Is Kendesnii Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Kendesnii Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Kendesnii Campground before I book?

Yes! Kendesnii Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Kendesnii Campground?

Kendesnii Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Kendesnii Campground have?

Kendesnii Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Kendesnii Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Kendesnii Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Kendesnii Campground?

Kendesnii Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Kendesnii Campground

3.73

15 reviews

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, PO Box 439, Mile 106.8 Richardson Highway, Copper Center, AK 99573

Top 21% in AKFall

StargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Alaska

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,081 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,081 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Kendesnii Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(907) 822-5234WRST_info@nps.gov

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Campground Map

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, PO Box 439, Mile 106.8 Richardson Highway, Copper Center, AK 99573

Kendesnii Campground

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, PO Box 439, Mile 106.8 Richardson Highway, Copper Center, AK 99573

Nearby places

Slana, AK, approximately 27.8 miles

Copper Center, AK, approximately 60 miles.

Weather at Kendesnii Campground

Best Time to Camp at Kendesnii Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, mild temperatures (daytime highs typically 50–65°F, nights 35–45°F), and long daylight for exploring Wrangell–St. Elias. Trails and the lakes are at their best — ideal for hiking, boating on Twin Lakes, fishing, and abundant wildlife viewing (moose, bears, migratory birds). Crowds remain modest thanks to only 10 sites and free, first-come-first-served camping, but expect steady visitation in July when conditions are prime. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer offers easiest access, steady visitation and best weather for activities.

Planning Tips

About Kendesnii Campground

Kendesnii Campground sits in the foothills of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve near Copper Center, operated by the National Park Service as a free, first-come, first-served site. This very small campground offers primitive tent and RV camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, attracting visitors who prize dark skies and solitude over developed amenities. Summer brings mild temperatures and long daylight for hiking, fishing Twin Lakes, and wildlife viewing, though the access road demands high clearance and careful driving.

Kendesnii Campground is a primitive camping area with facilities suitable for small to medium-sized RVs and tent camping. It operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, mild temperatures (daytime highs typically 50–65°F, nights 35–45°F), and long daylight for exploring Wrangell–St. Elias. Trails and the lakes are at their best — ideal for hiking, boating on Twin Lakes, fishing, and abundant wildlife viewing (moose, bears, migratory birds). Crowds remain modest thanks to only 10 sites and free, first-come-first-served camping, but expect steady visitation in July when conditions are prime. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation3081 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 3,081 feet beside Twin Lakes, where swans and ducks patrol the shoreline and the Wrangell-St. Elias peaks rise in the distance. Morning mist often hangs over the water before clearing to reveal long Alaska daylight. Moose and bears move through the area, especially in summer when wildlife viewing peaks. The remote setting makes for exceptional stargazing once the sun finally sets.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional accommodations, such as lodges, are provided at the campsite.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no details available on cultural or educational programs at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site can accommodate a small to medium RV or other vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site SizeMedium to large campsites, as noted in user reviews.

PrivacySites are well-spaced to provide privacy, according to user reviews.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are spacious and fairly level. Recommended for those seeking privacy and peaceful surroundings.

Amenities available

Kendesnii Campground offers a range of amenities for free campers. There are 10 designated campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground features two vault toilets and can accommodate small to medium-sized RVs and other vehicles. The area is not plowed during winter, making it inaccessible during heavy snow. The dirt and gravel road leading to the campground is maintained by the State of Alaska but may become impassable during periods of heavy rain or snow. There are no reservations or fees involved as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Kendesnii Campground offers a tranquil and scenic camping experience. The campground is located near Twin Lakes, providing opportunities for wildlife observation, small boating, and hiking. Star gazing is particularly remarkable due to the remote location.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsThe campground does not have flush toilets. There are only vault toilets available.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.7

15 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Kendesnii Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Kendesnii Campground is highly praised for its tranquility, cleanliness, and natural beauty. The location near Twin Lakes and the presence of swans and ducks enhance the serene environment. It is described as one of the most remote and lovely campgrounds in Alaska.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews highlight the clean vault toilets, spacious and well-maintained campsites, peaceful atmosphere, and excellent star-gazing opportunities. One review specifically called the vault toilets...

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Access to the campground can be challenging due to the rough condition of the Nabesna Road. One review noted axle-breaking potholes and a maximum speed of 15-20 mph on the unpaved portions of the...

Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews mention individual campsites by their site numbers.

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing insect head nets if visiting in June, as mosquitoes can be an issue. Another tip is to ensure your vehicle is in good condition to handle the road's potholes. Visitors are...

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the summer, the campground is accessible to standard vehicles, and the proximity to Twin Lakes allows for recreational activities such as hiking and boating. In winter, snow may block access...

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Next to twin lakes with a nice trail to the lake and small boat launch.' (Hannah Gardner) 'One of the most remote and lovely campgrounds we visited in Alaska.' (Petra Meath) 'Quiet, peaceful and...

Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews discuss experiences with pets at the campground.

Based on 15 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want free primitive camping in Wrangell–St. Elias with excellent stargazing and don't mind a challenging drive in.

Skip if

You need paved access, hookups, or guaranteed availability during peak summer travel.

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Tangle Lakes Campground

PO Box 147, Glennallen, AK, 99588

Tangle Lakes Campground sits in the Alaska foothills along the Denali Highway, managed by the Bureau of Land Management and serving as a gateway to the Delta Wild and Scenic River. The mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for excellent fishing across the chain of lakes, paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing under long summer daylight.

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campgrounds

Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve

Kendesnii Campground

About Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve

Context for the broader area surrounding Kendesnii Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Wrangell-St. Elias is a vast national park that rises from the ocean all the way up to 18,008 ft. At 13.2 million acres, the park is the same size as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined! Within this wild landscape, people continue to live off the land as they have done for centuries. This rugged, beautiful land is filled with opportunities for adventure.

Directions

The administrative building and main park visitor center are located along the Richardson Highway (Hwy 4), which is a paved state highway that runs through Copper Center, AK. The buildings are 8 miles south of the Glenn Highway and Richardson Highway intersection near Glennallen, Alaska. This is approximately 200 miles east of Anchorage, AK and 250 miles south of Fairbanks, AK.