Nearby Campgrounds
Overview
Riley Creek is a fairly wooded campground, with some screening between sites whenever possible. Most of the campground sites are open to either tent campers or vehicles / RVs. The proximity of Highway 3 means there is occasional traffic noise, but also means campers have all the conveniences and amenities of the park entrance area, and businesses outside the park, close at hand. Trails leading from the campground connect to the Denali Visitor Center, which is the central hub of trails in the entrance area.
Location
Elevation
1,640 ft
Directions
Take Highway 3 from Fairbanks or Anchorage to reach the park. At Mile 237 on the highway, turn west into Denali. Drive a quarter-mile and look for signs on your left for Riley Creek Campground.
Weather Notes
Summer weather is typically cool and rainy, with highs averaging in the upper 50s F and lows in the upper 40s F. Warm weather can occur, with max highs around 80 occasionally possible. Snow can fall any month of the year, particularly from late August through early May. Midwinter temperatures can reach as cold as -40, though typical winter lows are around -20.
Winter - Free
Camping is free in winter. The winter season begins fifteen days after Labor Day each September, and lasts through early May each year.
Summer - Large RV Sites
Some sites can accommodate RVs up to 40' in length. These sites cost a bit more per night than the smaller sites, which can accommodate vehicles no larger than 30' long.
Summer - Small RV Sites
These sites can accommodate vehicles up to 30' long. If you have a truck and trailer, the total combined length must be less than 30' to use one of these sites.
Summer - Tent Only
The tent-only sites at Riley are first-come, first-served, meaning they cannot be purchased before you physically arrive in the park. These sites do not have parking at them, you must park elsewhere and walk into these sites.
Group Site (Tent-only)
A group site at Riley Creek Campground has space for up to 12 tents. The group site can only be used by non-commercial groups (including groups like Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, etc). There are no fire rings at the site, and tents must be set up on the established tent pads.
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Summer reservations are strongly recommended. In winter (mid-September through early May each year), reservations are not necessary. The winter season starts roughly 2 weeks and a day after the Labor Day holiday. Group campsites: Independent visitors and non-profit organizations may use group campsites by simply making a reservation. For-profit businesses must apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) from the NPS to use a group campsite at Savage River Campground (note: only private parties and non-profit organizations may use the group site at Riley Creek Campground). For-profits may make a group site reservation while simultaneously acquiring a permit/CUA from the NPS. To make group campsite reservations, please call 800-622-7275. Please note, the only first-come/first-serve sites in this campground are for tent camping.
Sun
45°F
0 to 15 mph SE
Mon
45°F
10 to 20 mph SE
Tue
44°F
10 to 15 mph S
Wed
42°F
10 to 15 mph S
Thu
44°F
10 to 15 mph SE
Fri
48°F
15 to 20 mph SE
Sat
49°F
15 mph SE