Savage River Campground

The feel

Savage River has 32 sites plus 3 group sites at Mile 13 of the park road, a few hundred feet below treeline at about 3,000 feet in many areas. It is the farthest point in Denali reachable by personal vehicle without a camper bus, and the trailhead for the popular Savage River Loop. Most sites are screened with brush.

On clear days Mount McKinley is visible from the open area along the old gravel road toward Savage River, a short walk from all sites. Among Denali's campgrounds, only Savage River and Wonder Lake offer that view.

What to expect

Layout and setting

32 sites plus 3 group sites at Mile 13 of the park road, near the end of the paved, public portion. Most sites are screened with brush, and each allows a maximum of eight people. The group sites are for parties of 9 to 20 people, toward the rear.

Parking and rig size

Cars and RVs may drive to and from the campground at any hour while it is open. There are no electrical or water hookups.

Fees and reservations

Reserve online through the park's booking system.

Dogs

Pets are welcome.

Hazards

Bears pass through the campground every summer. Store food and scented items in a hard-sided vehicle; tent campers without a vehicle should use the food lockers, labeled and dated.

Bathrooms and water

Flush and pit-vault toilets throughout and drinking water at spigots throughout. No showers or laundry.

Season and access

The free Savage River Shuttle runs between the campground and the park entrance, and a bus stop at the campground entrance serves both bus types. Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am.

Mingo says

Pick a clear day for the short walk toward the river, because that is when McKinley shows. Book a stay between late May and mid-September.

Before you go

• Reserve online through the park's booking system.
• Buy firewood at the Riley Creek Mercantile; every site has a fire grate.
• Run generators only from 8 am to 10 am and from 4 pm to 8 pm.
• 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.