The 18 Best Campgrounds in Alaska – Top-Rated & Hidden Gems
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Jessica Moore
Author
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.
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.
Kachemak Bay State Park, Homer, AK 99603, USA
- Location: Homer, Alaska
- 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.
Wonder Lake Campground, MP 85, Denali Park Road, National Park, AK 99755, USA
- Location: National Park, Alaska
- Popularity: Very popular in the summer
- 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.
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Mendenhall Campground, 1081 Arctic Cir, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
- Location: Juneau, Alaska
- Popularity: Very popular during the warmer months
- 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.
Point Bridget State Park, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
- Location: Juneau, Alaska
- Popularity: Hidden Gem
- 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.
Bartlett Cove Campground, Gustavus, AK 99826, USA
- Location: Gustavus, Alaska
- Popularity: Hidden Gem
- 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.
Homer Spit Campground, 4535 Homer Spit Rd, Homer, AK 99603, USA
- Location: Homer, Alaska
- Popularity: Very popular
- 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.
Resurrection South Campground, Ballaine Blvd, Seward, AK 99664, USA
- Location: Seward, Alaska
- Popularity: Very popular
- 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!
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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.
Orca Island Cabins, Humpy Cove & Resurrection Bay, Seward, AK 99664, USA
- Location: Seward, Alaska
- 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.
Kachemak Bay State Park, Homer, AK 99603, USA
- Location: Kachemak Bay, 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.
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.
- Location: Glacier View, Alaska
- Popularity: Hidden Gem
- Park Info: Open late May to early September.
- Price: Starting at $189/night
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.
Cantwell, AK, USA
- Location: Cantwell, Alaska
- Popularity: Hidden Gem
- 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
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.
Seward Highway, Seward Hwy, Seward, AK, USA
- Location: Between Anchorage and Seward, Alaska
- Popularity: May be popular during the summer months
- Park Info: N/A
- Price: No cost
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:
Galbraith Lake Campground, Alaska, USA
- Location: North of Fairbanks, Alaska
- Popularity: Hidden Gem
- 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
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.
Deadman Lake Campground, Deadman Lake Campground Rd, Northway, AK 99764, USA
- Location: Northway, Alaska
- 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.
- Location: Departs from Girdwood, Alaska
- Popularity: Popular during the summer months
- 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.
Tangle Lakes Campground, Denali Hwy, Paxson, AK 99586, USA
- Location: Paxson, Alaska
- Popularity: Hidden Gem
- 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
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.
Harding Lake State Recreation Area, Salcha, AK 99714, USA
- Location: Salcha, Alaska
- Popularity: Very popular during the summer months
- 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.
Wood-Tikchik State Park, Dillingham, AK 99576, USA
- Location: Dillingham, Alaska
- Popularity: Hidden Gem
- 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.
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More to Explore
Camping In Alaska
What are the most popular state parks in Alaska?
The most popular state parks in Alaska include the following:
- Wood-Tikchik State Park
- Point Bridget State Park
- Chugach State Park
- Totem Bight State Historical Park
- Afognak Island State Park
- Kachemak Bay State Park
- Eagle Beach State Recreation Area
Each state park in Alaska has one thing in common: each offers breathtaking landscapes unmatched anywhere else in North America. Check out these 7 state parks in Alaska for even more ideas for adventuring in "The Last Frontier" State.
What time of year is best for camping in Alaska?
Typically, the best time of year for camping in Alaska is during the late spring, summer, and early fall months before the weather makes a turn for the worse. You'll be able to take advantage of the widest variety of outdoor recreational activities during the warmer summer months because much of Alaska's remote wilderness must be accessed by boat or plane. Calm weather conditions are needed for safe travel around the state, especially by plane, and typically summer has the calmest weather patterns. However, many argue that fall is the best time of year to visit Alaska due to the incredible fall colors you'll often see blanketing the landscape.
Where can I find secluded campgrounds in Alaska?
You can find secluded campgrounds scattered all across the state of Alaska due to the fact that the state contains such extensive wilderness. In fact, Alaska accounts for roughly 53% of the nation's federally designated wilderness. A handful of Alaska's best secluded campgrounds are included below:
- Halibut Cove
- Wood-Tikchik State Park
- Yurt Rentals in Denali National Park
- Orca Island Cabins
- Bartlett Cove Campground, Glacier Bay National Park
- Point Bridget State Park
- Marion Creek Campground
Here are an additional 7 secluded campsites in Alaska that each offer a unique and memorable experience in the vast wilderness found in The Last Frontier.