By:
Submission
"Kesugi" as in, K'esugi Ken Campground, is a Tanaina Indian dialect word meaning "The Ancient One" and is a fitting complement of the Tanana Indian word "Denali" which means "The High One". At 20,320 feet, Denali is North America's highest peak. It literally and figuratively towers over Southcentral Alaska from its base in Denali National Park.
Denali State Park was established in 1970 and expanded to its present size in 1976. Its western boundary is shared with its much larger neighbor, Denali National Park and Preserve, formerly Mt. McKinley National Park.
Facilities:
Closest RV Dump Station: Byers Lake Campground, located 12 miles north at Milepost 147.0 (available daytime only)
Nearby Attractions:
Byers Lake Campground and Trails, located 12 miles north at Milepost 147.0
Great campground BUT why?? the concrete parking blocks that limit the space?? 50 amp in site 24 (big rig ready) then put a gigantic concrete parking block halfway in the site!!?!? We made it work, cause that’s how we roll. But, just trying to understand the logic. If the concrete wasn’t there the site would actually be level. Denali… that’s why
Clean and well maintained AK State campground. The vault toilets were exceptionally clean and there is a new water source for RVs in front of the ranger station (before the tent campground - which also has a Little Free Library). The Interpretive Center is gorgeous, though we didn't make it to any of the ranger led programs. There are also public use cabins available for rent. Reservations are online at ReserveAmerica . com
As a family who has camped in Alaska every summer - this campground felt more for tourists to see Denali or to use as a stopping point between Fairbanks and the Valley or Anchorage. There are electric hook ups
This is the nicest public campground I've ever seen. We tent camped and each location was isolated from the rest. You walked in to tent sites (albeit a short 30yds or so). There are footpaths connecting different areas of the campground and a trail leading up a ridge with excellent views of a small lake, the river valley, and the mountains that Denali is nested in...and if you're lucky, Denali itself.
The best campground! The entire State Park staff does an amazing job! There are hiking trails throughout and access to the Moose Flats and Curry Ridge trails from the campground. Great views of Denali when the weather cooperates. Be sure to check out the interpretive center and its trail. Day use parking is available for $5.00. Fee stations currently take cash or card.
The RV loop sites have electric hookup and can accommodate rigs of all sizes. $30,00 per night. The main roads are nicely paved. The sites are gravel, mostly level (site 15 being the most unleveled), have a grassy spot for a tent, a picnic table and a fire ring. Must make reservations online well in advance. There are five first come first serve sites that fill quickly. Check in is at 1pm, check out is at noon. There is a big overflow parking lot, just past the interpretive center, if you come and the sites are full. Potable water is available to the right just past the first fee station, before heading into the RV loop. Connect your hose and fill up. There is no dump station on site. Firewood is sometimes available in the firewood shed by the dumpsters for a fee.
The primitive camp sites are first come first serve and have a nice sized tent pad, fire ring, picnic table and bear box for your food. $20.00 per night. All sites are well spaced out and the best I have seen. Site one has Incredible views of the mountains. There is a book exchange located in the primitive campground loop, by the fee station.
There are currently three cabins on site that are for reservation only. The Denali cabin has the volunteer camp hosts in near proximity. Each cabin have a fire ring and picnic table.
There is a group camping area, online reservations only, that is basically a big parking area that can accommodate several small RVs and vehicles. The group area has a grassy pad that can hold multiple tents. There are several picnic tables and a fire ring. A toilet is on the site.
Enjoy, always be bear aware and please leave no trace! ✌🏻
