Questions about camping in Denali ( rent , cost , safe)

[Riverguide]

I was wondering about camping in and around Denali National Park and/or Denali State Park. Does anyone have any recomendations for areas to camp? I understand reservations are required for some campgrounds. Are reservations hard to get? I'm planning on being there in mid June, am I too late? Thanks!

[Marty Van Diest]

I can't help you in Denali. National Park..I have ignored it for decades now. It's a tourist trap.

I'm not sure of the rules in Denali State Park, but I have just camped wherever I felt like it. Leave the area just like you found it. There may be some rules there, but I'm not aware of them.

If it is dry, there will definetely be rules regarding camp fires. You might not be able to use one. Here is a video on how to make a "rocket stove".

I plan to try one this summer...faster, cleaner, easier, and safer than a campfire.

[bongo]

Kesugi Ridge is an incredible backpack traverse in Denali State Park, especially when the mountain comes out since it is right there. No reservations necessary, no cost & they rent garcia bear canisters at the state park office. The best access to the ridge is Coal Creek Trailhead & then do the traverse.
Kesugi Ridge

Denali National Park is awesome once you get away from the park road. We have seen lots of brown bears, caribou, wolves, marmots, dall sheep, eagles, etc. when out hiking in the park.

You are not too late for mid-June reservations for Denali. My favorite thing to do in Denali National Park, although I have backpacked, is to get reservations (3 night minimum) at Teklanika Campground to which you can drive. It's 30 miles into the park. Then you get a Tek bus pass with it so you can get on shuttle buses to go day hiking, using Tek as a base camp. I like to get up high on Cathedal Mt., Sable Mt., Thorofare Pass, Polychrome Mt., Stony Dome.

One of the best places for feedback about Denali is tripadvisor's forum:

Denali National Park and Preserve Forum - TripAdvisor

Lots of Denali experience there on that forum.

[Riverguide]

Thanks so much Bongo! Will check it out!