A short walk southwest of the campground is Savage River, which flows northward from the Alaska Range.
Photo: NPS Photo
About
Open in summer only (May 20 to mid-September). Savage River campground is located at Mile 13 on the Denali Park Road. It sits in a spruce forest, with moderate screening between sites. On clear days, Mount McKinley can be seen from a short walk below the campground.
Campsites
Location
Mile 14 Denali Park Rd.
Denali Park, AK 99755
Fees
Hours
Check-in / check-out time each day is 11 am. Please be sure to have your campsite packed up by 11 am on the day you depart. Savage River is open in summer only (see exceptions, below, for when the campground will close).
Reservations
Reservations are strongly recommended. Group campsites: Independent visitors and non-profit groups may use group campsites by simply making a reservation. For-profit businesses must apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) from the NPS to use a group campsite at Savage River (note: only private parties and non-profit organizations may use the group site at Riley Creek Campground). For-profits may make a group site reservation while simultaneously acquiring a permit/CUA from the NPS. For more information about group camping permits and CUAs, please call (907) 683-9553. To make group campsite reservations, please call 800-622-7275.
Make a Reservation →Directions
After entering the park, drive fourteen miles along the Denali Park Road and look for signs for the campground. Note: You must check in at the Denali Bus Depot or the Riley Creek Mercantile before driving to the campground.
Weather
Summer temperatures generally range from the mid-30s to the mid-60s. Extremes beyond that range are possible, and it can snow any month of the year. We recommend you bring a sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees (Fahrenheit) if tent camping. Rain is common in summer. Mosquitoes are a nuisance from early June through early August in most years.
Accessibility
Paths in the campground are compacted gravel, with limited gradient change.
There is no cell coverage in the Savage River area. Coverage is available near the park entrance.
Open fires are permitted in the grates provided at each campsite. If you cook over your campfire, you must burn off / remove any food residue, to ensure animals are not attracted to your campsite.
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Trailers and tow vehicles are permitted at campsites in Savage River assuming the total vehicle lengths, when combined, are less than 40'.
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Riley Creek Mercantile, a camping good store near the park entrance, is an important stop you should make before driving 13 miles into the park to Savage River. You can purchase things like firewood, food and other supplies, if needed. All campgrounds have recycling collection containers for aluminum cans, glass, plastic jugs and bottles (#1 and #2), and plastic containers #5.
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Several restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Paths throughout the campground are free of barriers, and are generally composed of well-compacted gravel. In times of heavy rain, the roads in the campground may develop potholes. There are no electric hookups anywhere in the campground, nor is there cell or data service.
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Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Limited Development Campground