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Central Alaska Summer Camping

New Tour

11 days

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

Duration

11 days

Starts

Anchorage

Ends

Anchorage

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide/driver

Group Size

Min 1 / Max 12

Minimum age

16 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

June - July

Hotel Rating

Camping & simple lodges

Countries

USA

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 11, Dinner: 9
Per person from
AUD$5,325.00
Local Payment
$265.00pp paid in USD
Total From
AUD$10,650.00
Deposit From
Final payment
AUD$1,000.00
$10,150.00

Tour Highlights

Anchorage - Start and end your Alaskan adventure in the state's most populous city
Denali National Park - Camp for three nights on the outskirts of the national park, with time for hiking, an included bus tour and wildlife spotting opportunities
Paxson - Stay in a rural lodge away from civilization, with views of the Alaska Range and the Maclaren River
Valdez - Hike the Worthington Glacier and enjoy a full day of sea kayaking to see the Shoup Glacier and its surroundings
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park - Spend three nights camping in the largest national park of the United States, searching for wildlife and enjoying plenty of hiking

Included

10 breakfasts, 11 deli style lunches, 7 camp dinners (these are covered by the local payment on this tour) & 2 lodge dinners
8 nights camping & 2 nights in simple lodges
All camping & cooking equipment, except sleeping bags
All relevant transportation in a specialist, fully equipped vehicle
Escorted by an expert local tour guide/driver
Denali National Park bus tour
Full day glacier & kayaking excursion in Valdez
Hiking and walking opportunities
Wildlife viewing opportunities
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner, and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International flights & visas
Airport transfers
Tips for your tour guide - an entirely personal gesture!
Sleeping bags (Can be rented at for $40 pp)
Optional activities - approximate pricing is in the Trip Notes
Local Payment: $265.00pp paid in USD

Itinerary

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!

Overnight: Denali National Park
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

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.

Overnight: Denali National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Overnight: Denali National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Overnight: Paxson
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Overnight: Valdez
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Overnight: Valdez
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Overnight: Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Overnight: Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Overnight: Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Overnight: Chickaloon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Campsites & Accommodation

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Campsite
Denali National Park

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.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Campsite
Maclaren River Lodge
Paxson

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.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Basic Lodge
Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge
Chickaloon

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.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Basic Lodge

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed. Accommodation will be in two person tents. Solo travellers will be paired with another solo traveller of the same sex. For private groups of 8 or more, this tour can be run on a private basis - please contact us for a quote.

2025
Twin
Shared
14 Jul - 24 Jul
$5,325
$5,325
11 Aug - 21 Aug
$5,325
$5,325

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