Best Camping in Alaska

Best Camping Sites in Alaska (723)

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   Homer Spit Campground

   42 Reviews

   204 Photos

   151 Saves

   Homer, Alaska

   If you’re looking for someplace to camp on a beach where you can enjoy stunning mountain views, glorious sunsets, and whales dancing on the waves—all from right outside your tent’s door—look no further than Alaska’s Homer Spit. Located 230 miles southwest of Anchorage, where Alaska’s Highway 1 ends on a tiny finger of land extending out into Kachemak Bay, this oceanfront retreat rewards those who make the effort to get here. Nature lovers will relish the eagle and wildlife watching, anglers can cast for epic halibut and salmon catches, and foodies will enjoy the village’s farmers’ market and many eateries and art galleries.

   The campground at Homer Spit features 122 campsites where tent and RV campers can make themselves at home across the bay from the glacier-capped peaks of Kenai Peninsula. Campsite options include beachfront tent sites (no hookups), beach view RV sites with electrical hookups, and interior tent and RV sites with electrical or full hookups. Most sites are equipped with picnic tables, and all have access to drinking water, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities and a dump station. The campground has Wifi service, and is within walking distance of most of the town’s shops and restaurants. Sites can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 40 feet. Rates range from $30–$50/night; reservations recommended.

   Known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” anglers can fish from the end of the spit or charter a boat for fishing offshore. No gear, no problem. Many fishing outfitters rent and sell fishing gear. Several wildlife watching tours are available, including tours by air for whale and bear viewing. After a day on the bay, enjoy food and beverages at the world-famous Salty Dawg Saloon, or live music and dancing at Alice’s Champagne Palace. There’s also a few local breweries and a winery for sampling some of the local elixirs. Homer also hosts a variety of fun and flavorful events through the summer worth checking out.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
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   Eklutna - Chugach State Park

   39 Reviews

   139 Photos

   161 Saves

   Chugiak, Alaska

   Eklutna - Chugach State Park is a fantastic spot nestled just off the Glenn Highway, north of Anchorage. This place is a hidden wonder, especially during the autumn when the colors are simply breathtaking. The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, cabin, and even glamping accommodations, making it a versatile choice for all kinds of campers.

   The sites are first-come, first-served and are quite wooded, providing a good amount of privacy. However, the dense canopy might be a bit of a challenge if you're relying on solar power. The bathrooms are basic but clean, with vault toilets, and water is available at spigots throughout the campground loop.

   One of the standout features here is Eklutna Lake, which is perfect for flat water paddling and fishing. Just be cautious, as the lake can get pretty choppy on windy afternoons. If hiking is your thing, the Twin Peak trailhead is nearby, offering some excellent trails. For those who enjoy cycling, the main road provides a good workout with its steep climb up to the lake.

   Visitors have mentioned that the campground feels remote and wilderness-like, yet it's conveniently within an hour's drive of Anchorage. There's even a local tourist ice cream shop a few miles down the road that offers food, showers, and laundry during the summer months. If you're planning a visit to the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, this campground is a great nearby option, about 30 miles away.

   Overall, Eklutna - Chugach State Park offers a peaceful retreat with stunning natural beauty and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. Whether you're here for the hiking, paddling, or just to soak in the scenery, you won't be disappointed.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
   • RVs

   $5 - $100 / night

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   Riley Creek Campground — Denali National Park

   35 Reviews

   104 Photos

   125 Saves

   Healy, Alaska

   Riley Creek Campground is a fairly wooded campground, with some screening between sites whenever possible. Most of the campground sites are open to either tent campers or vehicles / RVs. The proximity of Highway 3 means there is occasional traffic noise, but also means campers have all the conveniences and amenities of the park entrance area, and businesses outside the park, close at hand. Trails leading from the campground connect to the Denali Visitor Center, which is the central hub of trails in the entrance area.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
   • RVs
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   Eagle River Campground - Chugach State Park

   33 Reviews

   24 Photos

   96 Saves

   Eagle River, Alaska

   Eagle River campground is located along the beautiful Eagle River. The campground has 57 sites with picnic tables, fire pits, water, latrines, flush toilets and dump station. Overflow camping area of 10 sites, and a Campground Host. Downtown Eagle River is a short 5 minutes from the campground and has all the amenities of a small town.

   ★ ADA Facility - Yes ★ 57 Campsites (see fee page) ★ No RV size limit ★ Camping Limit - 4 nights ★ Daily Parking Fee - (see fee page) ★ Toilets - ♿ ★ Water - ♿ ★ Picnic Sites ★ Picnic Shelter (1) ★ Sanitary Dump Station

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
   • RVs
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   Seward City Campgrounds

   31 Reviews

   103 Photos

   147 Saves

   Seward, Alaska

   The City of Seward has seven separate campground locations, six locations within Seward RV Waterfront Park:

   Iditarod, Resurrection (utility area), Marathon, Harborside, Alice, William's Park (for smaller RVs and Tent camping)

   Our community invites you to stay and play and experience the abundant winter recreational opportunities available in the area. Stay at the Waterfront Park in a small section of Resurrection Campground where the scenery is breathtaking. The cost to camp is $5 a night for Dry camping, or if you need electric hook-ups, camping is $20 per nighg for Seward Alaska RV Parks. Self-contained RV units only, as our water is off and the dump station is closed for the cold season. Garbage service is also not available and must be hauled home or off-site.

   Campers are required to self-register prior to camping. Use the pay station located at the north entrance of the winter camping area of Resurrection Campground.

   We work to provide snow and ice removal. Be warned, however, that conditions change rapidly and often in Seward. Campers must use common sense and caution in the winter camping area. Watch for snow, ice, and uneven surfaces.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access

   $10 - $20 / night

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   Bird Creek Campground - Chugach State Park

   26 Reviews

   79 Photos

   115 Saves

   Indian, Alaska

   Welcome to Bird Creek Campground in Chugach State Park, just a short drive from Anchorage. This spot is a favorite for many, offering a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. The campground is open from May to September, making it a perfect summer getaway.

   Bird Creek Campground is known for its spacious sites, though only about half can fit larger RVs. If you're rolling in with a tent, you'll find plenty of room to set up. Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table, and the vault toilets are kept clean. Just remember, there's no drinking water, so bring your own or be prepared to boil what's available.

   One of the standout features here is the Bird to Gird trail, a beautiful biking and walking path that runs right through the campground. It's a great way to spend an afternoon, and if you make it to Girdwood, treat yourself to some blueberry fritters at Alpine Cafe and Bakery.

   For those looking to explore further, the area offers some fantastic natural attractions. Byron Glacier is an easy hike, and if you time it right, you can catch the bore tide—a wave big enough to surf. Just be cautious of the tidal mud; it can be like quicksand.

   Girdwood, nearby, has all the amenities you might need, from gas stations to groceries, and even a brewery with food trucks. Whether you're here for a quick trip or a longer stay, Bird Creek Campground offers a great mix of convenience and natural beauty. Enjoy your stay and don't forget to keep an eye out for wildlife like bald eagles and maybe even a moose!

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
   • RVs
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   Mendenhall Lake Campground

   24 Reviews

   74 Photos

   37 Saves

   Auke Bay, Alaska

   Overview

   Mendenhall Campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake, in view of massive Mendenhall Glacier, about 13 miles from downtown Juneau. The site is a popular destination for viewing beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Hiking opportunities abound.

   Recreation

   The West Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, can be hiked in 5-6 hours roundtrip. The trailhead is a half mile from the campground entrance by road or on the Aak'w Sit' Trail. The .4 mile Tolch Rock Trail is in this vicinity. The campground has several paths in it with interpretive signs relating facts about the area wildlife and environment.

   Facilities

   The West Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, can be hiked in 5-6 hours roundtrip. The trailhead is a half mile from the campground entrance by road or on the Aak'w Sit' Trail. The .4 mile Tolch Rock Trail is in this vicinity. The campground has several paths in it with interpretive signs relating facts about the area wildlife and environment.

   Natural Features

   The campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake at about 100 feet elevation. Mendenhall Glacier lies to the north and the Mendenhall River flows on the east. On either side of the campground, the mountains rise from 4,000 to to 7,000 feet above the Mendenhall Glacier. The topography is relatively flat and open, consisting of glacial moraines, small lakes and ponds. Forbs and lichens, black cottonwood, Sitka alder, willow and mature spruce hemlock forests cover the area. The forest floor is dotted with blueberry bushes and mosses. At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and is the largest forest in the national forest system. The Tongass surrounds the Inside Passage, the network of waterways that buffer the jagged Alaskan Coast and a cluster of coastline islands. The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas, including fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks fill the area. Much of the forest is a temperate rain forest.

   Nearby Attractions

   Run the rapids down the Mendenhall River, take a helicopter to the top of the glacier, bicycle or hike in the area. Outfitters offer these services. Many trails can be accessed from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center area, including East Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 400 feet, takes 2-3 hours roundtrip. Some of the shorter trails in this area include the 1.7 mile Nugget Falls Trail, where the waterfall drops 377 feet in two tiers onto a sandbar in Mendenhall Lake, the 1.5 mile Moraine Ecology Trail, and the .7 mile Trail of Time.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • RVs
   • Tents

   $34 / night

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   Byers Lake Campground

   17 Reviews

   52 Photos

   93 Saves

   Trapper Creek, Alaska

   Byers Lake Campground, nestled near Trapper Creek, AK, is a gem for those looking to experience the beauty of Denali State Park without the crowds. This spot offers nearly 100 campsites, each equipped with a tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring. Vault toilets are conveniently located in each loop, though the only well pump is at the front near the pay station. Keep in mind, the water should be boiled, treated, or filtered before use.

   One of the standout features here is the stunning view of North America's tallest mountain, which you can catch from various hiking trails within the state park. The Cascade Trail, in particular, offers some of the best vistas and is moderately challenging but worth every step.

   For those who enjoy water activities, Byers Lake is perfect for paddling and fishing. There's a seasonal operator renting kayaks and canoes, and they even offer rafting experiences on nearby rivers. The lake itself is a great spot for fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing, with trumpeter swans, black bears, and moose often making appearances.

   The campground rarely fills to capacity, so while reservations are available, they're not usually necessary. Overflow spaces ensure that everyone has a place to stay. Nearby services can be found in Cantwell to the north or Talkeetna to the south, making it easy to stock up on supplies or grab a bite to eat.

   Whether you're looking to hike, paddle, or simply relax by the lake, Byers Lake Campground offers a serene and scenic escape with plenty of recreational opportunities.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
   • RVs
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   Wonder Lake Campground — Denali National Park

   16 Reviews

   73 Photos

   75 Saves

   Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

   Wonder Lake Campground is closed until further notice.

   With up-close views of North America’s tallest peak, Denali National Park Wonder Lake Campground is the closest campground to the mountain, providing visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is located in a remote area, surrounded by pristine wilderness and offering visitors a chance to connect with nature in a way that is becoming increasingly rare. The campground offers a range of activities nearby such as fishing and wildlife viewing. It is also the starting point for many popular hiking trails, including the 20-mile McKinley Trail. Denali National Park Wonder Lake Campground is a special destination that offers visitors an unforgettable glimpse of Alaska's natural beauty.

   Visitors may not drive to this campground. It is only accessible for campers via specialized park buses. Be sure to book a camper bus ticket in addition to paying your campground fees.

   • Fires
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
   • Tents
   • Market
   • Trash

   $16 / night

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    Exit Glacier Campground — Kenai Fjords National Park

    16 Reviews

    53 Photos

    71 Saves

    Seward, Alaska

    Exit Glacier has a 12-site, walk-in, tent-campground. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservations or camping fees. There is a fourteen-day stay limit. The campground frequently fills by early evening in July and August. A central food storage, cooking and dining shelter is provided. Cooking and/or storing food in campsites is prohibited. There is a pump for drinking water and pit toilets are available. Pets are not permitted in campsites.

    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    • Trash