Free Camping in Alaska
Discover 13 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Summer
Climate
Subarctic to Arctic with extreme seasonal variations
Terrain
Mountains, Glaciers
Free Spots
13 locations
Camping Spots (13)
Chena Hot Springs Road Dispersed
Pullouts along the Chena River corridor. Primitive; no amenities.
Denali Highway MP 110–134
"Free dispersed camping around Denali Highway Alaska. Tundra vistas and gravel benches with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Maclaren Summit. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Sudden weather shifts Arrive early to claim a legal
Richardson Highway — Summit Lake Pullouts
Scenic tundra pullouts near Summit Lake. Primitive; exposed.
Hatcher Pass – Archangel Rd
"Free dispersed camping around Talkeetna Mountains Alaska. Alpine valleys and boulders with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Independence Mine. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Snow lingers; rough spurs Arrive early to claim a legal
Thompson Pass — Worthington Area
Roadside turnouts in alpine tundra near Valdez. High winds possible.
Nabesna Road Dispersed
"Free dispersed camping around Wrangell–St. Elias Alaska. Wide valley floor with mountain views with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Kendesnii vicinity. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Seasonal stream crossings Arrive early to claim a legal
Glenn Highway — Matanuska View Turnouts
Roadside gravel flats with glacier views. No facilities.
Nabesna Road Dispersed East
Gravel pits along Nabesna Road (Wrangells). Bear country; no amenities.
McCarthy Road Pullouts
Informal clearings by the old railbed. Primitive; rough road.
Dalton Highway — Galbraith Lake
Gravel pads in Brooks Range foothills. Remote; no services.
Denali Highway — Teklanika Area Turnouts
Expansive gravel turnouts with mountain views. No services.
Kenai — Swanson River Road Sites
Pullouts in spruce bogs within Kenai NWR. Primitive; mosquitos common.
Dalton Highway — Arctic Circle Flats
Open gravel pads near Arctic Circle marker. Primitive; no amenities.
Popular Camping Areas
- Chugach National Forest
- Tongass National Forest
- Denali Highway
- Steese Highway
Important Regulations
- Bear safety protocols required
- Leave No Trace principles essential
- Weather awareness critical
Permits: Most wilderness camping is free, some national park areas require permits
Complete Guide to Free Camping in Alaska
Alaska provides unparalleled wilderness camping experiences with vast public lands, from Arctic tundra to temperate rainforests, offering true backcountry adventures.
Best Free Camping Areas in Alaska
Alaska offers diverse free camping opportunities across mountains, glaciers, tundra, forests, coastline. The most popular areas include Chugach National Forest, Tongass National Forest, Denali Highway, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit Alaska for Camping
The best times for free camping in Alaska are during summer. The state's subarctic to arctic with extreme seasonal variations means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
Alaska Camping Regulations
Before camping in Alaska, it's important to understand local regulations. Most wilderness camping is free, some national park areas require permitsMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in Alaska typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore mountains, glaciers, tundra, forests, coastline at your own pace.