Aurora borealis, more commonly referred to as the northern lights, is a natural phenomenon that transforms the night sky into a spectacular, multi-colored display. Electrically-charged particles from the sun collide with the earth’s atmosphere, creating a tapestry of lights varying in intensity and colors. The skies can morph into fantastic shades of pink, green and yellow or blue, violet, and occasionally orange and white. Camping is a fantastic way to enjoy this phenomenon and get out into wilderness areas away from the city lights.
Our recommendations for northern lights camping in the U.S. include campgrounds in Alaska, Idaho, and Montana. Below we’ll help you plan the experience of a lifetime!
Camping Under the Northern Lights in Alaska
Alaska is considered one of the best spots to witness the northern lights, and camping under the northern lights in Alaska is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here are our top picks for campgrounds in areas near Fairbanks, Denali, and Anchorage.
Fairbanks Area
Why We Love Fairbanks
- Prime northern lights viewing at the auroral oval
- Lots of other outdoor activities
- Parks are a short drive from the city
Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area
This state park, and others outside of Fairbanks, fall within the auroral oval, making it prime aurora viewing. This area holds the highest likelihood of seeing the northern lights because of this position within the auroral oval. Lower Chatanika State Recreation is a beautiful park located on Olnes Pond, providing a stunning backdrop to the aurora.
Salcha River State Recreation Area
Located down the Tanana River from Olnes Pond is this fantastic park, also perfect for camping under the northern lights in Alaska. Like other parks in Alaska, Salcha River is abundant with recreational activities year-round to keep you busy while you wait for nightfall.
Denali State Park
Why We Love Denali
- Renowned as one of the most beautiful natural places in the country – a must-see
- Cabin, RV, and tent camping available
- Lots of outdoor activities
Byers Lake Cabins in Denali State Park
Three public-use cabins and accommodations for RVs and tent camping are available at this portion of Denali State Park situated on Byers Lake. Located about 100 air miles north of Anchorage, Denali State Park is one of the most dramatic and unspoiled landscapes in all of North America. Encompassing a diverse terrain of mountainous ridgelines, low tundras, and subalpine forests, Denali is away from it all making it ideal to see the northern lights, and some amazing wildlife too.
The most modern camping facility in Denali State Park, K’esugi Ken Campground has 32 RV campsites, 10 walk-in campsites, a group campsite, three public-use cabins, a ranger’s station, and a pavilion. There are also paved roads, an easy-use hiking trail to alpine areas, and a network of trails to accommodate a range of hiking abilities.
Anchorage Area
Why We Love Anchorage
- Two state parks close to the city for travel, but far enough for dark skies
- Lots of outdoor activities
- Cabin, RV and tent camping available
A 20-minute drive from Anchorage, this beautiful park is covered in part by glaciers, ice fields, streams, and rivers. Inclusive of nearly half a million acres of land, Chugach State Park is one of the four largest state parks in the United States. As with all state parks, Chugach offers abundant outdoor activities in addition to fantastic northern lights camping.
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area
Nancy Lake State Park offers 15 public use cabins, as well as other camping opportunities to suit any camper’s preferences. Unique from other Alaskan parks with wide glacier valleys and soaring peaks, Nancy Lake is a flat, lake-studded swath of land set aside for any number of recreation purposes.
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Camping in the Central Northern Contiguous U.S.
If you can’t make it to Alaska, the central northern area of the contiguous United States also has some great spots to see the northern lights while camping. Here are our two picks for parks in the lower 48.
Why We Love It
- An hour drive from Spokane, but remote enough for dark skies
- Lots of outdoor activities
- Cabin, RV, and tent camping available
One of the state’s best camping locations is also one of the best places to see the aurora. About an hour away from Spokane, the area is remote enough to escape light pollution for better viewing chances. With three campgrounds, including tent and RV hookups, as well as cottage and cabin rentals, there are plenty of comfortable accommodations for any kind of camper.
Why We Love It
- Remote location for dark skies and a true wilderness experience
- Lots of outdoor activities, including water activities
- Surrounded by thick pine forest
Logan State Park’s remote location is perfect for northern light viewing. Nestled on the north shore of Middle Thompson Lake, Logan has 37 campsites situated among fragrant Douglas fir and ponderosa pine.
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5 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights
1. Go at the Right Time of Year
Northern lights can be observed as early as late-August and as late as mid-April. When it’s dark by 6 pm (usually October through March in far northern locations), you increase your chances of sighting the northern lights. Don’t forget to pack warm for chilly winter temperatures!
2. Go to the Right Place
Then northern lights create an elliptical oval over the magnetic north pole, known as the aurora oval. The best place to see the northern lights is under or near the aurora oval, which can fluctuate tens of miles daily depending on solar winds. One place in the United States, Fairbanks, AK, is located beneath or very close to the aurora oval.
3. Go When Skies Are Clear
As best you can, plan your trip when there will be little to no cloud cover. This is particularly challenging in the northern wilderness, but looking at weather graphs from years past at your intended location may guide you towards better months than others for aurora sightings. We also recommend planning a longer trip if possible to increase your chances of a clear night.
4. Go Where It’s Dark
To see the glory of the northern lights, the skies need to otherwise be dark. Head away from cities and towns with light pollution to lands under vast, dark skies. For example, if the base camp for your trip is in Anchorage, Alaska, you’ll need to venture out a little farther to eliminate light pollution.
5. Go as Many Nights as Possible
The northern lights are not an uncommon phenomenon, but there is no guarantee when or where they will appear. Increase your chances of seeing them during your northern lights camping trip by escaping to a remote northern location as many nights as you can.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.