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BLM Camping

Brushkana Creek Campground

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Brushkana Creek Campground

The Bureau of Land Management is the agency that administers and manages federal lands, mostly centered in the western part of the United States, and the BLM site at Brushkana Creek Campground is one of the places open to the public for camping. In general, these sites are less developed and more remote, with dispersed camping options for campers looking to have a more isolated experience.

Denali National Park is just over an hour away from Brushkana Creek Campground, so if you're looking to spend time at Denali but don't want to stay in the national park, this is a wonderful spot to explore what Bureau of Land Management campgrounds have to offer. For only $12 a night, enjoy one of 22 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Although the sites are remote, there is water available as well as toilet facilities and a picnic shelter. With plenty of options to hike, fish, and view the local Alaskan wildlife, Brushkana Creek Campground is a wonderful spot to spend some time.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Brushkana Campground Trail

The most easily accessible trail in these parts is the aptly named Brushkana Campground Trail, which begins in the campground. There are beautiful views along this route, and you can enjoy a wonderful overlook of the creek and the Alaska Range.

Length: 6 miles roundtrip

Intensity: Unknown

Fishing and Boating

In a campground with "creek" in the name, there are plenty of water-based options in this area. Permit holders can expect to find Arctic grayling. Brushkana Creek is suitable for fly fishing, and these beautiful waters are accessible from the campsite. However, it is important to note that Arctic graylings are slow-growing fish and are susceptible to overfishing, so practice catch-and-release fishing with this beautiful part of the ecosystem. Additionally, keep in mind that land ownership in this area varies, and be careful not to trespass. However, if you are fishing or boating, you can legally travel the length of the river and the banks up to the high water mark without breaking the law.

Wildlife Viewing

A lot of people travel to Alaska simply to observe the wildlife, and there is plenty to see at this campsite. Campers may glimpse grizzly bears, red foxes, and caribou in the area. Taking to the skies, gyrfalcons, long-tailed jaegers, and raptors are commonly seen birds in the area. In addition, campers might see moose, black bears, hawk owls, and spruce grouse in the spruce forests. Waterfowl and mammals are also available for observation, and some will even pose for photographs.

Picnicking

The 22 sites are spread out over several sections, all of which have picnic tables for campers to use. However, they are all uncovered and so are not suitable for all weather. Near the picnic table areas are garbage and recycling spots as well as restroom facilities and a space to fill up on potable water.

Denali Highway

Brushkana Creek Campground is one of two BLM campsites on the famed Denali Highway, a 134-mile paved and gravel road that leads travelers through the interior of Alaska. On some maps, Denali Highway is also referred to as Highway 8, and Brushkana Creek Campground is located at Milepost 104. This route begins in Paxson and ends in Cantwell, and it features amazing Alaskan scenery with plenty of spots to pull off, fish, hike, and explore.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at Brushkana Creek Campground. Most of the sites are RV accessible although the campground doesn't offer any sort of hook-ups, so other than water, you will be using whatever stores you bring with you on your trip.

Free Camping

There are no Bureau of Land Management free camping sites nearby. However, there are plenty of pull-offs along Denali Highway that are suitable for camping.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Brushkana Creek Campground BLM trip

Since Brushkana Creek Campground is one of two BLM sites along the Denali Highway, RVers can get to it from either the Paxson direction, which is about 104 miles away, or the Cantwell direction, which is around 30 miles away. This site and the highway are fairly remote, so make sure to stock up on supplies in either of those cities. There is one grill and several spots for campfires, so it's possible to bring food to grill.

Given that the roads in and out are mostly gravel or dirt, it's wise to have both the supplies and the knowledge to deal with things such as spare tires on your RV just in case. Also, given that this site is in Alaska, the roads in and out of Brushkana Creek Campground are only open from May to September, so if you're going around the beginning or end of the season, it might be worth calling ahead to check that the roads are passable. Of course, make sure that all of your gear and equipment is appropriate for the weather conditions based on when you'll be there, and definitely plan for bugs in the summer months.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping. Brushkana Creek Campground offers a great place to spend a few days or weeks exploring this amazing wild area while you have some basic amenities offered. Spending time in nature while having an RV is the best of both worlds.

Leave No Trace

Whether you're planning to stay at Brushkana or if you have decided to look for another BLM camping option, it's important to practice habits and strategies of "Leave No Trace" camping, which has been designed to minimize the impact that visitors have on the land and wildlife. Most of these practices are related to being respectful of the land by packing in and packing out waste if there aren't appropriate disposal options or properly utilizing the options made available. Camping on durable services and in established campsites helps minimize damage to wild flora and fauna, and as tempting as it may be to pluck a flower or grab a leaf as a souvenir, leave things as you find them. Respecting wildlife for your safety and theirs is crucial as is managing campfires properly and securing all foodstuffs in accordance with local guidance.