Discover the unparalleled beauty of Alaska’s state park campgrounds. This informative article highlights the best camping sites in Alaska, including state park campgrounds, beach camping, glamping options, and RV camping. Get ready to embark on an outdoor adventure as we explore top-rated state park campgrounds like Kachemak Bay State Park, Wonder Lake Campground in Denali National Park, Mendenhall Lake Campground, and Point Bridget State Park. Delight in the serene beach camping sites at Bartlett Cove Campground in Glacier Bay National Park, Homer Spit Campground, and Resurrection South Campground in Seward. For those seeking a touch of luxury, we introduce the top glamping option – Orca Island Cabins, with its luxurious yurt rentals. Prepare to be impressed by the wonders that Alaska’s state park campgrounds have to offer.
State Park Campgrounds in Alaska
Alaska is known for its stunning landscapes and abundant outdoor opportunities, and there’s no better way to experience the natural beauty of the state than by camping. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquility in nature, Alaska’s state park campgrounds offer a variety of options to suit every camper’s preferences. Some of the top-rated state park campgrounds in Alaska include Kachemak Bay State Park, Wonder Lake Campground in Denali National Park, Mendenhall Lake Campground, and Point Bridget State Park.
Kachemak Bay State Park
Location and Overview
Situated on the scenic Kachemak Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Kachemak Bay State Park is a breathtaking destination for camping in Alaska. Spanning over 400,000 acres, this park offers diverse landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and lush forests. The park is located near the town of Homer, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Camping Facilities
Kachemak Bay State Park provides a range of camping facilities to accommodate different types of campers. The park features both backcountry camping and designated campgrounds. Visitors can choose to camp by the beach, in the forest, or near the glaciers, depending on their preferences. The designated campgrounds offer amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and outhouses, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
Activities and Attractions
Kachemak Bay State Park offers a plethora of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails meander through the park, providing opportunities to explore the stunning landscapes and spot wildlife along the way. Visitors can also go kayaking, fishing, or birdwatching in the park’s diverse ecosystems. For those looking to experience the park’s marine life, guided boat tours are available, allowing campers to observe whales, seals, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
Wonder Lake Campground in Denali National Park
Location and Overview
Nestled deep within Denali National Park, Wonder Lake Campground offers a truly immersive camping experience in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. This campground is located approximately 85 miles into the park, offering unparalleled views of the majestic Denali, the tallest peak in North America.
Camping Facilities
Wonder Lake Campground provides basic amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for campers. The campground features designated campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. However, it’s important to note that there are no shower or laundry facilities available. Campers should come prepared with enough food, water, and other supplies for their stay.
Activities and Attractions
Wonder Lake Campground is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities to enjoy. Hiking trails wind through the park, leading adventurers to breathtaking vistas and picturesque landscapes. Wildlife watching is also a popular activity, with the chance to spot grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and more. Additionally, the campground offers stargazing opportunities, as the remote location provides minimal light pollution, allowing for a clear view of the night sky.
Mendenhall Lake Campground
Location and Overview
Mendenhall Lake Campground is situated near Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, making it a convenient camping option for those looking to explore the area. This campground is nestled within the spectacular Tongass National Forest, offering stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier and surrounding landscapes.
Camping Facilities
Mendenhall Lake Campground provides a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable camping experience. The campground offers both tent and RV sites, with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. Restrooms and garbage facilities are also available on-site.
Activities and Attractions
The Mendenhall Lake Campground offers a wide array of activities for campers to enjoy. Hiking trails surrounding the campground provide opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area, with stunning views of the glacier and nearby waterfalls. Visitors can also embark on guided glacier tours or rent kayaks to paddle on the lake. Additionally, wildlife viewing is a highlight of the area, with the chance to spot bald eagles, salmon, and even black bears.
Point Bridget State Park
Location and Overview
Located near Juneau, Point Bridget State Park is a hidden gem for camping enthusiasts. Situated on the northern tip of Douglas Island, this park offers a secluded camping experience surrounded by scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Camping Facilities
Point Bridget State Park provides primitive camping options, allowing campers to truly immerse themselves in nature. While there are no designated campsites or amenities available, visitors are free to set up their tents in suitable areas within the park. However, it’s essential to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out any trash or waste.
Activities and Attractions
Point Bridget State Park is a haven for outdoor activities. Hiking trails wind through the park, providing opportunities to witness breathtaking ocean views and spot wildlife along the way. Beachcombing is a popular activity, with the chance to discover shells, driftwood, and other treasures washed ashore. Fishing and crabbing are also popular pastimes, allowing campers to catch their own fresh seafood.
Bartlett Cove Campground in Glacier Bay National Park
Location and Overview
Bartlett Cove Campground is situated within the stunning Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This campground offers a unique camping experience, surrounded by towering glaciers, pristine forests, and abundant marine life.
Camping Facilities
Bartlett Cove Campground provides a range of amenities to accommodate campers. The campground features designated campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby restroom facilities. Campers should come prepared with their own water and supplies, as there are no potable water sources available.
Activities and Attractions
Glacier Bay National Park offers a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Guided boat tours allow visitors to witness the park’s massive glaciers calving into the ocean, while kayak rentals provide a unique perspective to explore the park’s fjords and coastline. Wildlife spotting is a highlight of the area, with opportunities to see humpback whales, sea otters, and coastal brown bears. Additionally, the park is a paradise for birdwatching, with numerous species of seabirds and waterfowl calling the area home.
Orca Island Cabins
Location and Overview
For those seeking a luxurious camping experience, Orca Island Cabins offers the perfect glamping option in Alaska. Located in Humpy Cove, just a short water taxi ride from Seward, this secluded retreat is surrounded by stunning scenery and abundant marine life.
Glamping Facilities
Orca Island Cabins provides luxurious yurt rentals, offering a comfortable and unique way to experience the beauty of Alaska. Each yurt is tastefully furnished with cozy beds, a private bathroom, a kitchenette, and a wood-burning stove. Outside, guests have access to a private deck with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and water.
Activities and Attractions
Orca Island Cabins offers a range of activities for guests to enjoy. Kayaking in the surrounding waters allows visitors to explore the coastline and spot marine life, such as orcas and sea lions. Guided fishing tours are also available, providing an opportunity to catch salmon or halibut. Additionally, guests can relax on the beach, enjoy a scenic hike, or simply unwind in the tranquility of nature.
