Denali State Park

4.64

22 reviews

Mile 147 , Trapper Creek, Alaska, 99683, United States

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping Alaska Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Alaska RV Camping Alaska +1 more

Quick Facts

1,056 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Not explicitly menti...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,056 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Not explicitly menti...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Denali State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The Disabled U.S. Veteran Camping Pass is valid for free camping in all state park campgrounds, including Denali State Park. Passes must be properly...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

9077453975

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 22 reviews

901 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikingfriendly

"Overall, user reviews highlight the park's pristine natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and diverse recreational opportunities. Positive sentiments are abundant, with special mention of the Curry Ridge Trail and Byers Lake."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mile 147 , Trapper Creek, Alaska, 99683, United States

Denali State Park

Mile 147 , Trapper Creek, Alaska, 99683, United States

Driving directionsLocated at Milepost 134.5 George Parks Highway (Route 3), approximately 92 miles north of Wasilla; 222 miles south of Fairbanks. Byers Lake Campground is at Mile 147 George Parks Highway.

The campground is accessible via the George Parks Highway (Route 3), which serves as a major road link between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The highway is a paved road, and facilities like Byers Lake are located directly alongside this route. Seasonal road closures or weather-related conditions are not mentioned.

Nearby places

92 miles north of Wasilla

222 miles south of Fairbanks.

Nearby supplies

Closest RV Dump Station and likely supplies are available at Byers Lake Campground, located 12 miles north at Milepost 147 George Parks Highway. Specific grocery or fuel locations are not detailed.

Best Time to Camp at Denali State Park

Alaska's dramatic seasons paint this wilderness in ever-changing hues. Winter arrives with a crystalline fury, blanketing the landscape in deep snow and arctic temperatures that test the hardiest souls. As the year turns, freezing rains give way to the sweet relief of spring, when Week 13 often brings those perfect camping days—crisp, clear skies married to comfortable temperatures that invite exploration. Summer's brief but glorious window transforms the park into a verdant paradise, though wise travelers always pack layers for Alaska's famously mercurial moods.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 10% in AK

Summer months highly praised for accessibility and broad activity options.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers changing hues and continued access; fewer reviews but generally positive.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring is variable (thaw/conditions) with fewer explicit reviews about this season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter can offer snow recreation but visitor reports note low snow/limited access in some years.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Not explicitly mentioned.

About Denali State Park

Where Alaska's wilderness unfolds across 325,240 acres of untamed beauty, Denali State Park beckons adventurers to experience the raw majesty of the Last Frontier. From the comfort of roadside camps to the challenge of backcountry trails, this vast sanctuary offers every shade of outdoor experience imaginable. The mighty Curry and Kesugi Ridges rise like ancient sentinels, framing breathtaking views of North America's tallest peak—the legendary Denali—creating a landscape that will forever change how you see the world.

Denali State Park offers a range of camping options, including public use cabins, RV sites, and tent sites.

Historical SignificanceBorn from Alaska's wild heart in 1970 and expanded in 1976, this park carries the whispers of ancient peoples in its very names. 'Kesugi,' gifted by the Tanaina people, translates to 'The Ancient One'—a fitting tribute to ridges that have watched over these lands since time immemorial. Paired with 'Denali,' the Tanana word for 'The High One,' these indigenous names remind visitors that they walk in the footsteps of those who first called this majestic landscape home, adding layers of meaning to every vista and trail.

Weather and SeasonsAlaska's dramatic seasons paint this wilderness in ever-changing hues. Winter arrives with a crystalline fury, blanketing the landscape in deep snow and arctic temperatures that test the hardiest souls. As the year turns, freezing rains give way to the sweet relief of spring, when Week 13 often brings those perfect camping days—crisp, clear skies married to comfortable temperatures that invite exploration. Summer's brief but glorious window transforms the park into a verdant paradise, though wise travelers always pack layers for Alaska's famously mercurial moods.

ElevationJourney through a vertical wonderland where lowland forests give way to alpine meadows, and finally to the windswept tundra that crowns the park's highest reaches. Though specific elevations vary dramatically across this vast wilderness, visitors can experience multiple life zones in a single day's hike—from sheltered valleys where wildflowers dance in summer breezes to stark, beautiful ridgelines where only the hardiest plants cling to ancient rock.

Natural Features and SceneryCradled between the rugged Talkeetna Mountains and the imposing Alaska Range, this natural amphitheater showcases Alaska at its most spectacular. Crystal-clear streams meander through valleys like silver ribbons, while above them, the 35-mile spine of Curry and Kesugi Ridges—'The Ancient One'—offers hikers access to alpine wonderlands. But it's the view that stops hearts: Denali's 20,320-foot summit, 'The High One,' dominates the horizon with a presence so powerful it seems to pull at your very soul. On clear days, this giant reflects pink and gold in the endless summer light, creating moments of such profound beauty that visitors often find themselves moved to tears.

Geological RegionNestled in Alaska's famed Mat-Su/Copper Basin area, Denali State Park occupies a geological crossroads where two mighty mountain ranges converge in spectacular fashion. To the east, the Talkeetna Mountains roll across the horizon in waves of green and granite, while westward, the Alaska Range erupts skyward in a dramatic display of tectonic power. This collision of geological forces has created an extraordinarily diverse landscape—from gentle lowland streams perfect for fishing to the dramatic 35-mile alpine backbone of Curry and Kesugi Ridges. It's a living textbook of Earth's creative forces, where every vista tells a story millions of years in the making.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not explicitly mentioned.

Check-out

Not explicitly mentioned.

Stay Limit

Subject to all other park rules and stay limits.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of six

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCabins are located at Byers Lake, and sites are described as scenic with nearby trails.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online or by contacting park management. Specific URLs or phone numbers for reservations are not included in the provided information.

Walk-in AvailabilityHighly popular, campers are encouraged to arrive as early as possible in the day, or reserve sites in advance. Overflow parking is usually available.

Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly mentioned.

AccessibilityThe park is well-equipped with accessible features such as boat ramps, campsites, drinking water, trails, and parking areas.

Site SizeCabins accommodate up to six guests each.

PrivacyNo specific information about the level of privacy at campsites is provided.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesWalk-in tent sites at Kesugi Ken and sites by Byers Lake are especially recommended for their scenic beauty and well-maintained facilities.

Amenities available

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Denali State Park features a rich array of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and winter sports. Visitors also have opportunities for wildlife viewing and cultural programs.

HikingThe Curry Ridge Trail is a highlight with beautiful views of Denali and the surrounding mountain range.

FishingFishing is allowed in the park, and regulations permit fishing during appropriate seasons.

SwimmingAccessible swimming areas are provided within the park.

BikingBicycling is allowed on designated trails west of the Parks Highway and on the Byers Lake Loop Trail.

BoatingBoating is permitted, including canoeing and kayaking at Byers Lake. Motorized boats are limited to electric motors on the lake.

Wildlife viewingThe park is a prime spot for observing Alaska’s diverse wildlife, including grizzlies and moose.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include Alaskan brown bears, which require caution such as avoiding turning one's back or provoking them. Other potential hazards may include frigid temperatures and terrain challenges.

Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant trash and food storage lockers are available.

Fire PolicyFire use is permitted on gravel bars along major rivers and within designated structures.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are null as the content fails to specify.

Trash & RecyclingBear-resistant trash bins are available, ensuring safe waste disposal in a wildlife-friendly manner.

Water FeaturesByers Lake is located within the park and allows the use of non-motorized or electrically powered boats.

Camp Host"Very friendly host, and rangers."

Weather at Denali State Park

Reviews

4.6

22 reviews

Top-Rated

Denali State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews highlight the park's pristine natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and diverse recreational opportunities. Positive sentiments are abundant, with special mention of the Curry Ridge Trail and Byers Lake.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained grounds, friendly rangers and hosts, amazing hiking opportunities, and stunning views of Denali.

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Some campsites are uneven and not ideal for RVs. Limited availability of amenities such as camp stores.

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a campsite. Consider hiking the Curry Ridge Trail for some of the best views. Bring all necessities since there is no camp store.

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are highly praised for accessibility and the range of activities available. Winter sees fewer visitors but offers unique snow-based recreation opportunities.

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Great location. Beautiful campground. Very clean & well kept.” - Cindy Gaupp; “Great place to camp. Clean, well kept, and very friendly host and rangers.” - Joe Byrnes; “The walk-in tent sites are...

Based on 22 reviews