Denali State Park

About

Denali State Park spans 325,240 acres along the George Parks Highway corridor between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The park provides exceptional views of Denali (20,310 ft), Mount Foraker, and the Alaska Range without the crowds of the neighboring national park. Five campgrounds serve a range of camping styles: Byers Lake (73 sites), Denali View North (20 sites), Denali View South, Lower Troublesome Creek, and K'esugi Ken (32 RV sites with power, 10 walk-in tent sites). K'esugi Ken Campground represents the park's most modern facility, featuring paved roads, electric hookups (20/30/50 amp), vault toilets, hand-pump water wells, and an interpretive center. The Curry Ridge Trail provides access to alpine terrain with 1,100 feet of elevation gain. Byers Lake Campground offers a quieter experience nestled at the foot of Kesugi Ridge, with three public-use cabins and canoe/kayak rentals available. The lake prohibits gasoline motors and aircraft to preserve tranquility. Public-use cabins throughout the park range from $80-$100 per night, with several ADA-compliant options available year-round. Standard campsites run $20-$35 per night depending on amenities and reservation status. Firewood is available for purchase from camp hosts. Pets are allowed on leashes no longer than nine feet. The 15-day camping limit applies at most locations, while K'esugi Ken limits stays to 7 nights per 30-day period.

Directions

From Anchorage, travel north on the George Parks Highway (AK-3). Byers Lake Campground is at Mile 147, Denali View North at Mile 162.7, and K'esugi Ken at Mile 135.4. The park is approximately 100 miles north of Anchorage and 90 miles south of the Denali National Park entrance.