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Denali State Park RV & Campground Guide

Alaska

Denali State Park is located in the southern portion of Alaska, situated between Fairbanks and Anchorage. It is also located on the south eastern border of Denali National Park and Preserve, covering a total of 325,240 acres. The area’s landscape varies from meandering lowland streams to alpine tundra, while the Curry and Kesugi Ridges (a 35-mile-long north/south alpine ridge) dominate its diverse terrain. As the state park is situated amongst warm ocean waters to the south and The Alaska Range to the north, it isn’t subject to the dramatic temperature extremes common to Interior Alaska. Instead, visitors can expect average temperatures of 60 F to 85F in summer and 0 F to 30 F in winter.

If you’re planning a visit to Denali State Park, or simply want to find out more about this intriguing area, then read on. We’ll be sharing everything about the state park, including how you can make the most of your time here.

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Weather
Spring 12-55 F
Summer 60-85 F
Fall 12-53 F
Winter 0-30 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Denali State Park

There are plenty of camping opportunities in and around Denali State Park, including both within tents and RVs. If roughing-it in a sleeping bag and the tiny space that a tent offers isn’t quite your thing, then we wholeheartedly recommend the warmth, comfort, and all-round glamping that an RV offers.

If you don’t own an RV, you can easilyrent an RV from RVshare that suits your individual needs – including size, budget, and more. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.

There are over 100 campsites available within Denali State Park, all of which have toilets and drinking water. Some also have electric hookups, such as K’esugi Ken Campground, the most popular campground within the park.

Spaces can fill-up quickly, however, but you can find additional campgrounds within the area. These include:

Mat-Su RV Park & Campground

Located just 41 miles from the Denali State Park Entrance,Mat-Su RV Park & Campground features all the necessities you’ll want to have a comfortable RV experience. Plus, the campground is conveniently located near a beautiful river, providing some of the best fishing within the region. Rates start at $30 per night for RVs.

  • Water hookup: yes

  • Electrical hookup: yes

  • Sewer hookup: yes

  • Wifi: yes

  • Pet-friendly: yes

  • Other amenities: dump station, showers and restrooms, laundry facilities, convenience store, gift shop

Trapper Creek Inn & RV Park

Trapper Creek Inn & RV Park is located halfway between Anchorage and Denali National Park. Featuring stunning views of Denali and a plethora of nature, as well as some of the best hospitality within the region, you’re sure to enjoy your stay at this family-friendly place. Rates start at $20 per night.

  • Water hookup: yes

  • Electrical hookup: yes

  • Sewer hookup: yes

  • Wifi: no

  • Pet-friendly: yes

  • Other amenities: convenience store, Alaska-made gifts, dump and water fill tanks.

Montana Creek Campground

Montana Creek Campground is located 35 miles from the entrance of Denali State Park. Situated in the Susitna Valley along Montana Creek, the campground is celebrated as a fishing lover’s heaven. Prices start at $25 per night.

  • Water hookup: no

  • Electrical hookup: yes

  • Sewer hookup: no

  • Wifi: no

  • Pet-friendly: yes

  • Other amenities: convenience store, recreational trails, fishing gear to hire/buy

RV Rentals Near Denali State Park

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What to Do at
Denali State Park

Inside Denali State Park

While Denali State Park is popular due to its camping, it’s also a widely-visited region because of the number of fun recreational activities on offer. Denali State Park has stunning vantage points for viewing the breathtaking heart of the Alaska Range, plus, during summer, there are almost 21 hours of constant daylight every day. This means there’s almost endless time to partake in picnics, cycling, swimming, and so much more.

Some other popular experiences and activities at the park include:

Hiking : There are nine trails which cross the park, ranging from short, one-mile walks to challenging, multi-day treks extending as far as 36 miles. Popular trails include the Kesugi Ridge Trail, Byers Lake Trail, and Ermine Hill Trail. For a full list of trails within the park,click here.

Guided Hiking: If you’d prefer to see the state park through a guided hiking tour, then you’re in luck. There are currently two popular guided tours on offer, including Alaska Nature Guides Wilderness Day Hikes (starting from $64 pp.) and Alaska Nature Guides Multi-Day Treks (starting from $1,295 pp.)

Wildlife Viewing: Denali State Park is a treasure trove for wildlife lovers. Some of the animals you may see include black and grizzly bears, beavers, deer, elk, moose, and smaller ground mammals. It is also home to more than 130 bird species.

Fishing: We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Denali State Park and its surrounds offers some of the best fishing within the region. The park’s streams spawn all five species of Pacific salmon. You’ll also find rainbow trout, arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, Burbot, and whitefish among the rivers and lakes.

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How to Get to
Denali State Park

Parks Highway runs directly through Denali State Park, making it both easy and convenient to get to. Whether you’re traveling north from Anchorage, or south from Fairbanks, you simply follow the AK-3 until your reach the state park.  

Entering Denali State Park

There is no entrance fee to Denali State Park, however there are fees associated with facilities within the park. Parking at designated trailheads or campsites, for example, costs $5+ per day.

If you’re planning a trip to Denali State Park, then you sure are in for a treat. Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!

Frequently Asked Questions About Denali State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Denali State Park?

The best time to visit Denali State Park is summer when there are more chances to see wildlife, experience the wildflowers blooming, and explore more park areas. Most lodges and recreational opportunities are open during summer as well.

What is the climate of Denali State Park?

Denali State Park has a typical Alaskan interior climate. Winters are long with lots of cloud cover, freezing temperatures, and lots of snow. Summers are warmer but still chilly. with many overcast days.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Denali State Park?

The park is home to iconic mammals such as Dall sheep, grizzlies, black bears, wolf packs, and caribou. You might also encounter small mammals such as marmots, foxes, and arctic ground squirrels.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Denali State Park?

Denali State Park has a campground with 20 pull-through RV sites offering sweeping views of the vistas, tundra, and the Chulitna River. For more RV camping options, check out Byers Lake Campground, which has 73 sites.

Are pets allowed at Denali State Park?

Pets are allowed in the state park. If you bring your dogs, make sure they're leashed all the time. Choose hiking trails carefully to protect them from predatory animals like bears and wolves.