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Denali campground

I know that the Reilly camp at Denali NP is free after "mid September" is there somewhere i can see the exact date this takes effect? Thank you

Good question. Yes — the NPS provides clear guidance on when Riley Creek Campground becomes free, and you can find the details on their “How to Visit Denali in Fall or Spring” page.

Key details:

  • According to the National Park Service, Riley Creek Campground is open year-round.
  • Nightly fees are only charged during the summer season.
  • The NPS defines “summer” as running from mid-May through mid-September, and “fall” (when fees are waived) begins in mid-September.
  • In their winter camping info, NPS states that the fee-free camping at Riley Creek begins “roughly two weeks after Labor Day.”

Putting that together: while NPS doesn’t give an exact calendar date (like “September 15”), the practical rule is that starting around mid-September (about two weeks after Labor Day), Riley Creek Campground no longer charges nightly camping fees and remains free through the fall into early spring.

If you want to be 100% sure for your particular year, it’s a good idea to:

  • Check the NPS “How to Visit” / “Winter Camping” page for that season.
  • Call or email Denali’s Visitor Center (or the Riley Creek Mercantile) before you go — they can confirm current conditions.

Hope that helps — happy camping! 😊

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