Dyea Campground

4.72

31 reviews

Quick Facts

39 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

The Dyea Campground ...

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

January 2026

Quick Facts

39 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

The Dyea Campground ...

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

January 2026

Dyea Campground

$0.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground has a nominal fee during summer months that ranges up to $10. It is free outside peak season (end of August, per user review).

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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) 983-9200klgo_information@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.72

Top-Rated

Based on 31 reviews

29 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietclean

"The Dyea Campground is praised for its quiet, secluded atmosphere with clean facilities and free firewood. Visitors enjoy its proximity to nature and the Chilkoot Trailhead."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Dyea Campground

59.5072, -135.3505

Driving directionsThe Dyea Campground is located 9 miles from Skagway and .5 miles from the Chilkoot Trailhead.

The campground can be reached via a drive from Skagway, which makes it accessible. However, user reviews suggest that larger rigs may have difficulty with pull-throughs.

Nearby places

Skagway is the closest major town, located 9 miles away.

Nearby supplies

Supplies can likely be obtained in Skagway, 9 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Dyea Campground

Experience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformations at Dyea, where summer brings endless daylight and wildflower meadows, while winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland beneath heavy blankets of snow. The weather here tells the story of the far north, with conditions that can shift from gentle sunshine to dramatic storms, reminding visitors of nature's powerful presence in this corner of the world.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: endless daylight, wildflowers; campground most accessible and active.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open until snow; quieter and scenic but fewer services and less activity noted.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring access depends on snowmelt; off-season free camping mentioned by reviewers.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Site is open only when free of snow; winter use generally not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Camping fees apply during the summer months, ending in August.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The Dyea Campground is open when free of snow.
Current Alerts: None reported.

About Dyea Campground

Escape to the tranquil haven of Dyea Campground, where towering trees create a natural cathedral above your tent and the melodic Taiya River provides nature's soundtrack. This peaceful retreat offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience with pit toilets and no running water, perfect for those seeking to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with Alaska's raw beauty. Each campsite feels like your own private wilderness sanctuary, thoughtfully spaced to ensure the solitude and quiet reflection that only untouched nature can provide.

The Dyea Campground offers spaces for tent and RV camping, with emphasis on a rustic, natural environment.

Historical SignificanceCamp in the shadows of history at Dyea, where gold rush dreams once flourished in the nearby historic townsite. Just steps from your tent, the legendary Chilkoot Trailhead beckons modern adventurers to follow in the footsteps of prospectors who once risked everything for fortune. The ghosts of the past whisper through the trees, sharing tales of the boomtown that was once Alaska's largest city during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1898.

Weather and SeasonsExperience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformations at Dyea, where summer brings endless daylight and wildflower meadows, while winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland beneath heavy blankets of snow. The weather here tells the story of the far north, with conditions that can shift from gentle sunshine to dramatic storms, reminding visitors of nature's powerful presence in this corner of the world.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a pristine woodland sanctuary where ancient spruce and hemlock trees stand sentinel along the crystal-clear Taiya River. Morning mist dances across the water while eagles soar overhead, and the gentle rustle of leaves creates a natural symphony that soothes the soul. This serene landscape offers photographers endless opportunities and provides a peaceful backdrop for contemplation, whether you're watching salmon navigate the river or simply enjoying the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy.

Geological RegionDiscover your basecamp in the heart of Southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest, where the Taiya River has carved its path through glacially sculpted valleys for millennia. This enchanting wooded sanctuary sits at the convergence of river and forest, creating a unique ecosystem where moss-draped trees lean over rushing waters and the ancient geology of the Coast Mountains shapes every vista.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are described as level, with options for tents and smaller RVs.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews confirm availability and usage patterns.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are managed through Recreation.gov; fees and penalties may apply depending on timing.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the sources.

Site SizeSites are described as level and suitable for both tents and RVs. Some pull-through sites may not be ideal for larger rigs.

PrivacyThe sites are noted to be quiet, private, and surrounded by large trees, providing a secluded camping experience.

Recommended SitesRecommendations suggest choosing smaller rigs for better access.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Dyea Campground is located near the historic townsite of Dyea and the Chilkoot Trailhead, making it an excellent spot for historical exploration and hiking. Wildlife viewing, including bears and foxes, is also noted by visitors.

HikingThe campground is half a mile from the Chilkoot Trailhead, offering easy access to historical and nature hiking trails.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with reports of bears and a red fox seen near the campground.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsVisitors have attended ranger-led tours that discuss the history of the area and the natural reclamation of land.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife, including bears and foxes, is present in the area.

Active AlertsNone reported.

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

Weather at Dyea Campground

Reviews

4.7

31 reviews

Top-Rated

Dyea Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Dyea Campground is praised for its quiet, secluded atmosphere with clean facilities and free firewood. Visitors enjoy its proximity to nature and the Chilkoot Trailhead.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes the quiet and private atmosphere, clean pit toilets, free firewood, and the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Some pull-through sites may not be suitable for large RVs. A lack of running water is a noticeable downside.

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Plan ahead for no potable water on-site. Bring sufficient water for your stay and take advantage of the free firewood.

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is noted to be chargeable only until the end of August, with some reviews mentioning it as a free camping spot during off-season months. Summer months are popular for accessibility and...

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great little state campground. Very quiet and private. No running water - just a heads up." - Tyson Doonan. "Free firewood. Camp host on site." - Edward Brown. "You can't beat the nightly price of...

Based on 31 reviews