Up to two vehicles may park at a Riley Creek Campsite, as long as the total vehicle length doesn't exceed the campsite's max (either 30' or 40').
Photo: NPS Photo
About
Riley Creek is a fairly wooded campground, with some screening between sites whenever possible. Most of the campground sites are open to either tent campers or vehicles / RVs. The proximity of Highway 3 means there is occasional traffic noise, but also means campers have all the conveniences and amenities of the park entrance area, and businesses outside the park, close at hand. Trails leading from the campground connect to the Denali Visitor Center, which is the central hub of trails in the entrance area.
Campsites
Location
Mile 0.25, Denali Park Road
Denali Park, AK 99755
Fees
Hours
Open year-round. Camping is free except in summer, which runs from early- to mid-May until mid-September. Check-in / out is 11 am in summer. Spring visitors take note: The yearly goal is turn on the dump / fill station and water spigots in Riley on May 15 each year. However, weather can delay that date. Drinking fountains and water bottle refilling stations are at the Murie Science and Learning Center (open 9:30 am—5 pm daily). Fall, winter and spring: Only 1 loop of the campground is open.
Reservations
Summer reservations are strongly recommended. In winter (mid-September through early May each year), reservations are not necessary. The winter season starts roughly 2 weeks and a day after the Labor Day holiday. Group campsites: Independent visitors and non-profit organizations 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 Campground (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. To make group campsite reservations, please call 800-622-7275. Please note, the only first-come/first-serve sites in this campground are for tent camping.
Make a Reservation →Directions
Take Highway 3 from Fairbanks or Anchorage to reach the park. At Mile 237 on the highway, turn west into Denali. Drive a quarter-mile and look for signs on your left for Riley Creek Campground.
Weather
Summer weather is typically cool and rainy, with highs averaging in the upper 50s F and lows in the upper 40s F. Warm weather can occur, with max highs around 80 occasionally possible. Snow can fall any month of the year, particularly from late August through early May. Midwinter temperatures can reach as cold as -40, though typical winter lows are around -20.
Accessibility
Several sites are designated as wheelchair-accessible. Several campground restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Pathways between campsites are generally well-compacted gravel, with very moderate grades.
You may have fires year-round in the designated fire grates. If you cook on your fire, please be sure to totally burn off any food residue to avoid attracting animals. Please burn only wood in the fire grates. You're welcome to collect dead and downed wood, but please do not cut any standing wood, even if it is dead.
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RVs and trailers up to 40 feet long may camp at Riley Creek. Each large site can accommodate up to two vehicles (or one long trailer and a vehicle). RVs over 40' long should look to campgrounds outside of the park, as none of our campgrounds can accommodate anything larger than that. None of Denali's campgrounds have hookups.
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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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Ranger programs occur in summer and can be presented with American Sign Language if you request it in advance. Area pathways and restrooms are wheelchair accessible (see wheelchair access section for more details).
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Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Limited Development Campground