The area around Sanctuary River turns shades of yellow, orange and red in fall (mid-August)
Photo: NPS Photo
About
Open in summer only (May 20 to mid-September). Sanctuary River is a heavily wooded campground, with screening between most sites. The immediate area is brushy, but nearby mountains offer chances to hike directly from the campground and gain elevation, with views of Mount McKinley to the south possible on clear days, after some strenuous up-hill hiking. Sanctuary is tent-only—you will not find any RVs or other vehicles in this campground. It is accessible only by camper bus.
Campsites
Location
Mile 22, Denali Park Road
Denali Park, AK 99755
Fees
Hours
Check-in/out is 11 am each day. You do not need to leave the park by 11 am, just be sure to have your campsite packed up by then. Open in summer only (see exceptions, below, for details).
Reservations
Reservations are recommended. Five sites can be reserved in advance and two sites can only be booked in person at the Riley Creek Mercantile or Denali Bus Depot. Group campsites are not available at Sanctuary Campground; larger groups of 9–20 people should consider staying at Riley Creek or Savage River Campgrounds.
Make a Reservation →Weather
Summers are generally cool and wet, though periods of dry, warm (~ 75 F) weather are possible. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least 20 F. Snow can fall any month of the year, though it is rare in June and July.
Accessibility
Campground paths and sites are generally flat, compact surfaces. Some areas of mud or obstacles such as tree roots may be present.
Fires are prohibited at this campground. Bring a cook-stove for your meals.
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This is a tent-only campsite. No vehicles of any kind are permitted.
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There is no potable water at this campground. Bring a filter or boil water that you pull from the nearby river. 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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There are no ADA-specific campsites.
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Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Primitive Camping Areas