Kendesnii Campground

4.25

15 reviews

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

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Alaska

Quick Facts

3,081 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

3,081 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Kendesnii Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground is free and open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or fees are required for camping.

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(907) 822-5234WRST_info@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 15 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanspacious

"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."

Read all reviews

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

Driving directionsKendesnii Campground is located at Mile Post 27.8 of the Nabesna Road. The Nabesna Road starts at mile 60 of the Tok Cutoff Highway in the town of Slana, AK. The dirt and gravel road is maintained by the State of Alaska. In Summer, regular passenger cars can make the journey to the campground. Any time of year, the campground may be inaccessible due to heavy rain or snow.

The campground is accessible via Nabesna Road, which is dirt and gravel and maintained by the State of Alaska. During summer, regular passenger cars can make the journey, but heavy rain or snow may render the road and campground inaccessible.

Nearby places

Slana, AK, approximately 27.8 miles

Copper Center, AK, approximately 60 miles.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies available in Slana, AK, approximately 27.8 miles away, including some basic groceries and fuel. Larger selections available in Copper Center, AK, approximately 60 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Kendesnii Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Alaska's wilderness at Kendesnii. Summer unveils the campground in all its accessible glory, with improved road conditions and comfortable temperatures that invite extended exploration of the surrounding parkland. As autumn's brief display gives way to winter, the landscape undergoes a complete metamorphosis – heavy snowfall blankets the region while temperatures plummet to create a crystalline world of ice and silence. During these months, reaching Kendesnii becomes an adventure in itself, as snow often renders the campground a remote outpost accessible only to those prepared for true winter camping.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season with improved road conditions and best accessibility.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Accessible in September with scenic fall conditions, but cooler and less predictable weather.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Spring access likely constrained by road conditions and melt; few specifics provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but not plowed; snow limits vehicle access despite potential for northern lights.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months are peak due to easier road access and better weather conditions.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, but not plowed during winter, making access limited during snowfall.

About Kendesnii Campground

Discover Alaska's hidden gem at Kendesnii Campground, the sole National Park Service campground nestled within the vast wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. This intimate sanctuary offers just 10 thoughtfully placed campsites, each graced with its own picnic table and fire ring where stories are shared under endless summer skies or winter's northern lights. Best of all, this pristine escape comes without a price tag – camping here is completely free, welcoming adventurers year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. While summer visitors enjoy easy access, winter transforms Kendesnii into a snow-draped wonderland that only the most intrepid explorers can reach.

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 SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Alaska's wilderness at Kendesnii. Summer unveils the campground in all its accessible glory, with improved road conditions and comfortable temperatures that invite extended exploration of the surrounding parkland. As autumn's brief display gives way to winter, the landscape undergoes a complete metamorphosis – heavy snowfall blankets the region while temperatures plummet to create a crystalline world of ice and silence. During these months, reaching Kendesnii becomes an adventure in itself, as snow often renders the campground a remote outpost accessible only to those prepared for true winter camping.

Natural Features and ScenerySet against the backdrop of the majestic Wrangell-St. Elias mountain ranges, Kendesnii Campground rests beside the serene Twin Lakes, where morning mist dances across glassy waters. This tranquil haven serves as nature's amphitheater, where graceful swans glide alongside dabbling ducks, and curious small mammals rustle through the underbrush. The surrounding peaks create an ever-changing canvas of light and shadow, while the remote setting ensures an authentic wilderness experience where the loudest sounds are often the gentle lapping of lake water and the distant call of wild creatures.

Geological RegionKendesnii sits at the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, America's largest national park and a geological wonderland where tectonic forces have sculpted an extraordinary landscape. Here, ancient mountain ranges pierce the sky while glacial valleys tell stories millions of years in the making. The park's diverse terrain encompasses everything from pristine alpine lakes carved by retreating glaciers to towering peaks that form part of the volcanic Ring of Fire, creating a camping experience surrounded by some of North America's most dramatic and dynamic geological features.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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 layoutThe campground has 10 designated campsites, each featuring a picnic table and fire ring. Sites are spaced out for privacy.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable on a first-come, first-served basis with 10 designated campsites.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable, as reservations are not required or accepted.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features, such as wheelchair accessibility, are mentioned.

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

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

HikingThere is a trail leading to Twin Lakes, which is nearby the campground.

BoatingA small boat launch is available at Twin Lakes near the campground.

Wildlife viewingWildlife observation opportunities include swans, ducks, and small mammals around Twin Lakes.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rough road conditions on Nabesna Road, heavy snowfall in winter, and high bug activity, especially during summer months. "Highly recommend head net for bugs if coming in June!"

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed at designated fire rings.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include hospitals and police stations in Copper Center, AK, approximately 60 miles away. Ranger station is located within the park.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no explicit mention of trash or recycling facilities at the campground.

Water FeaturesLocated near Twin Lakes with a trail leading to the lake and a small boat launch.

Weather at Kendesnii Campground

Reviews

4.3

15 reviews

Satisfactory

Kendesnii Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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