Savage River campground and shuttle bus
 

We will be arriving in Denali in mid-August and have reservations at Savage River (we are renting an RV) for a few nights. We also have 6 a.m. reservations for the shuttle bus into Denali the day after we get there. The reservations person told me that we can wait at our campground and the shuttle will pick us up around 6:30 a.m. I asked her if it were better for us to catch the bus at the entrance to get better seats and she said that may a better option. My questions:

1) Should we then stay at Riley Creek the night before our shuttle and then camp at Savage River the next few nights? This will save us the trip of driving to the front entrance from Savage River to catch the shuttle.
2) Is it a bad idea to wait for the shuttle at the Savage River campground since the better seats might already be taken? I heard that the left seats going out are better.
Thank you for your help.

Denali is a beautiful place.I just got back from Alaska and also rented a motorhome. If I could of I would of stayed at Denali more then the one day we did. (Majority rules, I was with other people) Savage river campground isn't too far from the entrance. If I were you I would just wait at the Savage river campground and wait for the shuttle bus to pick you up. Chances are the bus won't be that full that early in the morning.The left side of the bus is the side with the better view but you can see from either side. We were on the right side going out to Eielson and spotted Caribou and Dall Sheep on our side.You can get off the bus anywhere and hike. We stayed on until Eielson then hiked for a couple hours then took a different bus back where we were on the left side. We spotted a grizzly on the left on the way back. All in all the view is great from every seat.Hope this helps, have fun.

I would definately get on the shuttle bus at the visitor center. In mid August the bus will likely be full but even if it is not- you will then want single seats across from each other and certainly not left over seats. I wouldn't bother staying at Riley Creek - it is only a 12 mile drive back to the visitor center- a 15+ min trip on the paved road. Especially in Savage River- get to your campground early the first day to have the best selection of level sites. By afternoon they are usually gone and at Riley Creek they are gone by late afternoon. There are plenty of less desirable sites in my opinion. I've gone on the shuttles many times and no I don't agree that the left side is "better", best instead is as I mention above- sit across from each other for full access to both sides. Nothing much worse than leaning over 2 strangers on a full bus. :)

Thank you for all your responses - they are very helpful.

If we drive to the visitor center, I understand we lose our camping site since we have an RV. Can we leave some lawn chairs to indicate that the site is taken? We are staying for 3 nights in Savage River.

Verify about your spot??? , I have only stayed at Riley Creek and they have posts that you place your permit in, thus- "saving" your spot for the duration. Call them directly and inquire.

Thanks for your response, and I did call them prior to posting my question and the rep said that yes, I will lose my spot because I am leaving my campsite without anything on it. Honestly, I don't think he was very knowledgeable; I believe he was mistaken or just uninformed. Your reply on the permit makes a lot more sense. Thank you again.