Camping & Lodging in Denali National Park: Where to Stay
Whether you're a rugged adventurer looking to pitch a tent under the stars or a comfort-seeker looking for a cozy lodge with mountain views, Denali National Park and Preserve offers a wide range of accommodation options. From remote backcountry campgrounds to well-equipped cabins near the park entrance, this guide will help you choose the best place to stay in Denali.
🏕️ Campgrounds Inside Denali National Park
There are six official campgrounds operated by the National Park Service. Reservations are highly recommended during the summer season (May–September), and many campgrounds are only accessible by park shuttle bus.
1. Riley Creek Campground (Mile 0.25)
- Access: By car or RV
- Sites: 150+ tent and RV sites
- Amenities: Potable water, flush toilets, fire rings
- Notes: Closest to the park entrance; cell service available
2. Savage River Campground (Mile 13)
- Access: By car or RV
- Sites: 32
- Amenities: Drinking water, vault toilets
- Notes: Quiet setting, forested area, wildlife viewing opportunities
3. Sanctuary River Campground (Mile 23)
- Access: Shuttle bus or on foot
- Sites: 8 (tent only)
- Amenities: Vault toilets; no potable water
- Notes: Remote and peaceful; perfect for solitude
4. Teklanika River Campground (Mile 29)
- Access: Private vehicles allowed with special permit
- Sites: 53 (tent and RV)
- Amenities: Drinking water, toilets
- Notes: Only campground beyond Mile 15 accessible by car
5. Igloo Creek Campground (Mile 35)
- Access: Shuttle bus only
- Sites: 7 (tent only)
- Amenities: Vault toilets; no potable water
- Notes: Small, scenic, ideal for hiking and birdwatching
6. Wonder Lake Campground (Mile 85)
- Access: Shuttle bus only
- Sites: 28 (tent only)
- Amenities: Vault toilets; no potable water
- Notes: Incredible views of Denali; farthest campground in the park
🛏️ Lodging Near Denali National Park
If you prefer not to camp, there are plenty of comfortable lodging options near the park entrance, mostly located in the communities of Healy, McKinley Park, and Carlo Creek.
Top Lodges and Cabins
- Denali Bluffs Hotel – Mountain views, shuttle to park entrance, restaurant on-site
- McKinley Chalet Resort – Popular among tour groups, near the Nenana River
- Denali Cabins – Cozy wood cabins in a forested setting, hot tubs, on-site dining
- Denali Park Village – Riverside rooms and cabins, amenities include shops and cafés
Budget & Unique Options
- EarthSong Lodge – Eco-friendly and dog-sledding in winter
- Carlo Creek Lodge – Affordable cabins and private rooms
- Campgrounds with Cabins – Some campgrounds offer dry cabins for a hybrid stay
🏨 Booking Tips
- 🗓️ Book Early: Lodging sells out months in advance, especially in July and August
- 🚌 Look for Shuttle Access: Some lodges offer free shuttles to the park and train depot
- 📶 Expect Limited Cell Signal: Wi-Fi may be slow or unavailable in remote areas
- 🧳 Pack Accordingly: Even summer nights can be chilly
Find Your Base for Adventure
Choosing where to stay in Denali depends on how close you want to be to nature — and how comfortable you want to be. Whether you’re seeking an off-grid campsite beneath the Northern Lights or a riverside lodge with hot coffee in the morning, Denali has it all.
Need help planning your trip? Check out our pages on Getting There and Things to Do in Denali.
Wake up with the mountain. Sleep under the stars. Stay where Denali meets the sky.