Denali National Park and Preserve, a majestic realm in Alaska, is home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali. This vast wilderness spans over six million acres, featuring diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Known for its stunning vistas, it offers a unique blend of tundra, forests, and glaciers, attracting nature enthusiasts from around the world.
Important: Before you plan your visit to Denali National Park and Preserve, don’t forget to check current conditions at the park. Currently, summer access to facilities and services in Denali remains altered due to the Pretty Rocks Landslide and the associated closure of the Park Road at Mile 43.
Is Denali National Park and Preserve an RV Park?
Denali National Park and Preserve is not an RV park in the conventional sense, but it does accommodate RV travelers. The park has a few campgrounds where RVs are welcome, providing a unique opportunity for RV enthusiasts to experience the stunning natural beauty of Alaska’s wilderness. While it lacks the typical amenities of dedicated RV parks, Denali offers an unparalleled setting for RV camping amidst breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the awe-inspiring presence of North America’s tallest peak, Denali. This makes it a sought-after destination for those wishing to explore the park from the comfort of their RV.
Contact Information
- Location: Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, United States
- Contact: 907-683-9532
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm
RV Campgrounds in Denali National Park and Preserve
Riley Creek Campground
Riley Creek Campground, located just inside the entrance of Denali National Park & Preserve, is the park’s largest campground. It welcomes both tent campers and RVs, accommodating vehicles up to 40 feet in length. Although it lacks electrical and water hookups for RVs, the campground is conveniently situated near a mercantile offering camping supplies, food, shower, and laundry facilities. Additionally, Riley Creek features a unique walk-in, tent-only area, providing a more secluded camping experience. The campground’s proximity to the park entrance makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the diverse natural beauty of Denali.
Camping Fee at Riley Creek
- Winter Season: Free
- Summer Season
- Large RV Sites: $49 for vehicles up to 40 feet.
- Small RV Sites: $38.50 for vehicles up to 30 feet.
- Tent Only: $24.75, on first-come, first-served basis
- Group Site (Tent-only): $49.00 for up to 12 tents in a group
For further information or to make a reservation, you can visit their official webpage.
Savage River Campground
Savage River Campground, situated near the end of the publicly accessible portion of Denali Park Road, offers a mix of wilderness and accessibility. This campground is open for both tents and RVs, providing an immersive natural experience without the need for extensive travel within the park. While lacking in shower and laundry facilities, it does provide potable water. The campground, nestled just below the treeline, is known for its scenic beauty and offers stunning open views of the area, including potential glimpses of Denali on clear days. Wildlife sightings, including small animals and occasional birds, add to its allure.
Camping Fee at Savage River
- Large RV Sites: $49.00 per night for RVs between 30 and 40 feet long
- Small RV/Tent Sites: $38.50 per night for RV less than 30 feet long
- Group Sites: $49.00 for 8 people (in up to 3 tents)
For more detailed information or reservations, visit Campground’s official website.
Teklanika River Campground
During the summer season, from May 20 to mid-September, Teklanika River Campground offers a unique opportunity for campers. While most private vehicles are restricted beyond mile 15 in Denali, those staying at Teklanika (Tek) Campground can drive their vehicle or RV directly to their site. However, this privilege comes with a condition: a mandatory minimum stay of three nights. During this period, your vehicle must remain at your campsite, and any sightseeing within the park must be done via the transit bus system. This three-night minimum rule, however, does not apply to tent campers who arrive using the park’s bus system.
Camping Fee at Teklanika River Campground
- Nightly Fee: $40 fee for all campers, whether you have just a tent, RV, or other vehicle.
Campgrounds in Denali National Park that don’t Offer RV Camping
Sanctuary River Campground
It is a tent-only campground, you cannot take your RVs or other vehicles here. It is accessible only by camper bus. It is open exclusively during the summer months from May 20 to mid-September, offers a unique camping experience nestled within dense woods and brushy surroundings. This campground is characterized by its natural privacy, with most sites separated by vegetation. Located in an area with nearby mountains, it provides opportunities for direct hiking trails from the campground. These trails lead to higher elevations, where, on clear days, you can catch a glimpse of the majestic Denali to the south after a vigorous uphill trek.
Igloo Creek Campground
Igloo Creek Campground, located at Mile 35 in Denali National Park and Preserve, is a smaller, more secluded campground primarily for tent camping. With its limited number of sites, it offers a more intimate and immersive experience in the Alaskan wilderness. This campground is known for its remote setting, providing a perfect backdrop for campers seeking tranquility and a close encounter with nature. The park is currently closed; please click here to view its status.
Wonder Lake Campground
Wonder Lake Campground, located 85 miles inside Denali National Park and Preserve, stands out for its exceptional natural beauty. This tent-only campground is renowned for offering one of the most spectacular views of Denali, especially on clear days. Its remote location deep within the park makes it a haven for those seeking an immersive wilderness experience. However, campers should be prepared for the presence of mosquitoes, which are particularly abundant in this area. This campground is also closed at the time of writing. Please check its status on the official website.
Important Things to Know About Camping in Denali National Park and Preserve
Check-In and Check-Out Procedures
Campers can check in at either the Riley Creek Mercantile or the Denali Bus Depot. The standard time for checking in and out across all campgrounds is 11 am.
RV Guidelines
RV and vehicle camping are permitted at Riley Creek, Savage River, and Teklanika River campgrounds. The remaining three are exclusive to tent camping, reachable only by bus. RVs exceeding 40 feet in length cannot be accommodated within the park’s campgrounds.
Campground Amenities
None of the campgrounds offer electrical or water hookups for RVs. Those requiring these facilities should consider campgrounds outside the park. All campgrounds, except Igloo Creek and Sanctuary River, provide potable water and toilets (both flush and vault-style). Recycling bins are available for various materials.
Pet Policy
Pets are allowed on campground roads and Park Road but not on trails or in the wilderness.
Fire and Firewood Regulations
Campfires are allowed only in designated fire grates at Riley Creek, Savage River, and Teklanika River. Campers are advised against transporting firewood over long distances to prevent the spread of invasive species. Firewood should be purchased locally, collected on-site, or heat-treated. Firewood is available for purchase at Riley Creek Mercantile. Sanctuary River, Igloo Creek, and Wonder Lake prohibit fires; cooking should be done using cook-stoves only.
Quiet Hours
Quiet hours at all campgrounds are from 10 pm to 6 am.
Group Size and Vehicles
The general limit is three tents and eight people per site, but Wonder Lake, Igloo Creek, and Sanctuary River have a limit of three tents and four people. Vehicle restrictions vary by campground. Riley Creek and Savage River allow up to two vehicles per site within the site’s size limit. Teklanika River permits only one vehicle per site unless the second is a camping-specific trailer.
Site Selection
Campers select their sites upon arrival based on the type of site reserved. For instance, if you reserve a Type A site in Riley Creek, you can choose any unoccupied Type A site upon arrival.
Maximum Stay
The maximum duration of stay in the campgrounds is 14 nights per summer season. Those planning to stay longer in the Denali area should consider backcountry camping or private campgrounds outside the park.
Reservation Policy
Reserved nights at a campground cannot coincide with a backcountry permit reservation.
Things to Do in Denali National Park and Preserve
- Photographing and Viewing Denali: As North America’s tallest mountain, Denali offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Visitors can find the best spots to capture its grandeur and the surrounding wilderness, as well as photograph the diverse wildlife in the area.
- Hiking: The park features numerous trails for exploring the wilderness. Visitors can either stick to designated trails or venture off-trail for a more adventurous hike. There are also opportunities for guided hikes with a ranger, offering a more in-depth exploration of Denali’s unique environment.
- Wildlife Watching: While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, being in the right place at the right time can significantly increase the chances of encountering the park’s diverse fauna. This includes animals like grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves.
- Biking: The Denali Park Road, the park’s sole road, provides an excellent route for biking. Whether for a short ride or a multi-night camping trip, biking here offers a unique way to experience the park’s landscapes.
- Sled Dog Demonstrations: Unique to Denali, the park has its kennel of working sled dogs. Visitors can meet these canine rangers and attend ranger-led mushing demonstrations, learning about their vital role in the park’s operations.
- Flightseeing: For those looking to maximize their experience in a short time, flightseeing tours offer an aerial perspective of the park’s vast landscapes, including Denali itself.
- Bird Watching: Denali is home to over 160 bird species. Bird enthusiasts can explore various habitats to spot different bird species throughout the year.
- Backpacking: With six million acres of wilderness, Denali offers a range of backcountry camping experiences. Visitors can learn how to safely explore these remote areas, finding campsites ranging from the sublime to the subtle.
Brief History of Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park and Preserve, originally established as Mount McKinley National Park in 1917, was created to protect its vast, unspoiled wilderness and the abundant wildlife therein. The park’s centerpiece is Denali, North America’s highest peak, previously known as Mount McKinley. In 1980, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act expanded the park’s size to over six million acres and renamed it Denali National Park and Preserve.
This expansion aimed to preserve the region’s natural ecosystem, including its unique wildlife and geological features. The park’s name was officially changed to Denali in 2015, recognizing the native Athabascan name for the mountain, which means “the high one.” Today, Denali stands as a symbol of Alaska’s wild beauty, attracting visitors from around the world for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I book tickets for Denali National Park and Preserve?
All visitors must have an entrance pass; you can buy it from the National Park Service website. Moreover, you will also need bus tickets that you can buy online, by calling 1-800 622-7275 (U.S. and Canada) or 907 272-7275 (international and Anchorage local), or in person at the Denali Bus Depot.
How is the weather at Denali National Park and Preserve?
The weather in Denali is highly variable, with significant changes between seasons. Summers are mild but can be rainy, while winters are extremely cold with heavy snowfall. It’s important to check current weather conditions before your visit and prepare accordingly, as temperatures and weather can change rapidly.
How do you explore Denali National Park and Preserve?
Denali National Park and Preserve can be explored in various ways, including hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and bus tours along the Denali Park Road. For a comprehensive experience, consider taking a ranger-led hike or a shuttle bus tour into the park’s wilderness. Backcountry camping and flightseeing tours offer more adventurous ways to explore the park’s vast landscapes and natural beauty.