State: Alaska
Short Name: Wonder Lake Campground
Address 1: Denali National park
Open: Seasonal
Number of Sites: 28
Camp URL: http://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/campground-wonder.htm
Full Hook: Yes
National Park: 118
Wonder Lake Campground
At the foot of Mt. McKinley
Wonder Lake Campground is at mile 85 on the Park Road. It offers 28 sites, which are all tent-only.
It is the closest campground to Mt. McKinley. Though separated by nearly 26 miles, the sheer size of the mountain makes it loom impressively over Wonder Lake Campground.
Cloudy skies can still obscure views, and mosquitoes can be fierce, but Wonder Lake on a clear day offers images that will last a lifetime.
Wonder Lake is accessible by camper bus.
What to expect in Wonder
There is no electricity, but potable water is available in the campground.
A large food-storage building features indoor picnic tables, if you wish to eat away from rain and mosquitoes.
Fires are not permitted at Wonder Lake.
Wonder Lake is in a very wet part of the park, and mosquitoes plague the area for much of the summer. A head-net is very useful. A one mile trail leads from the campground to the McKinley River. Hiking off-trail in the area is permitted, though it can be boggy.
Waterfowl can often be seen, either on Wonder Lake or the many ponds and small lakes in the area. Beavers, or evidence of them, can be found as well. Larger animals, like moose and grizzly bears, occasionally pass through the area.
Campground regulations
Necessities. Toilets are near the campground entrance. Potable water is available at the campground. No fires are permitted at Wonder Lake.
Be courteous. Quiet hours are between 10 pm and 6 pm.
Wildlife & food storage. Keep all food and scented items (e.g., toothpaste, sunscreen, ice chests/coolers, etc.) in the food storage building. Label and date your items. Keep a clean camp and wash your dishes immediately.
Fire. Fires are not permitted in Wonder Lake Campground. You must use a camping stove to cook meals.
Pets. Pets are not permitted on camper buses.
Fishing. Fishing is permitted, and Wonder Lake sometimes yields trout and grayling.
-NPS.gov