5 Top Camping Destinations in Alaska
12:20 PM
Nicknamed "The Last Frontier," Alaska is a land that truly feels like freedom. With plenty of wide open spaces, wildlife and mountainous terrain to traverse, there are endless possibilities when it comes to camping in this incredible state. With campsites sprinkled all over the state, it can be hard to narrow down the choice of where to stay. That's why we have compiled a list of 5 of the top camping destinations in Alaska.
Seward Waterfront Park
Photo by: Alaska.org
Located in the town of Seward, the Seward Waterfront Park provides you with all of the perks of being in the city while still allowing you gorgeous views, ample wildlife and all of the beauty you would expect from Alaska. With both full electric and primitive tent sites, the Seward Waterfront Park has everything a visiting family might need. There is a playground, skate park and waterfront walk on site, as well as easy access to all of the attractions the town of Seward has to offer.
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park
Photo By: Alaska.org
If you are looking to mix a bit of history into your outdoor adventure, then Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is the ideal camping destination for you. With the remnants of the World War II coastal defense center on-site, history buffs will welcome the chance to snag a campsite here. Add to the history the beautiful coastal cliffs, meadows, forests and lake filled with fish, and you've got a vacation full of activities for the whole family. Although there is room for RV's under 20' in the overflow parking lot, Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is a better choice for those who are tent camping.
Denali National Park
Photo By: NPS.gov
It is no secret that Denali National Park is the true gem of Alaska. Kept in pristine condition by limiting the public traffic allowed into the park past a certain point, the majority of travel and exploration in this National Park takes place by park-run buses and throughout the hiking trails. Denali is home to an abundance of wildlife, truly breathtaking views and the towering Mount McKinley.
There are 6 campgrounds throughout the park, three of which are accessible to both tents and RV's and three which are only accessible to tents and which require you to take the park bus as transportation to the campground. With an abundance of hiking trails, mountaineering opportunities, an on-site sled dog kennel and an incredible opportunity to see the Northern Lights, Denali National Park is a popular camping destination. Be sure to make your reservations early, as spots at these popular campgrounds fill up fast for the summer.
Chicken Gold Camp
Photo By: ChickenGold.com
If you're looking for something quirky and off the beaten path, then a visit to the Chicken Gold Camp in the center of Chicken, Alaska is for you. A small town with its own unique feel, Chicken, Alaska is home to the site of a placer gold camp established by the Fairbanks Exploration Company in the 1930's. Today, you can camp at Chicken Gold Camp and Outpost and enjoy learning about the history of Alaska gold mining at their outdoor museum, see the gold dredge and even try your luck panning for gold yourself. Kayaking down the 40 mile river is another thrilling activities for campers, and it is also another great location for viewing the Northern Lights when they make their appearance in the night sky.
Williwaw Campground
Photo by: Recreation.gov
Located near the town of Girdwood in the Chugach National Forest, Williwaw Campground is a family-friendly pick for those who love fishing. Children will enjoy the Willawaw Salmon Viewing Area where they can stand and watch the fish spawning in the clear waters. Hiking, fishing and even glacier viewing makes Williwaw an ideal camping destination for families wishing to experience the best of what Alaska has to offer. Both RV's and tents are welcome in the campground, but there are no electric hook-ups available. Vault toilets and water from hand pumps are available on site.
Alaska is an incredible place full of amazing wildlife, stunning landscapes and some of the best fishing in the country. Finding the ideal place to camp is not always easy, but the suggestions above can provide you with ideas of a few of the top camping destinations in Alaska to help you plan your next trip.
3 comments
Do you have any recommendations for when to camp in terms of weather, in particular for tent campers?
ReplyDeleteDo you have any recommendations for when to camp in terms of weather, in particular for tent campers?
ReplyDeleteI would aim for July and early to Mid-August for best temperatures. June, especially later in the month can sometimes be good, but it depends on what sort of winter they have had up there. Sometimes in late August, snow can show up, so if you want warmest temperatures, July and early August would be the best choices for tent campers.
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