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Sanctuary River

Denali National Park, Alaska · Denali County · Facility

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, af…

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About Sanctuary River

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.

Plan Your Visit to Sanctuary River

Heading to Sanctuary River? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Sanctuary River?

Yes — reservations can be made on Recreation.gov. Popular sites fill quickly, especially weekends and holidays. Book up to 6 months in advance.

How do I get to Sanctuary River?

Sanctuary River directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/campground-sanctuary.htm.

How do I contact Sanctuary River?

You can reach the park at phone: (800) 622-7275 or email: denali_info@nps.gov.