Alaska Camping

Tent and van camping is wonderful in Alaska, definitely your best bet for an inexpensive vacation. Tent campers will need a good quality tent with an intact mosquito net, rain fly and waterproof bottom, as well as lightweight sleeping mats and sleeping bags.
In Alaska, campsites abound on state, national park sites, commercial sites, or just off in the bush. Alaska state law does not prohibit camping by the side of the road. Other possibilities for roadside camping are the many turnouts, rest areas marked by rectangular blue signs and scenic viewpoints. All these can make good campsites. The rest areas sometimes have signs saying, "No overnight camping allowed."

Never bring food into your tent. When in bear country, pack all food inside your vehicle and cover it. Don't leave even crumbs outside, or you can (and probably will) expect unwelcome and potentially dangerous late night visitors. If you are backpacking, put food in a covered container a good distance from your tent and cache in a tree if possible.


Denali Campgrounds:
Camping in Denali offers a great way to experience this spectacular park. There are five established campgrounds in the park. You may camp a total of 14 days per year in Denali National Park & Preserve's established campgrounds. Riley Creek Campground, at the entrance of the park is open year-round. Denali's campgrounds all have different access, fees, and facilities. (click on any of the campgrounds above to obtain more information about that campground)
See Denali Camping Map


Mendenhall Glacier Campground (Juneau):

Mendenhall Lake Campground is open from mid-May through September each year. The campground has 60 units including 10 units that accommodate trailers up to 22 feet in length. There are 7 walk-in units for backpackers. Camping fees are $8.00 per day with a 14-day limit.

Mosquitos:
Mosquitos are more than a nuisance in the summer in the north country; they are a genuine problem. Be vigilant. Keep your windows rolled up, enter and exit the vehicle quickly and close the doors, or dozens of the little devils will enter in a minute. Don't park near water for picnics or overnight, if possible. Beware of walking into the shade. Mosquitos love the shade. Buy high-quality bug repellent and purchase mosquito coils, available in most general merchandise stores in Alaska. Burn a coil for 20 minutes while you are out of the vehicle; that will kill the mosquitos. It doesn't smell too good, though. Don't become a mosquito dinette: wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
For more see our Mosquitos page

Never bring food into your tent. When in bear country, pack all food inside your vehicle and cover it. Don't leave even crumbs outside, or you can (and probably will) expect unwelcome and potentially dangerous late night visitors.