Best RV Parks & Campgrounds in Alaska
Camping in Alaska has got to be one of the most popular activities in the state. It’s also one of the few activities that both visitors and locals enjoy equally. I think there is an allure to camping in the great wilderness of Alaska that draws people to it. Visitors have the option to choose between camping in Alaska State Parks, National Parks in private RV parks and even in the wilderness!
Camping Reservations in Alaska in 2023
If you are planning to camp during the summer, we recommend making camping reservations as early as possible. Many campgrounds fill up quickly during the summer. Keep in mind that most state campgrounds do not accept reservations, instead operating on a first come, first served basis.
However, some state campgrounds operated by private concessionaires do accept reservations. This also means that annual camping passes to state parks are not honored at these privately run state campgrounds. It is a good idea to call ahead to find out if reservations are possible.
Camping in Alaska State Parks
Alaska State Parks encompass around three million acres, making it by far the largest state park system in the United States. There are five state parks: Chugach, Chilkat, Kachemak Bay, Wood-Tikchick, Afognak Island and Shuyak Island.
There are also dozens of State Recreation Areas, Marine Parks and Historical Sites throughout Alaska that are managed by the Alaska State Parks. Click here for more information on the parks in every region of Alaska.
Alaska state parks come in many variations. From rustic dry camping sites next to wilderness lakes and streams, to camping sites that are serviced with electric and water and close to Alaska’s towns and cities. Keep in mind that that the closer a campground is to good fishing, the busier it will be, especially during the salmon runs. The state of Alaska has an excellent website for information on fees and regulations. http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks.
Camping and Bear Safety in Alaska
Camping in Alaska means you must remain Bear aware. Bears are very common, and anyone who is camping or hiking needs to keep alert. Keep in mind that most bears tend to be just as wary of humans and often do their best to avoid them. The most important way to stay safe while in camping in Alaska is to use proper food storage and trash disposal. Here are some best practices from Alaska’s Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/safety/bears.htm)
- At trailheads look for posted signs about recent bear activity.
- Make plenty of noise when traveling. Hiking in groups is safer than hiking alone.
- Dogs can be trouble in bear country. It is best to keep your dog at home or on a leash.
- Never leave food out when not in use. Store food in your vehicle or a bear-proof locker.
- Use bear-proof garbage cans or dumpster for your garbage.
- Keep your camp clean and odor free.
Alaska Backcountry Camping Tips:
- Don’t camp near a trail, salmon stream, garbage, or any backcountry metal fire pit (others may have left food odors).
- Camp in a tent in an open quiet area where you can see and hear nearby wildlife and where they can see and hear you.
- Do not cook near your camp, cook smelly foods, sleep in clothes with food odors, or bring any food or lotions into your tent. Store food, pots, lotions, clothes with food odors, and trash away from camp. If there are no trees, hang food off of a rock face or a bridge, or store it out of a bear’s sight off the trail and downwind of camp.
- Pack out all trash. Do not bury garbage, bears have very keen noses and can find buried garbage. Use a tent. Do not sleep in the open.
More tips for staying safe can be found on the National Parks Service Website.
The Best RV Parks in Alaska
Listed below is a collection of some of the best RV parks and campgrounds in Alaska listed by region. All of these campgrounds are suited for RV camping in Alaska, but most, if not all, allow space for tent camping. RV travel is an extremely popular way to explore the state, either by driving through Canada or by renting an RV in state and touring around.
Campgrounds in Alaska are plentiful and varied. Some of the commercial campgrounds offer site as large as 100 feet long with 50 amp hookups, laundromats, stores, and everything you would find in the lower 48 RV Parks.
Discover an Amazing Alaska Itinerary
From 4 nights to 14 nights you’ll find an Incredible Alaska Itinerary!
Best RV parks and Camping In Anchorage Alaska
There are a number of RV Parks and campgrounds near Anchorage, conveniently located near many attractions of this amazing city. Ship Creek RV Park is located only a short distance from Downtown. Creekwood RV Park, is just off the Seward Highway and is also very close to downtown, shopping and restaurants. Eagle River Campground is a state campground located on the outskirts of Anchorage off the Glenn Highway.
Anchorage Ship Creek RV Park
Ship Creek RV Park is only a short distance from downtown Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. The park has full hookups, including water, sewer, and electrical. Some large pull-thru sites for big rig RVs are available. Facilities include restrooms, free hot showers, and laundry facilities. Other amenities include bike rentals and a reservation booking desk for local tours. 1000 W. 2nd Ave, Anchorage.
Centennial Campground
Centennial Campground offers a peaceful camping experience within the scenic Chugach State Park only 7 miles from downtown Anchorage. It offers 72 RV and tent site. Located at Mile 1.2, Centennial Park Road.
There are basic facilities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and has access to several hiking trails. Chugach State Park is a popular outdoor destination, so reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Golden Nugget RV Park
Situated in Anchorage, this RV park offers full hookups, laundry facilities, and is close to local attractions like the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Located at 4100 Debarr Road.
Golden Nugget RV Park is a privately-owned campground which offers a convenient location for exploring the city’s attractions.
Creekwood RV Park
Located about 10 minutes from downtown Anchorage, this park offers RV sites with full hookups and is close to plenty of shopping and dining options. 2150 Seward Highway.
Campground facilities include showers, restrooms, RV sani-dump and a Laundromat with modern machines.
Eklutna Lake Campground
Eklutna Lake Campground is run by the state of Alaska in Chugach State Park. There are 50 Campsites, and all are first come, first served. There are also 15 sites available in an overflow camping area. Amenities include toilets, water, picnic shelters and hiking trails. For reservations, book online at Alaska State Parks.
While in the Eklutna Recreation Area check out Lifetime Adventures, which offers access to a number of recreation activities, including kayaking and biking. Find Eklutna Lake Campground off the Glenn Highway at Mile 26.
Eagle River Campground
Around 13 miles from Anchorage, it is situated in Chugach State Park and offers beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and 57 RV and tent sites. The campground is near the small community of Eagle River, at mile 12 of the Glenn Highway.
Eagle River Campground offers basic facilities, including restrooms and water stations. The area around the campground features several hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding Chugach National Forest and enjoy some outdoor adventure.
Reservations for campsites at Eagle River Campground can be made through the Alaska State Parks website. Due to its popularity, especially during the peak summer season, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance to secure a spot.
Best RV Parks and Camping in Denali National Park
Camping in Denali National Park can mean different things to different types of visitors. There are many who are looking for an amazing backcountry camping experience which can definitely be had in Denali. There are others who will arrive in RV’s and want the full services of an RV park, while taking day trips into the national park. Whichever type of traveller you are, you’ll find what you are looking for.
There are six campgrounds run by the National Parks Service in Denali National Park. They range from large campgrounds for RV Parks and tent campers to small tenting only campgrounds deep in the park.
National Parks Service Campgrounds in Denali
Riley Creek Campground is right at the entrance to Denali National Park and is open to RVs and tents.
Savage River Campground at mile 13 of the Park Road. After mile 15 of the Park Road you will need to take the Park Shuttles to go further into the park. Open to both RVs and tents.
Teklanika River Campground has 53 sites open to both RVs and tents, but RV campers must stay a minimum of 3 nights. Located at mile 29 of the Park Road. Normally private vehicles are not allowed past mile 15, but RVs are allowed past this point to go directly to the campground. Tent campers will need to take a “camper bus” to reach the campground.
Sanctuary River Campground at mile 22 has seven tent only campsites. This campground is only accessible via the park shuttle buses.
Igloo Creek Campground is also only available to tent campers. There are seven sites available at mile 35 of the Park Road.
Wonder Lake Campground is located at mile 85 of the Park Road and is the closest campground to Mount Denali. There are 28 tent only sites.
There are also a number of privately run RV Parks in the Denali area. Denali Rainbow RV Park is situated in the center of town which makes it very convenient for shopping and arranging tours of the area that include rafting, ATV rentals, and backcountry adventures. South of the park entrance is Denali Grizzly Bear Resort at mile 231. Finally, eight miles north of the park entrance at mile 245 is Denali RV Park and Motel, which has some of the best prices available in the area.
Denali Rainbow Village RV Park
Denali Rainbow Village RV Park has full and partial hookups, pull-throughs, cable TV, Wi-fi, clean showers, laundry and dump station. It is a Good Sam RV Park. Mile 238.6, one mile north of Denali National Park entrance.
Denali RV Park & Motel
Denali RV Park has excellent prices on 80 RV sites. Full hookup sites, pull-throughs and free Wi-fi. They offer dog walking and have a gift shop, outdoor cooking area and friendly staff. Mile 245.1 Parks Highway, eight miles north of The Denali National Park entrance.
Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
Denali Grizzly Bear has wooded RV sites with water & electric (20/30 amp) hookups and secluded riverside tenting.
The Best RV Parks in Fairbanks Alaska
Fairbanks is often called the golden heart city, because of the friendliness of its residents and its gold rush past. The most popular full service RV park in Fairbanks is Rivers Edge RV Park. This is an excellent full-service facility that is close to everything. For those looking to stay out of town, and in a wonderful forest setting, try Chena Lake Recreation Area.
Chena Lake Recreation Area
This hidden gem is enjoyed by local Alaskans and visitors alike. It’s 86 campsites are nestled in a forest setting. Get back to nature in either the River Park Campground or the Lake Park Campground. Each campground has water and restrooms. Recreational facilities include pavilions, fishing docks, boat rentals, and more. There is a 3 mile nature trail at the River Park. Chena Lake Recreation Area is open year-round and is just as popular in the winter months for cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmachining and dog mushing. Located south of Fairbanks on Laurance Road (mile 347 Richardson Highway).
River’s Edge Resort & RV Park
River’s Edge is on the banks of the Chena River. Large pull-through sites with full and partial hook-ups. Tent sites available. Cable TV at most sites, free Wi-fi, laundry, restrooms and free showers. 4200 Boat Street.
Tanana Valley Campground & RV Park
This RV park has 50 sites in a private wooded setting. Electric (20/30/50amp) and dry campsites, free Wi-fi, firepits and picnic tables. 1800 College Road.
Camping in the Kenai Peninsula
The Kenai Peninsula is one of the most popular areas in Alaska, not only for visitors, but also for Alaska’s residents. The main attraction is world-class fishing. This can be enjoyed in the streams and rivers, or on the ocean that borders the peninsula. Homer Alaska, at the end of the Kenai Peninsula is famous for its Halibut fishing. Needless to say, the camping is also fantastic in this region of Alaska.
Best RV parks and Campgrounds near Seward Alaska.
Seward Alaska, at the end of the Seward Highway has several of the best places to camp in Alaska. In Seward, the most common place to camp is in the Waterfront City Campgrounds. These city Campground have 500 spaces with the incredible views of Resurrection Bay. There are also a number of excellent private campgrounds very close to Seward.
Seward KOA Campground
Seward KOA Campground has spacious pull through sites, water, electric and sewer hook-ups at each site. Big rig friendly sites, deluxe tent sites, and camping cabins are available. 5 minutes from downtown Seward and only 5 minutes to Exit Glacier. Free Wi-fi, dog park and tour shuttle.
Seward Waterfront Park
The City of Seward operates 10 municipal campgrounds in Seward with over 500 spaces. Most of these campgrounds are located along the waterfront with the best ocean views in the State.
99 sites have electric hookups. There is also water and toilets available, playgrounds, picnic tables and beach access. Campers are required to register in advance. There is a public dump station across the street at B Street that has easy access for any size RV. During peak season from June through August, these campsites fill up quickly.
https://www.cityofseward.us/departments/parks-recreation/campgrounds
Exit Glacier Campground
Exit Glacier is 10 miles from Seward and is one of the most accessible glaciers in all of Alaska. Exit Glacier has a tent only campground that is available on a first come, first served basis. During the summer months, sites can fill up quickly. The campground is half a mile from the end of the road and you must walk in with your supplies. Water and toilets are available.
Stoney Creek RV Park
This luxury RV Park has 81 sites and offers amenities like hot showers, satellite TV, laundry and firepits. Large sites are perfect for any size RV with slide outs. 68 sites have sewer connections. Located 6 miles north of downtown.
RV Parks From Soldotna to Homer
Between Soldotna and Kenai you will find Diamond M ranch Resort. A full-service facility that makes an excellent base camp while visiting the Kenai peninsula.
Diamond M Ranch Resort
Diamond M Ranch Resort is much more than just a campground or RV Park. It is a Resort with an Alaskan twist. You will find tent camping sites, full-service lodging, full hookup RV sites, and cabins. Located between Soldotna and Kenai, it is the perfect destination for exploring the Kenai Peninsula.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park in Soldotna has 220 campsites, restrooms, a boat launch, and fish cleaning tables. The trails connect to the nearby Soldotna Visitor Center. You can walk to the Kenai River and catch red and silver and king salmon from the banks of the river.
Soldotna Swiftwater Park
This park is at the east end of town and is situated next to the Kenai River. They have picnic tables and fire pits and a boat launch.
Heading further south you will find excellent camping near Ninilchik and Deep Creek.
Alaskan Angler RV Resort
Alaskan Angler has 8 acres of full hook up RV sites, seasonal sites, tenting, and 8 fully furnished cabins. This is another great basecamp located between Soldotna and Homer in the small community of Ninilchik. If you want a quiet place to stay and fish, this is it.
Deep Creek Campground
Depp Creek has 100 dry camping sites on the shores of Cook Inlet, at the mouth of Deep Creek. Mile 137.3 Sterling Highway
Stariski State Recreation Site
Stariski State Recreation Site overlooks the Cook Inlet with spectacular views of Mount Augustine, Mount Iliamna, and Mount Redoubt. The park has nine campsites and is 5 miles north of Anchor Point. Mile 152 Sterling Highway.
Anchor River State Recreation Site
This State Rec Site has five campgrounds along the Anchor River with a total of 186 campsites. This 213 acre recreation area is a very popular salmon fishing destination during the summer. Mile 157 Sterling Highway
Best RV Parks and Campgrounds near Homer Alaska
Camping in Homer Alaska is excellent. There are excelling RV and camping options near downtown Homer and on the famous Homer Spit. The Homer spit is renowned for its wildlife viewing. From marine mammals like whales and sea otters to dozens of species of birds. Each spring Homer hosts the Kachemak Bay Shore Bird Festival, which draws hundreds of birders to the area.
Heritage RV Park
The Heritage RV Park offers an ideal destination for travelers looking for a full-service RV Campground in Homer. They also happen to have one of the most incredible locations in all of Alaska, on the Homer Spit, right on the shore of Kachemak Bay. These RV sites provide all the amenities necessary to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. They have plenty of spacious sites for large rigs.
Amenities include 20/30/50 amp electric, city water & septic connections, free Wi-Fi, Satellite TV, clean Restrooms and laundry facility.
The Homer Spit Campground
This RV Park is located on the southern tip of the Homer Spit. It offers campers an unforgettable camping experience with stunning views of Cook inlet and the surrounding mountains. It is also right next to the Homer small boat harbor, and the Boardwalk, with plenty of shops, charter companies and restaurants.
The sites have level gravel pads as well as picnic tables and fire pits. There’s plenty of room for RV parking at each site, plus free Wi-Fi service throughout the park.
The Fishing Hole Campground
The Fishing Hole Campground is aptly named as it is located right next to the Fishing Hole on the Homer Spit. The campground is operated by the City of Homer and offers 80 campsites for both tent and RV camping. Each site has picnic tables and fire rings for campers to enjoy. Campground amenities include a fish cleaning station, restrooms, shower facilities and a camp store with basic supplies. One of the city operated dump stations is nearby.
Mariner Park Campground
Mariner Park is on your right as you drive onto the Homer Spit. It has 34 campsites suitable for RV’s and tents and is also one of Homer’s most popular beach access points. Bikers, kite-surfers, bird watchers and sightseers all enjoy Mariners Park. Operated by the City of Homer, amenities include restrooms and a day use area with a fire ring and gazebo. There are no reservations, so it is first come, first served only. So, arrive early if you want to grab one of the coveted beachfront sites.
Driftwood Inn RV Park
The RV Park at Driftwood is part of the larger Driftwood Inn collection of lodges, cottages, suites, and tiny homes. The RV Park is located on the bluff, above Bishops Beach. This Central location is near the Homer Visitor Center, museums, art galleries and restaurants. Amenities include 20/30 amp electric, water/sewer, free showers, free Wi-Fi, Laundromat, fire pits & picnic tables.
Ocean Shores RV Park
Ocean Shores RV Park offer travelers large grassy sites with stunning ocean views from almost anywhere in the park. Sites offer full hookups (30 and 50 amp electric), water & septic hookups, free Wi-Fi, and Direct TV. Other RV Park amenities include restrooms and showers, Laundromat, and nearby beach access.
Camping in the Mat-Su Valley
The Matsu Valley offers many choices for campers and one of my favorites is the Matanuska River campground in Palmer Alaska. Quiet and convenient this is a great spot to stay for both RV and tent campers.
If you’re headed for Talkeetna be sure to make a reservation at the Talkeetna Camper Park, as this is a the only RV campgrounds in town.
Big Bear RV Park
Big Bear RV Park is family owned and operated. This clean and friendly campground is centrally located in the heart of the Mat-Su Valley just a few miles from both the cities of Palmer and Wasilla. The park has a total of 47 RV sites, 6 cabins, and 6 tent sites. Showers, Wi-fi, potable water, and a dump station are included with those staying.
Finger Lake State Recreation Site
Finger Lake State Recreation Site is six miles from Palmer at Mile 1.5 Bogard Road in Wasilla. 36 campsites, 10 picnic sites, water, toilets, and a boat launch.
Matanuska River Park
Matanuska River Park has 86 spaces for tents or RV’s, flush toilets, showers, dump stations, picnic tables, grills, and park pavilions. There is river access, an observation deck, fishing, athletic fields, and parking area. Located at mile 17 Old Glenn Highway.
Lake Lucille Park
Fifty-nine spaces for tents or RVs. This 80-acre park provides non-motorized lake access, a boardwalk and fishing deck, restrooms and drinking water, trails, day use area, fire pits, & group camping area. Is located at the end of Endeavor Street at mile 2.4 Knik-Goose Bay Road, south of Wasilla.
Camping in Tok Alaska
Tok Alaska, is called Main Street Alaska, because of its many hotel rooms and campgrounds. The Sourdough Campground just west of Tok is a favorite of many visitors and Alaskans alike. On the west side of town is Tundra RV Park and Bar, which offers a lovely, forested setting.
Sourdough Campground
Sourdough Campground has wide, level sites with full and partial hookups and great tent sites. The café is open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Guests can win a free breakfast at the nightly “pancake toss,” which is fun for the whole family. There is also an open-air museum with gold rush memorabilia, free Wi-fi and a car wash. Located 1.75 miles from Tok Visitor Center on the Tok Cut-off.
Tundra RV Park and Bar
This RV Park has 78 full and partial hookup RV sites, tent sites and is home to a popular local bar. The forested park like setting gives guests a relaxing and peaceful camping experience. 50/30/20 amp sites, pull-throughs, clean restrooms, Laundromat, Wi-fi hotspot and RV dump station. Milepost 1315 Alaska Highway.
The Best RV Parks in Valdez, Alaska
Valdez is situated at the end of the Richardson Highway and is one of the prettiest locations in Alaska. Famous for it’s access to Prince William Sound’s fishing and sightseeing. Valdez attracts almost as many Alaskans as it does out of state visitors.
Eagle’s Rest RV Park
Eagle’s Rest RV Park in Valdez offers full hookups, 70 foot pull throughs, separate tent camping area, clean hot showers, laundromat and dump station. Cozy modern cabins are also available.
Bear Paw RV Park
This RV Park offers full hookups, a dump station, cable TV, free Wi-fi & separate tenting area. Centrally located across from the small boat harbor and less than a block to most shops and tours. They also have an adult only RV park on the waterfront.
Denali Highway Camping
The Denali Highway is one of the last wilderness highways in Alaska. It is only 135 miles and it is mostly gravel. But it also offers some of the best views of the Alaska Range and Denali. It definitely worth the trip. Keep in mind that many rental vehicles are not authorized to drive the Denail Highway, but there are some that do allow it. There are only a couple of designated RV campgrounds but there are plenty of opportunities to rough camp off the side of the highway.
Brushkana Creek Campground
This 22-unit camping area with fire rings and picnic tables also provides three double vaulted accessible toilets, numerous bear-proof trash receptacles and food lockers, parking for vehicles and trailers, potable water, trails, picnic area with shelter, and interpretive panels. This campground is located at MP 104.5 along the Denali Highway (30 miles from the Parks Highway).
Tangle Lakes Campground.
This is a BLM-maintained campground with 45 camp sites on the north side of the highway. There are water wells with hand pumps and toilets.
Delta Wild and Scenic River Wayside are located on the south side of the road but are day use areas only. They have a boat launch and picnic area. Moose and caribou are plentiful in the area, which is why it is heavily used during fall hunting season.
Can you camp for free in Alaska?
Alaska allows people to dry camp in most of the pullouts along it’s highways. On the Seward Highway, there are some amazing pullouts with beautiful views of Turnagain Arm.
The National Park Service also runs some campsites that do not have services, which are free to stay in. National Park Service campgrounds with firepits, tables, water and restrooms will charge a fee.
If you are planning to do a lot of camping, you can buy an annual park pass. Get more info here.
Be sure to visit our page of the best things to do in Alaska before you go.
