When you visit Denali National Park and Preserve in an RV, you’ll be immersed in a wonderland of six million acres of enchanting wild lands, alpine tundras, and snow-capped mountains. Located in Interior Alaska, this national treasure is home to the highest peak in the North America, Denali, which towers over this stunning landscape at just over 20,000 feet. You can enjoy natural tranquility unlike anywhere else in the country where wild animals, including brown bears, caribou, and beavers, roam free and 1,500 species of beautiful native flora dot the environment.
The Alaska Range and glistening glaciers run through the park along with crystal clear rivers and sparkling green forests. Denali National Park and Preserve has long, cold winters turning it into a winter wonderland for adventurers. While summers are short they are mild and comfortable, making it a perfect time to tour the park with your RV.
An RV trip to Denali National Park is a perfect way to experience the great outdoors in all seasons from hiking to dog sledding. Brave explorers can conquer the highest mountain in North America, while birding enthusiasts can spot majestic species from the Arctic Warbler to the Golden Eagle. You can hike through lush forests, idyllic valleys, and snowy mountains or you can go backpacking through the serene Savage River.
Besides the magnificent views of the Denali Peak, this national park is home to a diverse landscape filled with wondrous natural attractions. You won’t want to miss a hike on Mt. Healy Overlook Trail offering stunning views of the Nenana Valley. The Horseshoe Lake Trail is a trek of tranquility where you will be in awe of a beautiful lake and unique beaver dams. No matter what brings you to the spectacular scenery of Denali National Park, an RV provides the best way to soak in everything this serene wilderness has to offer.
Park Alerts (1)
[Information] Road Open to: Mile 30 (Teklanika River) [+ Info]
The Denali Park Road is currently open to Mile 30, Teklanika River. If wintry conditions occur, the road may close at some point closer to the park entrance.
Transportation in Denali National Park and Preserve
Driving
By car or RV, Denali National Park and Preserve is five and a half hours from Anchorage and about three hours from Fairbanks. There is only one highway into the park, Alaska State Route 3. Driving inside the park is pretty easy since there is only one road, Denali Park Road, which is a 92-mile stretch that serves as the main thoroughfare for visitors. A limited portion of the road is available for driving, while the rest is only accessible by bus. Summer is the most accessible time for travel. You’ll have to be very careful driving in the winter months since the road closes during harsh weather conditions.
Parking
There are ample parking lots that vary in size located along Denali Park Road as well as the Visitor Centers and campgrounds. Campground parking is suitable for RVs under 40 feet long, so if you have a larger RV you’ll want to park outside of the national park.
Public Transport
Denali National Park is accessible by bus and train. You can take a bus from Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Seward. Train service is available from Anchorage and Fairbanks. If you’re in the park during the summer the most common way to get around is by bus. There are free buses that will take you on certain parts of Denali Park Road. For a fee you can get deeper into the park on non-narrated transit buses where you can hop on and off at all the major attractions. You can also pay for narrated bus tours, which are longer guided tours complete with a snack or lunch.
Campgrounds and parking in Denali National Park and Preserve
Campsites in Denali National Park and Preserve
Reservations camping
Riley Creek Campground
With 127 reservable campsites, Riley Creek Campground is conveniently located near the entrance of the park so you can easily stock up on food and supplies just outside of the park. This pet-friendly campground is open year-round and features a wide range of amenities including restrooms, food storage lockers, and cell phone reception.You can seasonally enjoy internet access, laundry facilities, a camp store, potable water, and a dump station on-site in this wooded campground. Generators can be operated during limited hours, although there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available. You can make reservations online as early at December 1st the year before your visit. You are able to park in this campground with your RV or trailer that is up to 40 feet in length.
Savage River Campground
Nestled in a serene Spruce forest lies Savage River Campground where, on a nice day, you can see majestic views of Denali just a short walk from your campsite. This pet-friendly campground is open from mid-May to Mid-September. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length are permitted. You can enjoy a number of amenities including food storage lockers, potable water, and trash collection. There are no hookups available at the campground, but generator use is allowed during certain hours. Reservations are available online starting as early as December 1st the year before your trip.
Teklanika River Campground
Located deeper in the park at mile 22 on Denali Park Road, Teklanika River Campground requires a minimum of a three-night stay and your RV must stay at the campground during that time. Open from mid-May to mid-September, this pet-friendly campground offers 53 reservable sites. Reservations can be made as early as December 1st the year before your visit. This campground offers food storage lockers, potable water, and trash collection. RVs or trailers up to 40 feet in length are permitted. Hookups are not available, but you can use a generator during limited hours.
First-come first-served
Riley Creek Campground
There are no First-Come First-Served campgrounds at Denali National Park and Preserve. However, there are 20 First-Come First-Served sites available at Riley Creek Campground. Additionally, during the winter months from mid-September to mid-May reservations are not necessary at Riley Creek Campground.
Alternate camping
Tent Camping
There are three tent-only campgrounds at Denali National Park that are accessible by bus. Sanctuary River Campground, which offers amazing views of Denali, is open from mid-May to mid-September and is accessible by bus. Igloo Creek Campground is open from mid-May to mid-September and offers seven tent-only sites. Wonder Lake Campground is the closest campground to Denali with magical lakefront views and is open from June to mid-September.
Private Campgrounds
There are a number of private campgrounds located outside of the park from a few miles to 50 miles away. These private campgrounds may offer more modern amenities including full hookups, wireless internet, and cable TV. Shopping and dining will also be conveniently located outside of the park so you can stock up on food, supplies, and gas as needed.
Seasonal activities in Denali National Park and Preserve
Spring
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Get out that bike for an incredible adventure exploring the amazing wild lands of Denali National Park. You can bike along all 92 miles of Denali Park Road, meaning you can see all the incredible sites, most of which are only otherwise accessible by bus. If the conditions are right can even so bikejoring, where you can attach a dog by leash to your bike!
Mountaineering
If you’re ready to conquer an adventure of a lifetime and have the skills to brave it, you just might be able to climb the highest peak in North America, Denali. Mountaineering enthusiasts can brave the elements and traverse through the harsh, raw wilderness of Denali National Park. Beyond Denali, there are many opportunities to get in the mountains like climbing the vertical rocks and ice walls that line Ruth Gorge. Registration is required at least 60 days before your planned climb.
Birding
The spring is a great time to get out those binoculars and see the myriad of species that fly through Denali National Park and Preserve. There are so many incredible birds to spot including the Raven, Black-Billed Magpie, and Trumpeter Swan. You can catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures all around the park, from the Visitor Center to the hiking trails.
Flying Tour
For an unforgettable adventure you can enjoy life-changing views of Denali peak you can’t get any other way. Hire a private company to take an airplane tour of Denali National Park where you’ll fly over the country’s largest mountain, gorgeous glaciers, and enchanting wild lands. This is a way to see all of Denali unlike any other.
Trail Hiking
Denali National Park is an incredible place for hiking for all ability levels. On warmer spring days, you can traverse through a plethora of self-guided trails, each offering breathtaking views and unique surroundings. From the hillside trek of Mount Healy Trail to the lush forests route of Roadside Trail, this national park is an amazing oasis for hikers.
Summer
Discovery Hikes
During the summer you can take an engaging hike guided by park rangers to experience the majestic wilderness of Denali National Park. You’ll learn about all the native species and plants from the experts while traversing through tranquil scenery. Two hikes are offered each day and begin at the the Wilderness Access Center. You’ll want to stock up on gear and water since you’re in for an amazing guided expedition.
Whitewater Rafting
For an aquatic adventure unlike any other you can hire a private company to go whitewater rafting down Denali National Park’s mighty rivers. You’ll coast down winding rivers and crash on thrilling waves in the rustic waters of the Nenana River. This is a great way to get intimate with Denali National Park’s natural serenity and take in majestic views you can’t see in any other way.
Horseback Riding Tours
If you want to discover the enchanting wilderness of Denali National Park on horseback, hire a private company for an incredible horseback riding tour. You’ll ride through open meadows and lush forests, while taking in all the amazing scenery that surrounds you. You’ll be able to soak in views of native wildlife and flora while learning about the area from an expert guide.
Hike at Savage River
The summer is a beautiful time of year to visit Savage River, a magical waterway that was carved out by glaciers. The Savage River Loop Trail lets you hike along the river through a canyon with Mount Margaret and Healy Ridge on either side. You can catch glimpses of the park’s amazing wildlife and wildflowers that you won’t want to miss.
Wildlife Viewing on a Bus Tour
Since the shuttles run during the summer this is the best time of year to take a scenic bus tour while catching a glimpse of the amazing creatures that call this park home. You can spot grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, moose, and Dall’s sheep, which are just some of the 39 species of mammals located at the park.
Fall
Sled Dog Demonstration
You can get up close and personal with Alaska’s famous sled dogs at a free dog sled demonstration at the park. You’ll learn about the history and exciting adventure of dog sledding by the experts. Get your camera ready for some adorable dog pictures or a pose by the dog sled to save those unforgettable memories.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
If you’re looking for an extraordinary way to explore Denali National Park, hire a private company to give you a guided horse-drawn carriage ride tour. You’ll learn all about the unique cultural and natural history of the area from the experts as you ride along through rustic scenery. Some companies offer a family-style meals during your tour so you can enjoy some delicious bites while taking in jaw-dropping views of Alaska’s backcountry.
ATV Adventure Tour
If you want explore Denali National Park and Preserve in a truly unique way, you’ll love an ATV adventure tour. You can hire a private company to take you on a guided off-roading tour to get up close and personal through some of the most scenic wilderness in North America. Get a thrill splashing through water, catching a glimpse of wild moose, and getting incredible views of Denali. There is no better way to get more excitement on an Alaskan RV trip in autumn.
Ranger Talks
If you’re in the park in early fall, learn all about the amazing features and natural history of the park — from bears to glaciers — right from the experts. Gather around the campground or hang out in the amphitheater to join one of these regularly-scheduled programs.
Denali Photography
Whether you’re a camera enthusiast or world-class photographer, Denali National Park is a haven for photography. On a clear day you can capture gorgeous views of the largest mountain in North America, Denali. There are several viewpoints along Denali Park Road where you can catch the wondrous view of this mammoth peak. Not only that, but this national park is a great place for wildlife and landscape photography of all kinds since raw wilderness surrounds you at every turn.
Winter
Visit the Murie Science and Learning Center
Open during the winter, the Murie Science and Learning Center is a great place for the whole family to learn about the incredible natural history of Denali National Park. You can check out interesting wildlife exhibits and see a film about the park’s dog sledding activities. Plus you can grab a bite to eat before you head out.
Cross-Country Skiing
If you’re up for a hike it’d be hard to trek through the deep snow that glows over Denali National Park in the winter. However, you can traverse through this winter wonderland by cross-country skiing. Coast through incredible views of Denali and soak in an amazing experience when surrounded by unsurpassed beauty during this time of the year.
Dog Sled Expeditions
In case you left your sled dogs at home, you’re in luck. Hire a private company to take you on an one-of-a-kind dog sled expedition. Also known as dog mushing, this is a popular sport in Alaska so you can hit the trail like a local and let the incredible sled dogs take you through the windy trails and snow-capped mountain views of Denali National Park. There is no better or more authentic way to experience Alaska than with a dog sled tour.
See the Northern Lights
If you’re lucky you might just catch a glimpse of one of the most magical sights in the world: the Northern Lights. Otherwise known as “Aurora Borealis”, Denali National Park and Preserve is one of the few places in America where you might be able to spot this awe-inspiring sight. The Northern Lights will blast the sky with colorful rays from red and green to blue and purple since it has some of the darkest skies in the country during this time of year.
Visit the Sled Dog Kennels
Located just three miles from the park entrance, you will be in for a treat with a visit to the Sled Dog Kennels. You can meet and greet the incredible sled dogs that live and work at the park. Rangers are on hand to provide in-depth information about the history and exciting details of Alaskan dog sledding.
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