Riley Creek Campground

Our time at Denali NP camping at Riley Creek campground was amazing. We were close to the visitor center, 15 minutes from Savage River and right next to hiking trails. The pricing was fair for a national park and the amenities. There were flush toilets right next to our RV site and our 40 foot 5th wheel could fit into multiple site options. We stayed for 9 nights and the camp host was amazing to load up his water bladder with a pump to fill up our fresh water for a few more days of not having to sherpa water. Generator hours were reasonable but there were lots of trees so solar was pretty lack luster. Starlink was OK but not amazing. Overall, wonderful campground and great camp hosts!

We absolutely loved our time staying at Riley Creek Campground. We loved we were able to have running water and had access to showers. Bathrooms and showers were always clean and staff were prompt to address issues. The staff were mostly helpful and friendly, but it does take them a long time to check people in or add services to your stay (bus tickets). Some staff know the park very well, while others do not. The reservation system is that you reserve a site type and then when you arrive it is first come first serve based on the site type. The sites were large and spaced out. Bears and moose regularly stroll through, so be prepared to handle wildlife.

This is a dry campground with no hookups for those with an RV. There are 3 loops. The A sites are longer and the B sites are shorter, with some a little wider. If you don't fit your trailer and vehicle in the site, you need to keep your vehicle at the mercantile parking lot. The mercantile had a lot of great merchandise and some food items. The mercantile is where you go to do your campsite registration. There is a laundry room and bathrooms with showers. The mercantile had the tokens for $5 each for 10 minutes each token and the $5 gets you 2 tokens. The staff is amazing. The camphost was very helpful. There are flush toilets in the campground and they have a food locker if you need a place to store your food. There are plenty of trails throughout the campground that will take you to the visitor center and other locations. It was very quiet.

Toilet blocks are cleaned and maintained regularly (not drop toilets!). Lots of different types of little camping spots which is great for any type of camper/group. Our setup was near the river so it was always in earshot which I personally like. Every camp site had a picnic table. You can get really cheap fun food at the mercantile and use the microwave which was a nice change. Free shuttle buses to the main bus stop and visitors centre but also really beautiful trails to get to those places too. Camp sites weren't completely segregated from each other (so you can get to know neighbours if you want) but still have some separation and privacy with sparce trees.

Shout out to Mike, the camp host for being the best host that I have met on our epic Alaska trip. We had a long day yesterday with my hubby visiting the urgent care. When we arrived at the park, I found out that I reserved the wrong type of camping spot and thank goodness Mike was there. He made sure that we get the right type of the camp site and it was perfect for us. He is hands on person who took care of everyone at the park. Thank you so much for making our trip more wonderful.