Riley Creek Campground

The feel

Riley Creek is the largest campground in Denali, with 142 sites, 20 of them tent only, plus 1 group site. It sits at Mile 0.25 of the park road, right by the entrance, and you can drive to it in your own vehicle with no camper bus required. Each site has a picnic table and a fire grate.

Red squirrels and snowshoe hare are common, and moose and bears sometimes visit. A general store, the Riley Creek Mercantile, is nearby with camping supplies, food, a shower house, laundry facilities and firewood. A walk-in, tent-only section in the third loop keeps vehicles out entirely.

What to expect

Layout and setting

142 sites, 20 tent only, plus 1 group site, just inside the park entrance at Mile 0.25 of the park road. Each site has a picnic table and fire grate, with a maximum of eight people per site.

Crowds and best time

It can fill entirely in spring before fees are charged.

Parking and rig size

Sites take tents or RVs up to 40' long. No Denali campground has electrical or water hookups. The RV dump and fill station is at the Riley Creek Mercantile.

Fees and reservations

Reserve online through the park's booking system; reservations open December 1 of the year before your visit.

Dogs

Pets are allowed on a leash 6 feet or shorter at all times. Tethered pets may not be left unattended.

Hazards

Moose and bears sometimes visit.

Bathrooms and water

Flush and pit-vault toilets throughout, and drinking water at spigots throughout the campground and at the Riley Creek Mercantile. Showers and laundry are at the Mercantile.

Season and access

Services are limited outside mid-May to mid-September. Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am, and generators may run only from 8 am to 10 am and from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Mingo says

Lock in a site as early as you can, because spring can leave the campground full. Arrive between mid-May and mid-September for full services.

Before you go

• Reserve online through the park's booking system as soon as reservations open.
• Buy firewood at the Riley Creek Mercantile, and burn it only in the fire grates.
• Keep RVs and tents within the 40' site length.
• Call (907) 683-9532 with questions; a ranger answers 9 am to 4 pm daily, except on major holidays.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.