K'esugi Ken Campground Complex, Denali State Park

Construction is completed in the K'esugi Ken Campground! A Grand Opening ceremony took place on May 26, 2017 that opened the entire facility to public use. Facilities include a ranger station, 32 RV campsites, 10 walk-in campsites, paved roads, a group camping area, three public-use cabins, a new hiking trail to alpine areas plus a network of trails for a range of abilities, and an interpretive center/pavilion. A 34-mile power extension along the Parks Highway was also part of this project that brought electricity to the RV campsites. Several campsites have views of the Alaska Range and Denali.

Camping

Visitors have the option of either setting up a tent in a well-furnished campsite, or parking their RV in sites that have power hookups. Most sites are fully ADA compliant. There are over 2 miles of walking trails throughout the complex, that are great for bicycles or skiing in the winter. A hand pump water well is located within both camp loops. Vaulted latrines are located throughout the complex for ease of access. The Campground Host resides near the beginning of the Tent Camp Loop. At this time, most campsites can be reserved online at https://alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com, with a few open as first come, first served. Campgrounds are typically open from mid-May through mid-September.

Firewood is available at the Campground Host site.

Camping Fees are posted HERE.

Here are your camping choices:

Walk-in Tent Camp Loop
Sites numbered 1 and 2 include the Hunter and Tokosha Public-Use Cabins. They both have outstanding views of the Alaska Range. They are only available by reservation, but include the cabin, picnic table, food locker, and a grassy tent pad. Plenty of space for the large family!

Sites numbered 3 to 10 are all located a very short walk from parking spaces along the paved loop road. They each include a picnic table, fireplace, food storage locker and grassy tent-pads. Sites 3 through 5 have commanding views of the Alaska Range. Sites 6 through 10 border a ravine and stream. All sites are connected via a network of trails great for walking or riding bikes. Maximum vehicle length is 25 feet due to narrow roads and tight turns. See map below.


K'esugi Ken Tent Camp Loop Map

RV Camp Loop
Sites number 11 through 42 are designed for RVs, with electricity wired throughout the paved loop. All sites include either 20, 30, or 50 amp electricity, a picnic table, fireplace and grassy tent-pads. All sites will accommodate at least 75-foot RVs, with 5 pull-through sites that will accommodate up to 100-foot RVs. See map below.


K'esugi Ken RV Camp Loop Map

Worried about not getting a campsite?
Camping Overflow is located in the large day-use parking lot/Curry Ridge Trailhead approximately 800 feet north of the campgrounds. It can handle up to 60 foot RVs (no hookups) and usually has space even on holiday weekends. Overflow camping fees are discounted.

Ranger Contact Station and Park Headquarters

Is located near the entrance to both campgrounds. It does not have regular hours at this time, but may be open sporadically. A message board is available for park staff to see should they be needed.

K'esugi Ken Public-Use Cabins

There are three Public-Use Cabins in the complex:

The Hunter and Tokosha Public-Use Cabins are available year-around. Built to ADA standards, the 20 x 30 foot cabins are identical in size. They both have half-lofts accessible by circular stairways. They each have a woodstove for heat. Over 2 miles of walking trails connect the entire complex, and are open to bicycles in the summer, cross-country skiing in the winter. Vaulted latrines are a short walk across the road. The cabins are available by online reservations only.

The Denali Public-Use Cabin is built to ADA standards, it measures 24 x 35 feet, includes a half-loft accessible by circular stairs. It includes a woodstove and electricity for lights. Over 2 miles of walking trails connect the entire complex, and are open to bicycles in the summer, cross-country skiing in the winter. It is available by online reservation only.

K'esugi Ken Interpretive Center

Is a large, 30 x 90 foot open pavilion that contains interpretive information about Denali State Park and the Alaska Range. Interpretive programming is also provided most summer days, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Schedules are posted at various locations in the park. The Center is also available by reservation for large group events. To reserve the interpretive pavilion, please visit https://alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/k-esugi-ken-campground/r/hourlySiteDetails.do?contractCode=AK&siteId=3358&parkId=1181700.

K'esugi Ken Interpretive Center

K'esugi Ken Group Camping Area

Located within the Walk-in Tent camp loop, a large site is available by reservation for large groups of up to 50. It can park larger RVs depending on the number of other vehicles. It includes 3 picnic tables, a large fireplace, vaulted latrine, and a large grassy tent-pad. Reservations for the group camping area can be made on Reserve America.

K'esugi Ken Small Pavilion

Located within the Walk-in Tent camp loop, this 20 x 20 foot open pavilion is available to all campers, or available by reservation for groups of up to 20. It includes 3 picnic tables, a fireplace and a vaulted latrine. To reserve the small pavilion, please visit https://alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/k-esugi-ken-campground/r/hourlySiteDetails.do?contractCode=AK&siteId=3359&parkId=1181700

Curry Ridge Trail

The Curry Ridge Trail began construction in 2016 as part of the first phase of the South Denali Project. It gently climbs 1100 feet up to the lower bench of Curry Ridge and provides access to the rolling tundra terrain of the Lake 1787 area. Views of the Alaska Range and Denali are spectacular from many points along the trail. Timberline is at 1500 feet, where the trail breaks out of the woods and into a subalpine mosaic of alder and tundra patches. Watch for moose and bears throughout the area. PLEASE conserve the sensitive alpine habitat of alpine areas by staying on developed trails. The trail currently terminates at Lake 1787. Construction will continue to expand the trail in future years.

Trail Specifications:
Trail Length: 3.0 miles to Rocky Knob one-way, 3.5 miles to Lake 1787 one-way
Elevation Gain: 1100 feet
Trail Class: 3
Designed Use: Hiking
Allowed Uses: Hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
Prohibited Uses: Motorized, bicycles, pack animals




Lake 1787 Terminus of Curry Ridge Trail

**SPECIAL CAMPING RULES – BACKPACKERS READ **
Because of the sensitive nature of this alpine area, camping is restricted around Lake 1787. The following rules apply:
☑ No camping is allowed within 1/2 mile of the lake.
☑ No ground fires are allowed; portable camp stoves are permissible.
☑ From April 15 through October 15, bear resistant canisters STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for transporting and storing food.
☑ Water is limited during certain times of year, be prepared to carry water or process from lakes or streams. Lake 1787 is a source, but is not particularly tasty due to its high content of tannins and organic matter. Good quality water filters are strongly recommended.
☑ Practice Minimum Impact Camping – pack out what you pack in!

For additional information, contact the Mat-Su Area Headquarters at (907) 745-8950 or email at dnr.pic@alaska.gov.