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Basic Information
 Open in summer only (May 20 to mid-September). Sanctuary River is a heavily wooded campground, with screening between most sites. The immediate area is brushy, but nearby mountains offer chances to hike directly from the campground and gain elevation, with views of Mount McKinley to the south possible on clear days, after some strenuous up-hill hiking.
Sanctuary is tent-only—you will not find any RVs or other vehicles in this campground. It is accessible only by camper bus. TOTAL SITES: 7 Electric Hookups: 0 RV Only: 0 Tent Only: 7 Walk to/Boat to: 0 Group: 0 Horse: 0 Other: 0 Amenities
Fire/Stove Policy Fires are prohibited at this campground. Bring a cook-stove for your meals. Toilet Types
Shower Types
Weather Summers are generally cool and wet, though periods of dry, warm (~ 75 F) weather are possible. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least 20 F. Snow can fall any month of the year, though it is rare in June and July. Nightly Fee This is the cost for one campsite for one night. Three tents and up to eight people may use a single site. You may stay up to 14 total nights in a given summer. $25.25 Email Address Phone number (Voice) Mailing Address P.O. Box 9Denali Park, AK 99755 Physical Address Mile 22, Denali Park RoadDenali Park, AK 99755 Additional Information There is no potable water at this campground. Bring a filter or boil water that you pull from the nearby river. Reservations are recommended. Group campsites are not available at Sanctuary Campground; larger groups of 9–20 people should consider staying at Riley Creek or Savage River Campgrounds.
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Accessibility Information
ADA Information - There are no ADA-specific campsites. Wheelchair Access - Campground paths and sites are generally flat, compact surfaces. Some areas of mud or obstacles such as tree roots may be present. RV & Trailer Information - This is a tent-only campsite. No vehicles of any kind are permitted. RV Allowed - No Trailer Allowed - No Classification - This campground is a primitive camping area. Sanctuary River Campground is at mile 23 on the Denali Park Road. It offers 7 sites, making it the smallest in Denali (along with Igloo Creek Campground, which also has 7 sites). It is open May 20 to mid-September each year. Sanctuary is tent-only and accessible only by camper bus. The bus stop is a short walk from the camp sites—less than 100 yards (100 meters). What to Expect at Sanctuary RiverAs you travel along the park road, from the entrance heading into the park, Sanctuary is the first tent-only campground. There is no potable water or electricity at this campground—you must bring a filter or purification tablets with you. Sanctuary River itself flows clear most of the summer, so you need not worry about silt or other sediment clogging your filter. Sanctuary River is a heavily wooded campground, with screening between most sites. The immediate area is brushy, but nearby mountains offer chances to hike directly from the campground and gain elevation, with views of Mount McKinley to the south possible on clear days, after some strenuous up-hill hiking. Small animals, like red squirrels and snowshoe hares, are commonly seen in Sanctuary. Larger animals, like moose, caribou and grizzly bears, are occasionally seen in the area, though not often in the campground itself. In some years, various birds can be found nesting in the area.
Campground Regulations Necessities. Pit-vault toilets are near the campground entrance. No potable water is available - bring a filter or purification tablets. No fires are permitted at Sanctuary. Be courteous. Quiet hours are between 10 pm and 6 am. Wildlife & food storage. Keep all food and scented items (e.g., toothpaste, sunscreen, ice chests/coolers, etc.) in the food locker near the campground entrance. Label and date your items in the food locker. Keep a clean camp and wash your dishes immediately. Learn more about wildlife safety. Fire. Fires are not permitted in Sanctuary River. You must use a camping stove to cook meals. Pets. Pets are not permitted on camper buses. Learn more about camping with your pets. Denali: Overview MapGeneral map of Denali and its place in Alaska The map above illustrates the relative locations of campgrounds and visitor centers in Denali. Zoom in to see details like campground loop roads. Hover over any icon to see what its proper name is. |
Last updated: January 30, 2025