Finding great Alaska boondocking is not hard but there is often some problems determining what is public and what is personal property. For that reason we have give you both Alaska Boondocking locations as well as over 1 million acres of Alaska Trust land which is all for public use. This way you can plan your trip in advance and be assured you are not going to run into any problems.
Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Alaska?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!
- 50 Great Alaska Boodocking Locations
- 16 Great Boondocking Spots For Your Denali National Park Trip
- 16 Fantastic Kenai Fjords National Park Boondocking Spots
check out our video
17 Alaska Boondocking Sites In the Northern Half
Jump directly to the 31 Alaska Boondocking Sites In the Southern Half
1. Alaska Boondocking Locations – Galbraith Lake Campground
Address
Alaska
GPS: 68.456206, -149.480898
Elevation: 2785′
Management: Public – Bureau of Land Management: (Official)
The road in is Dirt and No idea. The highway is 50% dirt and gravel. miles from a paved road. Galbraith Lake Campground is open All year. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Galbraith Lake Campground.
2. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Five Mile Camp
Address
Yukon-Koyukuk, Alaska
GPS: 65.921945, -149.827025
Management: Public – Bureau of Land Management: (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited.
3. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Lakeview Campground
Address
Milepost 1256.6 of the Alaska/ Canada Highway
Northway, Alaska
GPS: 65.946472, -145.546875
Elevation: 1021′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service (Unofficial)
The road in is Dirt and .2 miles from a paved road. Lakeview Campground is open May – September (sometimes Oct). There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 30 ft.. You may stay 14 days at Lakeview Campground.
4. Alaska Boondocking Locations – 48 Mile Pond
Address
Fairbanks, Alaska
GPS: 64.996343, -146.221376
Elevation: 902′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
Mile 48.5 Pond Chena Hot Spring Road is a large open area set between 2 small ponds, surrounded by trees and shrubs. The pond has been stocked with grayling, which can be kept.
5. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Walmart Parking Lot
Address
537 Johansen Expy
Fairbanks, Alaska
GPS: 64.858132, -147.688469
Elevation: 446′
Management: Private – Retail Store (Official)
There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay overnight at Walmart Parking Lot.
6. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Nennana Ak
Address
Nenana, Alaska
GPS: 64.56467, -149.09665
Elevation: 358′
Management: Public – Corp of Engineers (Unofficial)
South East side of the river bridge just east of the old fueling station. Full gravel room for any size RV. Room for 5 or 6 units.
7. Alaska Boondocking Locations – North Healy Rest Stop
Address
MM269 Parks Hwy
Healy, Alaska
GPS: 64.129429, -149.250871
Elevation: 892′
Management: Truck Stop
The road in is Paved. North Healy Rest Stop is open Summer. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited.
8. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Gravel Road Off Hwy
Address
Healy, Alaska
GPS: 63.819117, -148.980447
Elevation: 1729′
Management: Public
There’s 2 Gravel roads right next to each other off Parks highway. On the east side of the road. Both trails take you away from the road to some secluded camp sites. Some rock firepits. Made it in with a 23ft trailer, but it was pretty tight.
9. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Richardson Highway Secluded Pulloff
Address
Fort Greely, Alaska
GPS: 63.748187, -145.832608
Elevation: 2438′
Management: Public (Unofficial)
The road in is Gravel and .25 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location.
10. Alaska Boondocking Locations – East Fork Chulitna Wayside
Address
Cantwell, Alaska
GPS: 63.149831, -149.412007
Elevation: 1795′
Management: Public – Rest Area (Official)
The road in is Paved. East Fork Chulitna wayside is open year round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited.
11. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Indian River Roadside Pull Out
Address
Mile 43 1/2 Tok Cut-off Highway #1
Gakona, Alaska
GPS: 62.66563, -144.42865
Elevation: 2018′
Management: Public – Rest Area (Official)
The road in is Gravel and zero miles from a paved road. Indian River roadside pull out is open April through September, depending on snow.. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay until it gets too cold. There is no limit at Indian River roadside pull out.
12. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Kettle Lake
Address
Mile 16.6 Nabesa Road
Slana, Alaska
GPS: 62.584629, -143.567535
Elevation: 2796′
Management: Public – National Park Service (Official)
The road in is Dirt and 16.6 miles from a paved road. The maximum RV length at Kettle Lake is 32′.
13. Alaska Boondocking Locations – Fast Eddy’s Restaurant
Address
Mile 1313 Alaska Highway
Tok, Alaska
GPS: 63.33449, -142.95886
Elevation: 1640′
Management: Private
14. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Milepost 1344.5 Alaska Highway
Address
Alaska Highway
Delta Junction, Alaska
GPS: 63.45575, -143.840888
Management: Public – Rest Area (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited.
15. Alaska Boondocking Spots – 224 George Parks Hwy Parking
Address
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
GPS: 63.540637, -148.806493
Elevation: 1949′
Management: Public
16. Alaska Boondocking Locations – Nenana River Bridge
Address
Cantwell, Alaska
GPS: 63.457107, -148.808467
Elevation: 2024′
Management: Public – Public Lot (Unofficial)
The road in is Gravel and 1/2 mile or so miles from a paved road. Nenana River Bridge is open Summer. The maximum RV length at Nenana River Bridge is unlimited. You may stay Unlimited at Nenana River Bridge.
17. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Cantwell Alaska- Open Gravel Area
Address
Around Mile 208, George Park Highway (AK-3)
Cantwell, Alaska
GPS: 63.383122, -148.915787
Elevation: 2187′
Management: Public – State Forest (Unofficial)
The road in is Gravel and 0 miles from a paved road. Cantwell Alaska- Open Gravel Area is open See comments.
31 Alaska Boondocking Sites In the Southern Half
Jump directly to the 17 Alaska Boondocking Sites In the Northern Half
1. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Kettle Lake
Address
Mile 16.6 Nabesa Road
Slana, Alaska
GPS: 62.584629, -143.567535
Elevation: 2796′
Management: Public – National Park Service (Official)
The road in is Dirt and 16.6 miles from a paved road. The maximum RV length at Kettle Lake is 32′.
2. Alaska Boondocking Locations – Mendeltna Roadside
Address
Glennallen, Alaska
GPS: 62.058913, -146.469791
Elevation: 2418′
Management: Public – Rest Area (Official)
Enough room for 5 large RVs and to turn around. Improved smooth level gravel hard packed. Somewhat hidden from the road 2.4 miles from Mendeltna creek lodge. No facilities but wooded.
3. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Glennallen Hwy Gravel Pit
Address
Glennallen, Alaska
GPS: 62.028398, -146.619753
Elevation: 2408′
Management: Public – Road maintenance gravel pit (Unofficial)
The road in is Gravel and 200 yards miles from a paved road. There are 16-29 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited.
4. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Little Nelchina (old) State Recreation Site
Address
Glennallen, Alaska
GPS: 61.989918, -146.946926
Elevation: 2408′
Management: Public – State Park (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 1/4 mile miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet.
5. Alaska Boondocking Locations – North and South Knob Lakes Access
Address
Palmer, Alaska
GPS: 61.835163, -147.330413
Elevation: 2999′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service (Official)
Alascon Road, Glenn Highway, Alaska Several miles down a gravel road off Glenn Highway, numerous campsites surrounding the Knob lakes, and up a gravel road to a transmission tower.
6. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Chitina (Copper River)
Address
Chitina, Alaska
GPS: 61.528867, -144.404229
Elevation: 495′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
This is a small public campground next to the Copper River just 2 mile outside Chitina on the East side of the river.
7. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Chitina Dip Netting
Address
Chitina, Alaska
GPS: 61.5158064d-144.427237
Elevation: 591′
Management: Public – State Land (Official)
Lots of places to camp along the road near Chitina and going out the McCarthy Road.
8. Alaska Boondocking Locations – Historic Pull Off
Address
Copper Center, Alaska
GPS: 61.289906, -145.273598
Management: Public – Rest Area (Unofficial)
This is a little rest stop pull off. It appears to be abandoned but the pit toilets were very clean. There are picnic shelters and tables. There is a old restored cabin that has mattresses in it but we opted to pitch our tent.
9. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Susitna River Bank
Address
Trapper Creek, Alaska
GPS: 62.176102, -150.179321
Elevation: 267′
Management: Public – State Forest (Unofficial)
Wide, flat, gravel riverbank about 11 miles south of Trapper Creek. There’s a dirt road on the west side of the Parks Highway at the north end of the bridge where it crosses the Susitna River. The road is fairly wide.
10. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Long Lake
Address
Chickaloon, Alaska
GPS: 61.803646, -148.237518
Elevation: 1499′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service (Unofficial)
There are 1-5 campsites at this location.
11. Alaska Boondocking Locations – Kings River
Address
Chickaloon, Alaska
GPS: 61.732501, -148.751729
Elevation: 558′
Management: Public (Unofficial)
The road in is Gravel. Kings River is open weather permitted. The maximum RV length at Kings River is unlimited.
12. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Surfers Beach
Address
Kodiak, Alaska
GPS: 57.438021, -152.414447
Elevation: 102′
Management: Public – State Land (Unofficial)
Dirt road of paved Pasagshak Hwy to surfer’s beach. Grass for tents with parking. Buffalo frequently graze area and walk beach.
13. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Near Palmer
Address
Palmer, Alaska
GPS: 61.608021, -149.064606
Elevation: 202′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Unofficial)
Near Palmer is open Year-round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is any. You may stay 7 nights at Near Palmer.
14. Alaska Boondocking Locations – Walmart parking lot
Address
Wasilla, Alaska
GPS: 61.585519, -149.335422
Management: Private – Retail Store (Unofficial)
The road in is Paved. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay overnight at Walmart parking lot.
15. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Lake Lorraine Campground
Address
Wasilla, Alaska
GPS: 61.2889, -149.94513
Elevation: 184′
Management: Public (Official)
The road in is Gravel and at entrance miles from a paved road. Lake Lorraine Campground is open summer. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Lake Lorraine Campground.
16. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Mt. Baldy Trailhead
Address
Anchorage, Alaska
GPS: 61.338, -149.512
Elevation: 1834′
Management: Public – Rest Area (Unofficial)
The road in is Paved. Small parking before the trail. Or la unit flat and You Will probably not be able for an RV but it was ok for a camper van. Let’s be honest there is not much choice near Anchorage.
17. Alaska Boondocking Locations – South Fork Eagle River
Address
Anchorage, Alaska
GPS: 61.222001, -149.439708
Elevation: 2110′
Management: Public – State Park (Unofficial)
At the trail head for several awesome hikes in the Chugach Stat. Parking is near homes, no fires allowed and multiple nights be frowned upon. Room for a truck camper or car camping. Not really room for an RV.
18. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Crow Creek Road
Address
Anchorage, Alaska
GPS: 60.995914, -149.091706
Elevation: 709′
Management: Public – State Park (Unofficial)
Several pullouts along a gravel road. I think it is in Chugach State Park land.
19. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Portage Lake Road
Address
Whittier, Alaska
GPS: 60.797165, -148.912216
Elevation: 37′
Management: Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Unofficial)
The road in is Gravel and 1/8 miles from a paved road. There are several gravel pull outs in the Chugash National Forest along this road headed for Portage Lake and Glacier. A few are suitable for big rigs.
20. Alaska Boondocking Locations – Moose Pass
Address
Hwy 1 north of Moose Pass
Moose Pass, Alaska
GPS: 60.501698, -149.371721
Elevation: 494′
Management: Public – Rest Area (Unofficial)
The road in is Gravel. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited.
21. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Mile Post 13 Hope Rd
Address
Hope, Alaska
GPS: 60.92955, -149.54168
Elevation: 7′
Management: Public (Official)
The road in is Gravel and .1 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location.
22. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Resurrection Creek
Address
Hope, Alaska
GPS: 60.876251, -149.630966
Elevation: 331′
Management: Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Unofficial)
Camped here in July 2009. Biting black flies and “gold bugs” throughout the area.
23. Alaska Boondocking Locations – Behind Boulder Off highway AK1S
Address
Hope, Alaska
GPS: 60.7625, -149.39694
Elevation: 541′
Management: Public – Rest Area (Unofficial)
Heading south from anchorage to steward on highway AK1-S, in between mile signs 57 and 58 (which will be on the left side of the road) but closer to mile sign 58, you’ll see a large boulder or raised up rock formation on the right side of the road.
24. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Exit Glacier Road
Address
Seward, Alaska
GPS: 60.166101, -149.498425
Elevation: 131′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 0.1 miles from a paved road. Exit Glacier Road is open Summer only. There are 16-29 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited.
25. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Exit Glacier Road
Address
Seward, Alaska
GPS: 60.1539, -149.431366
Elevation: 105′
Management: Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 6 days at Exit Glacier Road. Near Seward, Ak, Exit Glacier is the most accessible glacier in the state. From the park entrance, it is a short hike to the actual glacier. Camping area is actually in the Chugach national forest.
26. Alaska Boondocking Locations – Engineer Lake
Address
Alaska
GPS: 60.473583, -150.327231
Elevation: 295′
Management: Public – Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (Official)
Smaller site suit no more than 30′ RVs. Narrow rd in so use caution on road. Overlooking lake with picnic tables.
27. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Kelly/Peterson Lakes
Address
mile post 68 Sterling Hwy Alaska
Sterling, Alaska
GPS: 60.525374, -150.396824
Elevation: 287′
Management: Public – State Park (Official)
The road in is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. Kelly/Peterson lakes is open May until snow. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 at Kelly/Peterson lakes.
28. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Lower Skilak Lake Campground
Address
Cooper Landing, Alaska
GPS: 60.471663, -150.468114
Elevation: 213′
Management: Public – State Park (Official)
The farthest campground on skilak Lake Road. this is the only free campground of the three campsites on Lake Skilak. Can be approached from either end of Skilak Lake Road it’s on a gravel road suitable for small to medium RVs.
29 Alaska Boondocking Locations – Kenai Walmart
Address
Kenai, Alaska
GPS: 60.56106, -151.225981
Management: Private – Retail Store (Official)
Kenai Walmart has a section of their parking lot marked for RVs. Extremely friendly toward overnight stays!!
30. Alaska Boondocking Free Campsites – Fred Meyer’s #70100017
Address
43843 Sterling Hwy.
Soldotna, Alaska
GPS: 60.489015, -151.049291
Elevation: 121′
Management: Private – Retail Store (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 7 days at Fred Meyer’s #70100017.
31. Alaska Boondocking Spots – Kasilof River/ Tustumina
Address
Kasilof, Alaska
GPS: 60.253939, -151.173234
Elevation: 112′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 5 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet.
Alaska RV Boondocking
For so many people who really love the outdoors, boondocking in Alaska is the greatest experience and a fantastic trip. Aside from the adventure and beauty, it’s an excellent way to cut costs on your trip to Alaska. What about the Bears? Bugs? Is it going to be cold? I’m a longtime camper and retired Alaskan, and I’ll tell you all you need to know to make a decision if boondocking in Alaska is good for you and what kind of boondocking trip to organize.
A Motor home can provide you with a great deal of flexibility on your journey and even some bear, bug, and protection from the elements! Most areas you can go car boondocking in a tent are also accessible to RVs if you drive a Motor home to Alaska or lease one once you get there, but not all.
Bookings are essential if you want to guarantee hookups. You’ll have more options if you don’t need connections. Some sites have vehicle size restrictions or do not allow trailers. Trucks equipped with a camper can travel wherever a car can.
Alaska Boondocking Best Locations
Despite the fact that I lived in Alaska for 10 years and have returned at least once a year since then, and have done quite A bit of Alaska boondocking, I have not seen it all! I’ll keep adding to this thread as I discover new favorite spots. I’ve included those camp sites and public use cabins in this post; I haven’t included some Alaska boondocking areas or any backpacking trips (I’ll save that for another post). I’ve even included a handful of camp sites that I haven’t visited but that are popular among my friends. Enjoy!
When Is the Ideal Time Of the Year For Alaska Boondocking
In Alaska, the tent camp time can starts as soon as May and end as late as September. In general, June and July have the nicest and low rainfall weather, but cold and downpours can occur at any time! When it comes to choosing the best time to go boondocking in Alaska, here are a few points to bear in mind:
Weather in Alaska is extremely variable – summer months can be quite hot, but they can also be cold and wet and windy. You must be ready for both!
Summer in Alaska will not get dark – from mid May to July, it is daylight all or even most of the time. There will be no night in far north Alaska and only a few hours of night in Southeast Alaska.
To See The Northern Lights
There are also fewer, if not none, insects during this time! If you’re hoping to see the northern lights, Denali National Park or the Interior (Fairbanks and Chena River State Recreation Site or Chena Lake Recreation Area) are especially good places to camp (only at the end of the regular season – late August and September). Anticipate extremely cold nights and possibly snow in this part of the state, particularly later in September.
Mid August and September are Autumn in Alaska, not summer – the later in the summer you visit, the more you should be prepared for winter and cold conditions, particularly at night, and the further north or inland you go.
1 Million Acres of Alaska State Trust Land for Alaska Boondocking
All Alaska State Trust lands allow boondocking, but only with the purchase of a “Land Permit.” Permits can be obtained for Alaska boondocking for a single day, a week, a month, or a the whole year. Even if you bought a month or year permit, boondocking is limited to 14 days per site. You must relocate your camp at least 2 miles away from your previous location.
Boondocking On State Trust Land in Alaska
The state of Alaska holds one million square miles of trust land, which it solely uses to generate monies for mental care for its citizens. One of several ways it makes money is by selling “Land Permits” for citizens and visitor interested in Alaska Boondocking.
For Alaska Boondocking on Alaska State Trust Land, you must first obtain a Land Permit. The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority sells land permits online…
$10.00 for a single day pass
$20.00 for a one-week pass
$40.00 for a one-month pass
$400.00 for a one-year pass
An Alaska Trust Land Pass, gives you the right to for Alaska boondocking everywhere on state trust land as long as you stay on existing roads, trails, and clearings.
Alaska Boondocking Regulations on Alaska State Trust Land
You may use your permit for for Alaska boondocking at the same location for a maximum of 14 days. Before the end of the 14-day period, the whole camp must be changed at least two miles. It is not permitted to construct a cabin or any other perpetual development.
Individual use of fallen and downed timber is permitted at the camp site. To reduce the risk of burning and disease, timber less than six inches in diameter, brush, and slash must be gotten rid of.
The total amount of combined fuel stored must not reach 55 gallons. All canisters must be clearly labeled with the content material and the name of the permittee. Drip containers and absorbent pads should be accessible to control and mop up spills caused by any refueling or handling.
Site disturbance must be kept to a minimum in order to protect local natural habitat. All activities must be carried out in a way that minimizes soil and vegetation disturbance and changes in the character of natural drainage channels. Special care must be taken to prevent pollution and silting of streams, lakes, ponds, seeps, and marshes, as well as disruptions to fish and animal populations and ecosystems.
for Alaska boondocking trails you create may be brushed or trimmed using only hand-held equipment such as a chainsaw if they are less than five feet wide; creating a trail does not generate a property title or interest in the route.
Cleanliness of trails, campsites, and work areas is required at all for Alaska boondocking sites. All rubbish and unwanted materials will be stored prior to disposal so that it does not encourage wildlife. All solid waste, including furnace soot, must be transported backhauled to a DEC-approved solid waste disposal site. On-site garbage disposal is explicitly banned.
All grey-water or raw sewage must be discarded of in a pit or containment (port-a-potty) that can be moved to a DEC authorized disposal facility. If a pit is used, it should be placed at least 100 feet from the nearest body of water’s ordinary high-water mark and covered before leaving the area.
All camp elements, personal property (e.g., camp equipment, energy storage containers, etc.), toxic materials, and solid waste must be removed from Trust-owned property on or before the finish of the authorized term of use.
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