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Guidebook for Alaska Adventure Travel |
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In Alaska, campsites abound on state, national park sites, commercial sites, or just off in the bush. Alaska state law does not prohibit camping by the side of the road. Other possibilities for roadside camping are the many turnouts, rest areas marked by rectangular blue signs and scenic viewpoints. All these can make good campsites. The rest areas sometimes have signs saying, "No overnight camping allowed."
Never bring food into your tent.
When in bear country, pack all
food inside your vehicle and
cover it. Don't leave even
crumbs outside, or you can (and
probably will) expect unwelcome
and potentially dangerous late
night visitors. If you are
backpacking, put food in a
covered container a good
distance from your tent and
cache in a tree if possible.
Denali Campgrounds
Camping in Denali offers a great
way to experience this
spectacular park. There are five
established campgrounds in the
park. You may camp a total of 14
days per year in Denali National
Park & Preserve's established
campgrounds. Riley Creek
Campground, at the entrance of
the park is open year-round.
Denali's campgrounds all have
different access, fees, and
facilities. (click on any of the
campgrounds above to obtain more
information about that
campground)
Mendenhall Glacier Campground
(Juneau)
Mendenhall Lake Campground is
open from mid-May through
September each year. The
campground has 60 units
including 10 units that
accommodate trailers up to 22
feet in length. There are 7
walk-in units for backpackers.
Camping fees are $8.00 per day
with a 14-day limit.
Mosquitos
Mosquitos are more than a nuisance in
the summer in the north country; they
are a genuine problem. Be vigilant. Keep
your windows rolled up, enter and exit
the vehicle quickly and close the doors,
or dozens of the little devils will
enter in a minute. Don't park near water
for picnics or overnight, if possible.
Beware of walking into the shade.
Mosquitos love the shade. Buy
high-quality bug repellent and purchase
mosquito coils, available in most
general merchandise stores in Alaska.
Burn a coil for 20 minutes while you are
out of the vehicle; that will kill the
mosquitos. It doesn't smell too good,
though. Don't become a mosquito dinette:
wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
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