America is an incredibly beautiful and diverse country where each state seems to offer a slightly different landscape than the next. By far though, the most captivating of landscapes I’ve ever seen have all been in one particular state — Alaska.

With all of Alaska’s stunning scenery and an endless amount of outdoor adventures, it would only make sense that thousands of people have this state at the top of their bucket lists. Specifically, visiting Denali National Park & Preserve, as it’s the states most popular land attraction. Here, you can witness glaciers, wildlife, a sled dog kennel, and — if you’re lucky — the shy Mount Denali. It also just so happens to be the home of America’s most jaw-dropping campground…Wonder Lake!

Denali National Park contains just one road. To see the park, most people take roundtrip shuttle buses out to different “rest areas” along the route and then back to the main entrance when their tour ends. Campers and backpackers take camper buses to the various campgrounds and hiking mile-markers. Very few visitors to the park go beyond the Eielson Visitor Center. After all, the park encompasses 6 million acres of Alaska’s interior wilderness and just getting to this visitor center and back is an 8 hour trip!

But go beyond that, and you come to Wonder Lake Campground. Roundtrip, this campground is an 11 hour drive. But every second is worth it, and your time is paid in astounding views of snow-peaked mountains, raging rivers, and abundant wildlife. Oh, and it practically sits at the base of Mount Denali. You’re gonna want an extra memory card for that camera of yours.

To secure one of the 28 tent sites at Wonder Lake, you’ll need to make an advanced reservation online. The campground opens from June 8th to mid September each year and all sites are $16/night plus a $5 one-time reservation fee. You will also need to pay the park entrance fee and a camper bus fee. If you can, I’d highly recommend reserving at least 3 nights here if you’re hoping to see Mount Denali. Summers can be pretty rainy and cloudy, and your chance at catching a glimpse of her will increase the longer you stay.

I’d also suggest hiking the Reflection Pond Trail while you’re there. This trail is about 2.5 miles one way from Wonder Lake Campground, and is an easy 1 hour hike. It brings you to an amazing view of Mount Denali reflecting out of a large pond — pretty much every nature photographers dream. Just make sure you’re loaded up with bug spray. The mosquitoes here can be horrendous!

Among the campsites is a covered area with tables and benches for cooking and eating. A concealed food locker and bear-proof trash bins are also on the premises to discourage any dangerous wildlife encounters from happening. Restrooms and a large sink for washing dishes are also available.

If you’re looking for something to do other than hike the nearby trails or gawk at the sheer beauty of the mountains, stop by the uncovered amphitheater where rangers hold talks at specific times in the campground. You can find all ranger program info (and bus schedules) online or at the bulletin boards on-site.

It’s easy to see how Wonder Lake Campground earned its title of being the most beautiful campground in the US. A setting like Denali is hard to beat!

Who’s Been To Denali? I Wanna Know What Your Favorite Memory Or Experience Was!

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