The mighty Yukon River is the longest river in both Alaska and the Yukon in Canada. In fact, the Canadian province is named after the waterway. The Yukon was a major transportation waterway before the advent of small airplanes, especially during the Gold Rush in the early 1900's. And travelers along the river have always needed a place to stop and rest. The Yukon River Camp holds this spot for both travelers on the river and the Dalton Highway in northern Alaska. The friendly folks and delicious cuisine are certainly an oasis in the vast, open tundra.
Yukon River Camp Cafe is at Mile 56 Dalton Hwy, Yukon River Crossing.
The Dalton Highway stretches out to the extreme north of Alaska. The Yukon River is a major fixture of the region, flowing from BC to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in Western Alaska.
The E. L. Patton Yukon River Bridge is a noted landmark on the Dalton Highway. At 2000 feet long, it is the only bridge that crosses the Yukon River in Alaska.
Stop by this utilitarian cafe for a delicious meal in the middle of nowhere. You are sure to agree that, although rustic, the restaurant is surprisingly delicious.
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.
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!
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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.
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.
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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.
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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!
