The land of the Northern Lights and the monstrous yet magnificent glaciers of the south comprise the magical and challenging terrains of Alaska. It is really hard to choose from the plethora of campgrounds available in the state as all of them are unique in their own ways that may or may not cater to an individual’s preferences and tastes. The following article is a compilation of the best campgrounds in Alaska.
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Cantwell Denali View Camp
The campground hosts only one campsite that is situated just a mile away from the main road. The uniqueness of the site is the awesome 360-degree view of the McKinley Mountain (only on a clear day). The site is equipped with basic amenities like a fire pit and outhouse given that you bring your own toilet paper and firewood! This is a pet-friendly site yet it doesn’t provide the guests with facilities of potable water.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Berry picking excursions
2. Hiking 3. Wildlife Viewing 4. Kid crafts 5. Barbeque sessions |
1. Shopping center
2. Ice vending machines 3. 24 hours laundry mat 4. Landline connectivity 5. Complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity at the grounds 6. Restrooms with handicap-accessible facilities and showers |
Location Details: Cantwell, AK 99729, USA Phone: +1 907-888-6850
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Quartz Creek Campground
The Quartz Creek Campground hosts a total of 45 campsites that require the booking of the same prior to your visit. The ground is situated north of the Delta junction just minutes away from the Lost Lake. The campground is popular with the campers for the sheer angling pleasure the lake provides to the guests with its reserve of game fishes in the lake. The campground is equipped with ramps that aids in kayaking and canoeing activities. Basic amenities like potable water, toilet facilities are made available to the guests and firewood reserves are sold on site.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Boating
2. Hiking 3. Fishing 4. Canoeing 5. White water Kayaking |
1. Tent and RV camping facilities
2. Drinking water 3. Toilets with flush facilities 4. Picnic areas 5. Parking lot 6. Firewood sold on site |
Location Details: Quartz Creek Rd, Cooper Landing, AK 99572, USA, Phone: +1 907-743-9500
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Wonder Lake Campground
The total number of sites hosted by the Wonder Lake Campground is 28. The breathtaking view of Mt. McKinley coupled with the off-trail hiking facility makes this an ideal destination for the thrill seekers and nature lovers. A trail that is accessible to the guests takes them straight to the McKinley river and once there, don’t forget to keep a weather eye out for the moose, beavers and occasionally a few grizzly bears! The campground is pet-friendly and provides the campers with facilities like drinking water.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Hiking
2. Nature walks 3. Fishing 4. Boating |
1. Seasonal trash collection and recycling facilities
2. Bear proof food storage lockers 3. On site staff for convenience of the guest 4. Seasonal access to the recreational center 5. Access to potable water 6. Flush toilets available on season, year round access to vault toilets |
Location Details: Healy, AK 99743, USA Phone: +1 800-622-7275
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Brushkana Campground
Just off the Brushkana Creek in Denali National Park, the Brushkana Campground is located. The campground offers a chance to its guests to explore the wild side of Alaska and the plethora of animal species that can be seen when out in the wilderness. The sites are equipped with public bathrooms and guests are welcome to put up their tents, park their cars or even pull in with their full sized Residential Vehicles for camping.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Hiking
2. Fishing 3. Wildlife viewing 4. Mountain 5. Photography 6. Winter and water sports 7. Camping (RV/Tent) |
1. Sites for both backpackers and RVs
2. Vault toilets 3. Handicapped compatible facilities 4. No reservations required and pet friendly environment |
Location Details: Glennallen Field Office, MP 104 Denali Hwy, Cantwell, AK, Phone: 907-822-3217
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The Coop Camp
The Campground offers the camper with the ‘true Alaskan’ experience. The campsite is situated 20 – 100 feet away from the famous Nenana River. If you are lucky enough, you could also see a moose or two! Booking needs to be done 12 months prior to the arrival and tents are welcome on the site. Campfires are allowed, and this site is pet-friendly given the same is put under leash. Basic amenities like potable water are made available to the guests.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Wildlife watching
2. Nature walks 3. Hiking trails 4. Fishing |
1. Potable water is available
2. Site is situated steps away from the Nenana river 3. Campfires are allowed 4. Reservations needs to be made prior to arrival 5. Tent friendly ambience 6. Pet friendly site |
Location Details:
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Chena River Lakes Campground
If you fancy camping in ‘the land of the midnight sun’, then this might be t he ideal place for your family, friends and you. The site is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. One of the most mentioned attractions of the campground is the picturesque view of the Northern Lights on a clear night sky.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Fishing
2. Hiking 3. Swimming 4. Boating 5. Ice fishing sessions during the winter season 6. Self guided nature walks |
1. Volleyball courts
2. Horse shoe pit 3. Playground 4. Picnic area 5. Pavilion 6. Warm up buildings 7. Changing rooms 8. Swimming areas with sandy beaches 9. Boat rentals 10. Fishing docks 11. Potable water 12. Restrooms |
Location Details: 3780 Laurance Rd, North Pole, AK 99705, USA Phone: +1 907-488-1655
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Big Delta Campground
The uniqueness of the campground is that all of its 25 camping sites are stylized in the most primitive setting one could wish for. This is preferred if an individual is a fan of minimalism as the sites offer pretty basic amenities like potable water. The history buffs will also have a blast since this place saw a lot of footfall back in the days from traders to prospectors seeking gold reserves! The one place that can really sweep you off your feet is Rika’s Roadhouse and Landing that has been serving travelers since its inception in the year 1909.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Hiking
2. Nature walks |
1. Boat launching ramps
2. Historic sites included in the tours 3. Cabin rentals 4. Picnic Areas 5. Camping grounds 6. Toilets 7. Recreational areas 8. Nature trails 9. Drinking water facilities 10. Sewage hook up for RVs |
Location Details: 550 W 7th Ave. Suite 1260, Anchorage, AK 99501-3557 Phone: (907) 269-8400
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Black Sands Campground
The name Black Sands can be a tad too creepy for naming a campground but bear this in mind, the rusty old spot is a popular destination for backpackers since the 1930’s. the name of the campground says it all! Yes, the beaches on offer by the campground are all pitch black in color, which is not the only perk you’d be enjoying during your stay here. Beautiful trails for hiking and the plethora of wildlife species that can be seen if one keeps their eyes peeled. The spot is only accessible by boat which adds to the appeal as you won’t be leaving your angling equipment behind! Basic amenities like toilet facilities, picnic tables are available; the downside is that there is no facility that provides potable water to the guests.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Hiking
2. Wildlife trails 3. Fishing 4. Scuba Diving 5. Paddling 6. Boating |
1. Picnic area
2. Toilets 3. Tent accommodation offered 4. Primitive setting, only accessible by boat 5. Pets friendly setting 6. Campfires are allowed |
Location Details: Black Sands Beach State Marine Park, Alaska, USA Phone Number 907-247-8574
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Hidden Lake Campground
The Cooper Landing in Alaska is the home of Hidden Lake Campground. The well-maintained campground hosts a total of three campsites among the lot, one is located on the lake itself! During the summer days, one should always keep and store their food reserves out of the reach of bears in the area and keep an eye out for them as well.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
Location Details:
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Gulkana National Wild and Scenic River Campgrounds
If you are a budding angler or a seasoned sports fisherman, the Gulkana National Wild and Scenic River is the ideal destination for you. The campground offers excellent sports fishing and camping opportunities especially around the Gulkana River at Glenallen, Alaska.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Boating
2. Camping 3. Fishing 4. Hiking 5. Hunting 6. Wildlife viewing |
1. Accessible by drive
2. Sites serve to both full size campers and tents |
Location Details: BLM Glennallen Field Office Mile 186.5 Glenn Highway P.O. Box 147 Glennallen, Alaska 99588 Phone 907-822-3217
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Denali National Park & Preserve
If you want to have some fun with your friends and family, this is the place to be this summer. The stunning landscape, coupled with activities like nature walks, hiking, climbing, fishing etc. makes this place the ideal setting for any camper to enjoy some quality time amidst nature and family.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Hiking
2. Nature walks 3. Wildlife watching 4. Mountaineering 5. Web Streams from sites covered by web cameras 6. Bear watching, since you are on the bear country 7. Backpacking 8. Cycling 9. Photography 10. Winter activities |
1. Lodging facilities
2. Camping grounds for both the backpacker and the campers are available |
Location Details: George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, USA Phone: +1 907-683-9532
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Caines Head Campground
The Caines Head Campground follows the first come first serve policy for its guests. The ground hosts a total of 3 campsites, all of which are situated on the shores of the Resurrection Bay. No matter where you put down your backpack, you’ll be having the mountainous beauty in the backyard of your accommodation! This ensures long and tedious hiking sessions. The downside for campers in these grounds is that potable water is not included in the facilities. Well, that’s exactly what it feels like to be in the wilderness of Alaska, right!? The site is pet-friendly, and campfires are allowed.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Boating
2. Hiking 3. Fishing 4. Paddling 5. Wildlife watching |
1. Campfires and pets are allowed
2. The sites are available by drive and by hiking 3. Accommodations are made available to the guests in the form of lodge and tent 4. Toilets and picnic tables are made available for the convenience of the guests |
Location Details: Seward, AK 99664, USA Phone: +1 907-262-5581
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Mendenhall Lake Campground
The Mendenhall Lake Campground offers quite a visual treat to its guests. Waking up to a sight where a magnificent glacier is kissing the surface of an Alaskan lake is really something that one would cherish for the rest of his life! This is an ideal setting for the summer season, as the melting snow opens up a lot of fun and engaging activities that would keep you and your friends hooked.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Fishing 3. Paddling 4. Climbing 5. Swimming 6. Boating 7. Hiking 8. ATV trails 9. Winter sports 10. Wildlife watching |
1. Accessible by both a drive and walk
2. Accommodations are offered to both the campers and the backpackers 3. RV sanitation hookups 4. Picnic area with preinstalled tables and chairs 5. RV electrical hook ups 6. Toilets with shower facilities |
Location Details: 8510 Mendenhall Loop Rd, Juneau, AK 99801, USA Phone: +1 907-586-8800
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Rosehip Campground
The Rosehip Campground is a mid-sized campground that hosts a total of 37 sites around the Chena River State Recreational Area. In the words of frequent backpackers, the Rosehip Campground can be considered as a hidden gem. The ground offers basic amenities to its guests like that of potable water, a pet-friendly policy, and allowance of campfires. The setting of the campground is actually the unique selling point for this ground that compels the campers to come back time after time. Engaging activities like bird watching, nature walks and fishing are some of the notable mentions.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Biking
2. Horseback riding 3. Fishing 4. Winter sports 5. Wildlife watching 6. Winter sports 7. OHV vehicle trails 8. Boating 9. Climbing 10. Hiking 11. Swimming 12. Paddling |
1. Toilets and picnic tables
2. Potable water is available 3. Pet friendly environment 4. Campfires are allowed 5. Accessible by drive 6. Both the tent and RV’s are served 7. |
Location Details: 8815 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
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Buskin Campground
Buskin Campground comprises of 15 campsites situated all along the Buskin River. The river itself is loaded with aquatic edible goodness, a dream come true for the avid angler! The well-maintained sites don’t boast of modern amenities but provide the campers with the authentic experience of Alaskan wilderness. The sites are all pet-friendly, potable water is accessible, campfires are allowed and the best part, full-sized RV’s and tents can be set up with ease.
Best Time to Visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| 1. Toilets
2. Picnic area with pre-installed tables and chairs 3. A total of 15 sites accessible by drive 4. Accommodations are offered to the guests in the form of RVs and tents 5. Potable water is made available with per friendly ambience 6. Campers are allopwed to make their campfires in the pre-dug fire hole on the ground |
Location Details: 4.5 W Rezanof Dr, Kodiak AK 99619 Phone: 505-401-1297