Denali National Park campsite camping
If your plan is to camp overnight in the backcountry, or at any of the established park campsites along the park road, then some advanced planning is strongly advised as space may fill quickly. For information about how to get into the park click on "Getting Into the Park".

Backcountry camping
You must obtain a free overnight permit to camp in the backcountry of Denali Park - i.e., anyplace other than an established campground. Permits are issued one day in advance at the Visitor Center. Reservations are NOT accepted. Typically, the easier to reach units (units adjacent to the park road) fill quickly. A few of the larger (and more difficult to reach) units allow unlimited campers.

Note Day hikers do not need a permit.  If you are staying at a Campground (see below) you do not need a backcountry permit.

To obtain a permit backpackers must
1-Watch the Backcountry Simulator Program located near the Backcountry Permit Desk
2- Check the quota board for available backcountry units (see below)
3- Consult the topographic maps for your unit to plan your route
4- Must be self sufficient in the Backcountry.
5- Obtain and return when finished free bear resistant food containers used in ALL areas of the park.  
6- Arrange a Camper Shuttle bus to take you to (or near)  your unit.

This is all done at the Wilderness Access Center when you arrive. It is very well staffed, and Park Rangers are extremely helpful in assisting you with your plans.  

The Park is divided into 43 UNITS. A limited number of overnight backpackers are allowed in each unit. This is on a first come first serve basis. During peak season, many units may be full for several days.  Large hiking groups should be prepared to split up into different units.  All permits for overnight camping in the backcountry are FREE. They are issued only one (1) day in advance and reservations are accepted in some instances (see below).  

Campgrounds in the park
There are 7 established campgrounds with a total of 293 sites along the 96 mile park road. Most are tent only campgrounds and are accessible via the park road and park shuttle bus system. The campgrounds are open from May to September except for Riley Creek, at the park entrance, which is open year-round. Registration for all of the campgrounds (except Morino) are made at the Wilderness Access Center.  Morino campground is a self register walk-in only campground.  
Note   You do not have to stay at a campground in order to overnight in the park.  You must however be in the unit for which your permit was issued, and at least one mile from the park road. See Backcountry Camping above.

When you make  your campsite reservations, reserve your seat on a camper bus (this is the only way to get into the park, and to your campground) - Getting Into The Park.  

The information below is for campgrounds which you can reserve in advance by phone, fax or mail. To receive further information on these campgrounds, or to receive information on any of the campgrounds, please contact the National Park Service in Denali directly at (907) 683-2294. There are no showers available at any campground in Denali National Park. Showers are available at the McKinley Mercantile, located near the park post office and Riley Creek campground.

WAC = Wilderness Access Center
Water availability at campgrounds with a water source, is subject to the weather conditions. Generally, water is available sometime after the first week in June. Please ask about water availability when you check in for your campground reservation at the Wilderness Access Center in Denali Park.

Rules and Regulations

• Individual campsites are to be used by a party of no more than 8 people, except Wonder Lake Campground, where occupancy per campsite is limited to a maximum of 4 people.

• No more than one large tent or two small tents at any campsite. No large tents at Wonder Lake.

• Food, coolers, cooking utensils (including stoves), and garbage must be properly disposed of, or secured in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker if not in use. A substantial fine will result if found otherwise.

• Up to two vehicles are allowed per site at Riley Creek Campgrounds (space available). One vehicle at Savage and Teklanika Campgrounds. Igloo, Sanctuary and Wonder Lake have shuttle bus access only.

• Check-In and Check-Out time is 11:00AM.

• Fires are permitted at Riley Creek, Savage and Teklanika Campgrounds in established grates only. No fires at Morino, Sanctuary, Igloo and Wonder Lake Campgrounds.

• Campers planning on having open fires should bring wood with them. Firewood is available at the Mercantile (near Riley Creek campground and park post office across from Wilderness Access Ctr).

• No gas is available in the park. There are gas stations outside the park boundary.

• Food and water are available at the Mercantile. Food is not available beyond the Mercantile.

• Water and a trailer dump station are located at Riley Creek Campground.

• Pets must remain on a leash and can be walked on roadways only. Do not leave pets unattended at any time. Pet food must not be left unattended, please store all food in a hard-sided vehicle or food locker. Please deposit all pet waste in a trash can.

• Quiet hours, including generators, are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

• Overnight camping in parking lots or pull-outs is prohibited.

The maximum number of camping nights, consecutive or not, allowed in Denali National Park is a total of 14. Campers with advance reservations must check in at the Wilderness Access Center by 6:00 pm prior to setting up camp for their first night. Campers who anticipate their arrival after 6:00 pm are requested to contact the Wilderness Access Center at (907)683-1266 by 6:00 pm to notify them of their arrival time.

Riley Creek Campground
Riley Creek Campground is located across from the Wilderness Access Center near entrance of Denali National Park. This 100 site campground is accessible by car.  Some sites can accommodate motor homes, as well as three handicap accessible sites. There are no water or electrical hook-ups at any Denali campground, however, Riley Creek offers a dump station. There is a maximum of 8 people, 2 vehicles (passenger cars, not motor homes, space available) or two tents per site. There are flush toilets, and water is available. Fires are permitted in fire grates only and ranger programs are conducted nightly at the campfire circle. Site assignment is on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival at the campground. You will, however, need to check in at the Wilderness Access Center  prior to going to the campground to select you site.

Savage River campground
Savage River campground is located 13 miles inside Denali Park and is accessible by camper bus or by car. Savage River campground has a total of 34 sites, some of which can accommodate motor homes. There is also one handicap accessible site. Site assignment is first-come, first-served upon arrival at the campground, however you must check-in at the Wilderness Access Center prior to arrival at the campground. There is a maximum of 8 people, one vehicle and 2 tents per site. There are no hook-ups at Savage River. Motor homes may use the dump station at Riley Creek campground. There is water and flush toilets, but no showers.

Teklanika River campground
Teklanika River campground is located 29 miles inside Denali Park, beyond the point where private vehicles are allowed to drive. However, if you remain at Teklanika Campground for a minimum of 3 consecutive nights you may drive your vehicle to this campground. Once you arrive at Teklanika you may not move your vehicle for any reason until the completion of your stay. If you anticipate health problems, please do not consider this site as an option. You will be issued a permit for specific travel dates when you check-in at the Wilderness Access Center. Early check-out for campers with private vehicles is not an option. Please remember to use the dump station at Riley Creek campground prior to driving out to Teklanika with your motor home, and make sure you have enough provisions to last your entire stay. Do not schedule activities 'outside' the park during your Teklanika stay, as you will not have any transportation available to attend the event. Only one vehicle is allowed per site at Teklanika. You may tow your travel trailer for camping use only, all other towed items must be left at the Riley Creek overflow parking lot. There is a maximum of 8 campers and two tents per site. Teklanika has one handicap accessible site.

Campers at Teklanika campground who have driven their own vehicle are encouraged to purchase the Teklanika Pass. This pass allows you to reserve one specific shuttle bus destination to go further into Denali Park from the Teklanika bus stop. This pass is valid for the duration of your Teklanika stay for space-available access on any shuttle bus to go further in Denali Park. You cannot, however, use the pass to exit the Park. If you go beyond the Savage River checkpoint at mile 14, not only will you need to purchase another pass to enter the park, but you will not be able to return to Teklanika campground on the same day due to shuttle schedule conflicts.

If you reserve Teklanika for less than 3 nights, your only transportation option to this campground is via camper bus. You will be required to reserve that bus at the same time you reserve your stay. Campers that use a regular camper bus to arrive at Teklanika campground may also use their ticket stub on a space-available basis during their stay, yet also fall under the same restrictions as the Teklanika pass for exiting the park. Please consider and discuss with your fellow travelers how transportation limitations will affect your stay at Teklanika campground before considering this location as your overnight choice in the park.

Wonder Lake campground
Wonder Lake campground is located 86 miles into Denali National Park and is accessible by camper bus only. It has 26 sites, of which two are handicap accessible. There are flush toilets and water at Wonder Lake, but not showers. A maximum of 4 people per site and two small two-person tents per site. Due to aesthetic reason, no large tents, please. Site assignment is first-come, first-served.  Wonder Lake campground is small and in high demand. Please have alternative campground choices prepared when considering reservations for this popular campground as it sells out very quickly.  The view on the background of this page is as seen from Wonder Lake campground.

• Remember, reservations are required for west bound (i.e., going into the park).

• You may get on and off the shuttle busses along the park road and re-board returning busses.  

• Keep your ticket!  They must be used the same day.

• If you have a backcountry permit, you may re-board any returning bus on any day.

• In all cases expect a one hour wait before re-boarding a returning bus.

Denali Park Resorts VTS - USA 1 800 622-7275/International 907 272-7275
241 West Ship Creek Ave.
Anchorage, AK.  99501
Fax - 907-264-4684
If you are faxing in your reservations, be sure to include names and ages of each passenger, credit information, or a check if you are mailing your request.