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If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in nature, consider Denali National Park. Nestled between Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK, this picture-perfect wilderness is home to wildlife and landscapes that will take your breath away. Denali is famous for unpredictable, extreme weather during all seasons, so if you’re planning to camp, you’ll want to plan for any circumstance and consider your lodging and other details for your trip.

What You Should Know Before Camping in Denali

How do you access the park?

Denali is several hours away from any major cities or airports. The six million acres include one 92-mile road, mostly accessible only by park buses. Park entrance passes can be purchased online, as can bus tickets and campground reservations.

Permits for backpacking and backcountry camping can only be reserved onsite a day in advance, so arrive the evening before then. This way, you’ll be ready at the Denali Visitor Center (DVC) first thing in the morning to complete the orientation for the next day’s trip.

How do you prepare for a trip?

lodgingPark rangers recommend that visitors prepare for all weather conditions, including waterproof clothing, boots, and gear. Visitors must follow leave-no-trace practices with limited supplies available locally, so be thorough when assembling food, fuel, and gear. Know how to use a GPS or compass and remember your camera and binoculars to enjoy the wildlife from a safe distance.

What amenities are available?

Denali has six campgrounds, each with different facilities and fire restrictions. With a 14-night limit for reservations during a season, you could camp for a few days, book lodging nearby for a hot shower, full meal, laundry facilities, and a good night’s rest, then return for more adventuring.

What are some fantastic activities?

Most Denali visitors enjoy the wildlife and scenery from narrated bus tours, often beginning early in the morning and including stops to view wildlife, the Denali summit, and other landmarks. Camper buses drop off and pick up backpackers along the road, allowing you to explore the trail-less landscape at your own pace. Park rangers at the DVC can help you plan your itinerary.

Just a few miles north of Denali, Totem Inn in Healy, AK, serves adventurers year-round. The lodging’s proximity to the park provides early access for a full day of memories and a warm and welcome retreat afterward. Enjoy a satisfying meal and laundry facilities for gear and clothing. Use the Wi-Fi to plan your activities and check in with family and friends and ask the staff for skill-appropriate adventures. To maximize your comfort and convenience in the wild, visit them online or call (907) 683-6500.

 
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