for a small $10 fee per night). Visit the BLM Marion Creek Campground website.
Halibut Campground is hidden in the less visited Anchor Point. Most travelers head straight to Homer, but those that stop are rewarded with incredible beachside campsites. Not too busy, and right on Kachemak Bay, this campsite is an absolute winner for those looking for a little seclusion! There’s also great beach combing to do, and you’ll love the views across the bay. Halibut Campground's website has a list of all the facts you’ll need when spending the night.
Have you visited any of these private campgrounds in Alaska? Which one was your favorite? Are there any we missed that you would add on to the list? We would love to hear from you!
There is perhaps no better way to immerse oneself in nature than by camping, and Alaska offers some of the most spectacular campsite locations in the world. Whether your vibe is cozy, secluded forest, sweeping mountain views, or beachside relaxation, Alaska offers it all. Read on to discover the best campgrounds in Alaska and the tranquil beauty each site offers that will capture your heart.
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Best State Park Campgrounds in Alaska
With so many amazing places to camp in Alaska, it can be hard to narrow down the options. We've done the hard work for you by researching the very best state park campgrounds in Alaska, so chosen because they each boast the most pristine and beautiful landscapes surrounding them, and views that will steal your breath away.
Popularity: Popular in the summer months but offers many hidden and remote sites throughout the park.
Park Info: Accessible only by plane, boat, or foot. The park contains 80 miles of trails, 21 campsites, and dozens of protected coves and bays for kayaking and fishing.
Price: Camping fees vary by site and type, but generally, tent campsites are $20/night, whereas yurts and cabins are typically in the $75 and up range.
Tucked away on the remote Kenai Peninsula lies the magnificent Kachemak Bay State Park. Only accessible by boat, air, or foot, camping in Kachemak Bay requires some advanced planning and backcountry camping knowledge. But with such pristine seclusion like this, it's well worth the preparation for an adventure like no other. You'll find ample opportunities for whale watching, fishing, hiking, biking, and landscape and wildlife photography. Some of the wildlife that inhabits this park includes sea otters, seals, bald eagles, porpoises, bears, and whales, so keep those binoculars and telephoto lenses handy so you don't miss a moment. Be sure to take time to admire the stunning Grewingk Glacier while you're in the area.
Park Info: Currently closed but slated to reopen in 2024. Only tent camping is allowed at this campground.
Price: There is a one-time reservation fee of $8 as well as a $16 nightly fee to camp at Wonder Lake Campground.
Although Wonder Lake Campground in Denali National Park is currently closed following a landslide, it is expected to reopen in 2024 and is still more than worthy of being featured among our selection of Best Alaskan Campgrounds. Found 85 miles deep into the interior of Denali National Park, this campground is closest to Denali, and as a result, you won't find better campsite views anywhere else in the park. Be prepared with ample bug spray, water, and waterproof layers, and be sure to store your food in the provided bear-proof lockers. You're in bear country, after all! You'll be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque campground anywhere in the country.
Park Info: Located about 13 miles from Juneau. Available to book from about mid-May through mid-September.
Price: Basic service sites are $10/day, partial-service RV sites with electricity and water hook-ups are $26/day, and full-service RV sites with electricity, water, and sewer hook-ups are $28/day.
Situated just along the shore opposite the iconic Mendenhall Glacier is its namesake Mendenhall Lake Campground. This is arguably the most popular campground on our list, due in part to accessibility (you won't need a boat or plane to access this campground), but in greater part due to the incredible scenery. After all, how many people can say that they've camped at the foot of a glacier before? With our changing climate, the opportunity to view these impressive glaciers shouldn't be taken lightly as they retreat further daily. While you're here, do not miss out on the opportunity to explore the Mendenhall Ice Caves for an adventure like none other.
Park Info: Point Bridget Cabins accommodate up to 8 people. The primary heat source for the cabins is kerosene with an emergency woodstove. You'll need to resupply your water via the creek and purify before drinking.
Price: Point Bridget Cabin rentals start at $60/night
Point Bridges State Park is the smallest state park in Alaska, and yet it is one of the most scenic and underrated. You'll witness towering peaks, gentle rocky shortlines, and peaceful forested seclusion all throughout this park. You'll enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and even whale spotting from the shoreline. Point Bridge Cabins are very affordable and allow you to enjoy the park for multiple days, and rest assured you'll never want to leave. Just be prepared to do a bit of hiking to your cabin, as some may be as far as 2.5 miles from Point Bridget State Park Trailhead at Mile 39 Glacier Highway. But for those willing to make the trek, there is no better way to disconnect and enjoy Alaska's wilderness.
Best Beach Camping in Alaska
It's not every day that you find yourself camping at the base of a glacier or at the rim of a brilliant blue ocean bay. These campsites below are second to none when it comes to spectacular views. So come pop your tent at the beach and soak in the primitive and remote beauty of Alaska.
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5. Bartlett Cove Campground, Glacier Bay National Park
Park Info: Must obtain an Alaska Backcountry/Wilderness Use Permit free of charge. All campers must also attend the Backcountry Camping Orientation. Open from May 1st through September 30th.
Price: No cost for camping
Escape into Alaska's beautiful seclusion at Barlett Cove Campground. This incredible waterfront campground is the only developed area within Glacier Bay National Park where you can camp for free. Formerly the site of a 100-mile-long glacier, Bartlett Cove now offers endless water and land recreation for its visitors. A fire pit and wood are provided at your site, along with a bear-safe container for food storage. You'll also have dock access for boats and easy access to a plethora of nearby hiking trails and scenery. Bartlett Cove is a true Alaskan wilderness gem.
Park Info: Open from May 3rd through September 5th. The campground has access to hot showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, and a gift shop.
Price: $45/night for beachfront tent sites
Renowned as the halibut fishing capital of the world, the Homer Spit Campground is a highly sought-after destination for fishermen, campers, hikers, boaters, and tourists of all varieties, and for good reason. The West Side Camp Area allows campers to set up tents right on the beach at the water's edge, allowing campers to enjoy the rhythmic sound of the waves lapping against the shore as they drift off to sleep. Your site will provide a fire pit as well so that you can roast s'mores and keep warm on cold nights. Beach camping is an experience all on its own, and you're sure to befriend the other campers around you as you soak in the beauty of your surroundings.
Park Info: Open from April 15th through September 30th.
Price: Tent sites are $20/night, RV sites with water/electric hookups are $55 nightly, or pay $10 more for a prime location RV site with water/electric hookups.
Resurrection South Campground in Seward is easily among the most scenic campgrounds in Alaska. Take in the jaw-dropping views of the surrounding Kenai Mountains as you set up camp right alongside the tranquil
waters. While visiting the area, you'll want to check out Seward's Helicopter Tours or go for a hike along Skyline Trail for a gorgeous elevated perspective overlooking Resurrection Bay and the surrounding mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for sea otters, sea lions, and perhaps the occasional whale or bald eagle. With the town of Seward at your back, you'll have close access to plenty of restaurants, shopping, and amenities you may want. Talk about a perfect blend of comfort and adventure!
Top Glamping in Alaska
Glamping, or "glamorous camping", is a great way to experience the magic of camping but with the added benefits of greater comfort and more amenities to choose from. You'll feel better protected from the elements and sleep more comfortably, while still immersing yourself in Alaska's remote wilderness. Check out some of the state's best glamping and yurt rentals below.
Popularity: Hidden Gem. Open only from May through September each year.
Park Info: The nightly rates include lodging, a round-trip water taxi to Orca Island from Seward (amounts to a 9-mile cruise), use of kayaks, rowing skiffs, stand-up paddle boards, wet suits, fishing gear, binoculars, and firewood for outdoor fire pits.
Price: $850+/night for 2 guests
If you're looking for the ultimate glamping experience, look no further than Orca Island Cabins. Nestled right on the rim of Resurrection Bay, you'll have all the privacy of the wooded forest while enjoying close access to the water. Grab your paddleboards and canoes and head out for a day of fun in the sun, then come back to your cozy yurt and enjoy a cocktail or two on the deck overlooking the bay. There are even fire pits for you to warm up on chilly nights. Orca Island Cabins are truly the ultimate in luxury glamping in Alaska.
Popularity: Each of these yurts is secluded and private, so you'll not be bothered by other guests or people outside of your party.
Park Info: You'll need a kayak or water taxi to access some of these yurts, or they may be accessible via small hike. Others are as close as 100 yards to the dropoff point but still require some walking through forested landscape.
Price: Starting at $75/night depending on location, availability, and type of yurt selected. There are 8 yurts/locations to choose from within Kachemak Bay State Park.
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If you enjoy the more rugged and rustic camping experience, you'll love the Alaskan Yurt Rentals
in Kachemak Bay State Park. These yurts are so remote that they must be accessed by kayak or via water taxi service. Amenities are limited but include a fire stove, propane burner, 4 sleeping platforms with pads (bring your own linens), a bucket, a 5-gallon water container, a wood saw, a splitting maul, and a bear-proof food bucket. You'll want to bring plenty of your own water or a method of filtering/boiling water if you plan to stay for a few days. There are several nearby waterfalls from which you can collect water to filter. If you want to know what it's like to live truly off the grid in nature, Alaskan Yurt Rentals are the way to go. Grab your kayaks and explore one of the most beautiful and remote places in Alaska.
Featured by USAToday and Outside Online as "Best Glamping Resort" and one of the "10 Amazing Glamping Spots in North America", respectively, Alpenglow Luxury Camping is an incredible luxury glamping site that truly has it all. It perfectly blends seclusion with comfort, offering sweeping mountain (or whimsical forest) views and peaceful solitude. Enjoy the warmth of the fire pit, or the hot tub (and nearby showers to rinse off afterward) and gaze up at the stars from your own private deck. And bonus points for the complimentary breakfast that makes it feel like you've truly found your home away from home in nature.
11. "Experience Alaska" Yurt Rentals, Denali National Park
Park Info: Denali National Park is less than 30 miles away and charges a $15 fee, or you can purchase an annual park pass for $45
Price: Starting at $138/night
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If you're visiting Denali National Park and want a rustic yurt camping adventure, "Experience Alaska" Yurt Rentals are the perfect choice. Enjoy a sweeping 360-degree view of the mountains (including the tallest mountain in America, Mount McKinley) and Denali National Park, which is less than 30 miles away from the yurt. The yurt itself comes equipped with electricity, propane cook stove, fully stocked outhouse, clean linens, a wood stove (and stove heating), and nearby river and hiking trail access. "Experience Alaska" indeed!
Best RV Camping Sites in Alaska
In Alaska, there is a term for dry (RV or car) camping in certain roadway pull-offs along its highways, and it's known as "boondocking". Additionally, RV camping is generally available at most campsites in Alaska, you'll just need to check beforehand if you are in search of hookups, as not all sites have them. Whether you own an RV yourself or choose to rent an RV from a service like RVShare, these campgrounds below are great options for RV camping sites in Alaska.
Popularity: May be popular during the summer months
Park Info: N/A
Price: No cost
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The scenic 127-mile Seward Highway winds from Seward to Anchorage through some of Alaska's most majestic mountains and landscapes. You'll find scattered pullouts along this stretch of roadway that are suitable for dry RV/car camping. Enjoy the beautiful sights while remaining within close access to the roadway, making it a great (free) camping option for those on a budget or in a hurry to get to their next destination.
Check out this video for a glimpse at this scenic drive:
Park Info: This is an undeveloped campground with 12 sites, a vault toilet, and bear-proof trash cans. Water can be obtained by filtering the water from the nearby creek.
Price: No camping fee
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The Galbraith Lake Campground lies just off the scenic Dalton Highway north of Fairbanks. It sits alongside a peaceful flowing creek, where you can replenish your water if you run dry (just be sure to filter or boil it first). You'll be within easy reach of plenty of hikes that lead you into the nearby Brooks Range and endless natural beauty. And while this style of camping is best suited for the more rugged campers due to limited amenities, just bring your own and soak in jaw-dropping scenery you won't find anywhere else.
Popularity: Popular site for camping during the summer months
Park Info: There are 15 RV-accessible camping sites, 4 of which are accessible to RVs up to 40 feet in length. Please note that no drinking water is available at this site.
Price: No camping fee
Deadman Lake Campground is located within the vast and alluring Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge area. Generally open from April through October, this campground is one of the more popular camping spots along the Alaska Highway and offers firepits, toilets, picnic tables, and boat ramp access to the lake. Enjoy the peace and quiet, disconnect from busy city life, spend some time on the tranquil lake waters, and immerse yourself in nature.
Best Primitive Tent Camping in Alaska
If you're in search of primitive tent camping options in Alaska, you'll find no shortage of them in the vast wilderness found throughout this beautiful state. Ideal for those with ample backcountry and wilderness experience, these sites usually require a bit of extra work for an equally beautiful reward: access to some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes you'll ever witness.
Park Info: A helicopter will transport you and your group to and from the glacier (cost included). Be prepared to kayak and hike and be in overall good physical condition for this adventure.
Price: $2,999/person for two days
Touted as the "Ultimate Glacier Camping Experience", this two-day luxury tour offered by Ascending Path's Glamping Adventure is the most remote and epic glacial exploration experience one could ask for. This once-in-a-lifetime escapade includes a ride on the Alaska Railroad, kayaking past ancient ice, hiking near the face of a glacier, camping on a glacier, guided glacial exploration, and so much more. Dine in style on the glacier with hot breakfasts and lunches, as well as Catered Crab Legs dinner and dessert. All glacier hiking and camping gear will be provided, so just show up ready for adventure! The scenic helicopter ride on and off the glacier is worth the price of admission all on its own.
Park Info: Located 21 miles west of Paxon just off of the Denali Highway. This highway often closes during the winter.
Price: $15/night for standard campsites, $6/night for walk-in campsites
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Tangle Lakes Campground may not be the most remote of locations given its proximity to Denali Highway, but it is among the most serene, peaceful, and picturesque campsites you'll find in Alaska. Pitch your tent at one of the 45 campsites and enjoy the scenery along the Tangle River, which connects the beautiful Tangle Lakes. Marvel at the majestic mountains that surround you or launch off from the boat dock to kayak or paddleboard along the peaceful river waters. This campground is particularly scenic during the fall when the yellows, golds, and reds begin to blanket the landscape.
Park Info: Although this is a larger campground, there are 5 walk-in campsites that are more primitive and secluded
Price: $20/night per tent site, plus a $5 parking fee, and a $14 boat launch fee
Harding Lake State Recreation Area is located about 45 miles south of Fairbanks and is one of the oldest parks in the Alaska State Park system dating back to 1967. The walk-in campsites, of which there are 5, offer more seclusion from the rest of the larger campground while still allowing you to take advantage of the park's offerings. For a $15 fee, you can launch your boats or jet skis off the boat dock and glide along the crystal clear lake waters, or play horseshoe or volleyball (bring your own equipment). You'll also find ample fishing opportunities for lake trout, arctic char, and burbot. Be sure to explore the many hiking trails in the area so you can soak in the beauty of your surroundings while getting your blood flowing at this beautiful state park.
Park Info: Backcountry special permits are required to gain entry into the park, which then can only be accessed by boat, plane, or foot.
Price: There is a $100 application fee and $250 Special Permit fee which must be purchased in advance at the Dillingham field office.
The iconic Wood-Tikchik State Park is among Alaska's most beautiful and rugged destinations, and it's also among the most remote. In fact, you can only access the nation's largest state park by boat, airplane (the preferred method), or foot, as well as by snowmobiles in the wintertime when conditions are favorable. You'll be awestruck by this nearly 1.6-million-acre natural wonder and its 12 lakes, countless pristine rivers, and endless mountainous grandeur. Campers are encouraged to minimize their impact by building fires using gas stoves, firepans, or on unvegetated bars or beaches. Also remember to Leave No Trace of your presence within your primitive campsites.
Have you ever camped at one of these 18 best campgrounds in Alaska? Which one are you most inspired to add to your camping bucket list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
For even more Alaska camping inspiration, check out these 15 rustic campsites in Alaska that you'll surely fall in love with.
