Alaska camping

Eklutna Lake in Chugach State Park offers kayaking, a 12-mile glacier trail, and camping 26 miles from Anchorage. Hours, costs, and planning tips for 2026.

Two hours north of Anchorage, Denali State Park offers stunning mountain views, Byers Lake camping, and the Kesugi Ridge Trail above the Alaska Range.

The best campgrounds near Anchorage span glacial lakes, salmon rivers, and Chugach backcountry — all within 35 miles of the city.

Bird Creek, Eklutna Lake, Eagle River, and Williwaw — the best campgrounds near Anchorage for summer 2026, with booking tips and bear safety essentials.

Camping inside Denali National Park — from the forested sites near the entrance to the iconic Wonder Lake at Mile 85 — requires planning, patience with reservations, and a willingness to ride the park bus. Here's how to do it right.