Central Alaska Summer Camping
CAMPING TOUR: Discover the last frontier on this summer camping tour of central Alaska. From Anchorage, spend three days taking in the scenery and wildlife of Denali National Park and enjoy a night in a scenic lodge by the Maclaren River. Embark on a full day of sea kayaking to the Shoup Glacier and take in the pristine wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, ending your adventure back in Alaska's largest city.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Exploring Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park
Day 1 Exploring Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park
Anchorage - Talkeetna - Denali National Park. Today, we embark on a journey to uncover the wild beauty of Alaska. Our adventure begins with a pick-up from Anchorage at 8:00. We’ll then stop in the charming town of Talkeetna before heading towards the stunning Alaska Range for our overnight stop.
Along the way, we might catch a glimpse of Denali, North America's highest peak (weather permitting), standing at nearly 6,200 metres (20,310 feet). We will be camping on the edge of Denali National Park for our first three nights.
On this tour, all camping equipment is provided at a full service campground with electricity, Wi-Fi, hot showers and flush toilets. You will need to provide your own sleeping bag, or can hire one for $40 per person per tour. Must be booked in advance, please let us know at time of booking.
Please note: This tour has a flexible itinerary, and the below is a general guide of what you can expect on tour. Your tour guide may alter certain night stops to maximize your enjoyment; maybe you opt to visit a local event or stay longer in a certain place. The beauty of a small group tour is that the itinerary can also be adapted to suit the group’s preference! We encourage you to relax and go with the flow!
Day 2 Denali National Park
Day 2 Denali National Park
After breakfast today, we’ll set off to explore the majestic landscapes of Denali National Park on an exclusive bus tour provided by the national park. This thrilling journey offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities as we delve deep into the park.
We’ll make photo stops and take short walks through the rugged, untouched wilderness of Denali. After a day of adventure, we’ll return to our camp to unwind and share stories around the campfire, soaking in the serene evening atmosphere.
Day 3 Denali National Park at leisure
Day 3 Denali National Park at leisure
Today is completely free for you to explore Denali National Park further at your own pace. You can choose to hike its stunning trails or dive into various activities within the park. Our guide will be on hand to help you plan the day.
You have the chance to encounter an incredible array of wildlife, including black bears, brown bears, beavers, bald eagles, foxes, and various songbirds. The surrounding area offers fantastic hiking opportunities around Denali National Park. With a stroke of luck, you might even spot grizzlies, the iconic symbol of the subarctic, which for many will be a trip highlight.
Day 4 Denali National Park
Day 4 Denali National Park
Denali National Park - Paxson. After breakfast today, we’ll drive along the renowned Denali Highway to the Maclaren River Lodge. Nestled in an alpine landscape, this remote wilderness resort promises an authentic taste of Alaskan hospitality.
This evening, we’ll take in the stunning views of the Maclaren River and the breathtaking Alaska Range. We’ll indulge in a delicious dinner at the lodge, where the warm Alaskan charm adds to the magic of the night.
Day 5 Worthington Glacier & Valdez
Day 5 Worthington Glacier & Valdez
Paxson - Worthington Glacier - Valdez. Our adventure takes us further along the Denali Highway and south through the stunning Thompson Pass, where we’ll marvel at the region’s picturesque waterfalls.
Known as Alaska’s ice climbing capital, this area is a paradise for thrill-seekers. We’ll relish a mid-afternoon hike to the impressive Worthington Glacier before reaching Valdez. Once we’ve set up camp, we can explore this charming Alaskan port town and then unwind with a camp dinner and a cosy campfire to end our day.
Day 6 Shoup Glacier kayaking
Day 6 Shoup Glacier kayaking
After breakfast today, we’ll embark on an included kayaking tour for an intimate exploration of one of Alaska’s stunning marine state parks. We’ll board a motorboat for a scenic water taxi ride to Shoup Bay, where our kayaking adventure begins.
We’ll paddle through a fjord carved by a retreating glacier, glide past a colony of black-legged kittiwakes, and along a lush coastline adorned with waterfalls, making our way towards the glacier’s face. We’ll stop for a walk on the beach and enjoy a delightful lunch with a spectacular glacier view. After our paddling adventure, the motorboat will whisk us back to Valdez. Head out into Valdez for dinner this evening, as the night is at leisure.
Day 7 Valdez to Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Day 7 Valdez to Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Valdez - Wrangell St. Elias National Park - McCarthy. After breakfast this morning, we set off from Valdez for the thrilling drive along the “infamous” McCarthy Highway, passing through the breathtaking landscapes of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park and preserve in the United States.
Renowned for its majestic glaciers and rich mining history, this park offers us a chance to camp for three nights right in its heart, near the small access village of McCarthy. This evening is free for you to head out and explore this small, scenic settlement.
Please note: Our campsite in McCarthy is more basic than other campgrounds on this tour, with limited facilities.
Day 8 Wrangell Range & Kennicott
Day 8 Wrangell Range & Kennicott
We’ll dive into some thrilling hiking and activities in the Wrangell Range! From McCarthy, we have the option to explore the historic copper mining town of Kennicott for an additional fee, or stroll along the stunning Kennicott and Root glaciers. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, we can opt for a hike to the impressive Bonanza Mine trail.
Day 9 Optional scenic flight or ice climbing
Day 9 Optional scenic flight or ice climbing
Today is another leisure day for exploring Wrangell-St Elias National Park. You can take a breathtaking flight over the glaciers for an additional fee, offering stunning aerial views. If you prefer, sign up for some exhilarating ice climbing, also available at an additional cost. Activities can be arranged and paid for locally with your guide.
Day 10 Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Day 10 Wrangell St. Elias National Park
McCarthy - Chickaloon. Today, we journey along the stunning Glenn Highway towards Glacier View for our overnight stop. The Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge, with its awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding Alaskan wilderness, awaits us. From the lodge, we can explore numerous hiking trails in the Tahneeta Pass right from our doorstep or simply relax on the covered porch with a glass of wine, soaking in the spectacular scenery.
We’ll arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon, where we can savour a farewell meal and unwind in the outdoor hot tub.
Day 11 Anchorage
Day 11 Anchorage
Chickaloon - Anchorage. We’ll enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast at the lodge before making our way back to Anchorage. Upon arrival around midday, we’ll have the chance to explore the trails and attractions of Anchorage with our expert guide. Our tour will conclude at approximately 17:00.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Campsites & Accommodation
The campsites we use vary by tour, but all are fully serviced and licensed campgrounds. At the campsites, all necessary equipment will be provided (except sleeping bags, if specified on itinerary). We will have a two-person tent, foam sleeping pad, and access to facilities such as electricity, flush toilets, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor hot tub, though amenities may vary between campsites.
The Maclaren River lodge offers history to experience, opportunities to relax, a lovely restaurant, comfortable accommodation, engaging conversation, and a beer and wine bar to quench your thirst. You’ll also find internet access, tire repair or replacement, minor car repairs, emergency fuel services, jet boat rides, world-class Grayling fishing, as well as the stunning Maclaren Glacier and Maclaren River to explore.
A wilderness lodge offering a range of accommodation from simple cabins to luxurious rooms, along with meals and cross-country skiing trails. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, and the lodge features a restaurant and bar.
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