Wonder Lake

Wonder Lake Campground is at mile 85 on the Park Road. It offers 28 sites, which are all tent-only. It is the closest campground to Mt. McKinley. Though separated by nearly 26 miles, the sheer size of the mountain makes it loom impressively over Wonder Lake Campground. Cloudy skies can still obscure views, and mosquitoes can be fierce, but Wonder Lake on a clear day offers images that will last a lifetime.

Wonder Lake is in a very wet part of the park, and mosquitoes plague the area for much of the summer. A head-net is very useful. A one mile trail leads from the campground to the McKinley River. Hiking off-trail in the area is permitted, though it can be boggy.

Waterfowl can often be seen, either on Wonder Lake or the many ponds and small lakes in the area. Beavers, or evidence of them, can be found as well. Larger animals, like moose and grizzly bears, occasionally pass through the area.

A few particulars to know before heading to Wonder Lake are there is no electricity, but potable water is available in the campground. A large food-storage building features indoor picnic tables, if you wish to eat away from rain and mosquitoes. Fires are not permitted at Wonder Lake.