Teklanika River Campground

The feel

Teklanika River is the second largest campground in Denali, with 53 sites for RVs and tents at Mile 29, the deepest point in the park you can reach in your own vehicle. The campground is forested with some screening between sites, and the surrounding area is brushy and wet. Every site has a fire grate and a picnic table.

Grizzly bears, moose and caribou are occasionally seen, mostly along the Tek River. Ranger programs are available at Teklanika.

What to expect

Layout and setting

53 sites for RVs and tents at Mile 29, in forest with some screening between sites. The sign reads Mile 29.1 and elevation 2580 feet.

Check-in and stay

Vehicle campers must stay a three-night minimum, and the vehicle stays parked at the site for the whole stay. Tent campers arriving by camper bus have no minimum stay and can stay one night.

Parking and rig size

A single RV or camper-trailer may be up to 40' long. A car towed behind an RV must be left at the park entrance, where parking is free.

Fees and reservations

Reserve online through the park's booking system.

Dogs

Pets are welcome but are not allowed on buses.

Hazards

Grizzly bears, moose and caribou are occasionally seen, mostly along the Tek River. The gravel road edges are soft and steep-ditched, especially when wet, and the road is very winding. Store food and scented items in a hard-sided vehicle; tent campers without a vehicle must use the food lockers.

Bathrooms and water

Restrooms throughout and drinking water at spigots throughout, though the water may not be available in spring and early summer. No showers or laundry.

Season and access

The road between Savage River and Tek is gravel. Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am, and generators may run only 8 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 8 pm.

Mingo says

Time your trip for late summer if you want reliable spigot water, which may be off before then. Plan for three nights if you drive in.

Before you go

• Bring firewood from the Riley Creek Mercantile, because no firewood is sold at Tek.
• Leave a towed car at the park entrance before driving in.
• 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.