Savage River
63.7130, -149.2608 · Park boundary: National Park Service
Open in summer only (May 20 to mid-September). Savage River campground is located at Mile 13 on the Denali Park Road. It sits in a spruce forest, with moderate screening between sites. On clear days, Mount McKinley can be seen from a short walk below the campground.
- Every day
- All Day
Check-in / check-out time each day is 11 am. Please be sure to have your campsite packed up by 11 am on the day you depart. Savage River is open in summer only (see exceptions, below, for when the campground will close).
- Closed for winter · Sep 15, 2026 – May 19, 2027 · Closed
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Nightly fee for a site that can accommodate an RV between 30' and 40' long.
Nightly cost for a site that can accommodate an RV that is less than 30' long, as well as any other vehicle or even tent campers without vehicles.
Standard sites in Savage can accommodate up to 8 people (in up to 3 tents). Larger groups may rent a group site by calling 866.761.6629.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Reservations are strongly recommended. Group campsites: Independent visitors and non-profit groups 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 (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. For more information about group camping permits and CUAs, please call (907) 683-9553. To make group campsite reservations, please call 800-622-7275.
- Amphitheater
- Yes - year round
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Food storage lockers
- Yes - year round
- Host on site
- Yes - seasonal
- Toilets
- Flush Toilets - seasonal · Vault Toilets - year round
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - seasonal
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Dump station
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Allowed · up to 40 ft
- Trailers
- Allowed · up to 40 ft
- Access roads
- Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
- Classification
- Limited Development Campground
- Cell service
- There is no cell coverage in the Savage River area. Coverage is available near the park entrance.
Paths in the campground are compacted gravel, with limited gradient change.
Several restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Paths throughout the campground are free of barriers, and are generally composed of well-compacted gravel. In times of heavy rain, the roads in the campground may develop potholes. There are no electric hookups anywhere in the campground, nor is there cell or data service.
Open fires are permitted in the grates provided at each campsite. If you cook over your campfire, you must burn off / remove any food residue, to ensure animals are not attracted to your campsite.
Riley Creek Mercantile, a camping good store near the park entrance, is an important stop you should make before driving 13 miles into the park to Savage River. You can purchase things like firewood, food and other supplies, if needed. All campgrounds have recycling collection containers for aluminum cans, glass, plastic jugs and bottles (#1 and #2), and plastic containers #5.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
After entering the park, drive fourteen miles along the Denali Park Road and look for signs for the campground. Note: You must check in at the Denali Bus Depot or the Riley Creek Mercantile before driving to the campground.
Summer temperatures generally range from the mid-30s to the mid-60s. Extremes beyond that range are possible, and it can snow any month of the year. We recommend you bring a sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees (Fahrenheit) if tent camping. Rain is common in summer. Mosquitoes are a nuisance from early June through early August in most years.
Quiet hours are between 10 pm and 6 am. Generators may only be operated from 8 am to 10 am, and 4 pm to 8 pm. Keep all food and scented items (e.g., toothpaste, sunscreen, ice chests/coolers, etc.) in your hard-sided vehicle, if available. If you are tent-camping without a vehicle, use the food lockers found throughout the campground. Label and date your items in the food locker. Keep a clean camp and wash your dishes immediately. Fire. Fires are allowed only in established grates. Wood may be purchased at the Riley Creek Mercantile. Use of power saws and cutting of live vegetation or standing deadwood are prohibited. Do not leave your campfire unattended. Do not cook on fire- use foil, and immediately dispose of it after cooking. Pets. Pets are welcome at Savage. Dispose of pet feces in garbage cans. Secure pet food in your vehicle or a food locker.
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