Camping near Big Lake

Under an hour from Anchorage, Big Lake camping is all about water adventures.

91% (105 reviews)

United States
—
Alaska
—
Big Lake

91% (105 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Big Lake

Community favorites near Big Lake

Public campgrounds near Big Lake

You can camp at the campgrounds near the lake, but the mountain sheep herds at the top, plus this view...it's worth the effort to hike up.

100%

(2)

Eklutna Lake Campground

61 sites · RVs, Tents In Chugach State Park

At the end of the trail and up the left mountain side is Gold Mint Hut. A perfect getaway!

100%

(2)

Gold Mint Trailhead

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Hatcher Pass Management Area

100%

(1)

South Rolly Lake Campground

98 sites · RVs, Tents In Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

the sky gave us a bit of a smile on our last night here

100%

(1)

Eagle River Campground

57 sites · RVs, Tents In Chugach State Park

100%

(2)

Bird Creek Campground

28 sites · RVs, Tents In Chugach State Park

100%

(2)

Porcupine Campground

34 sites · RVs, Tents In Chugach National Forest

100%

(1)

Crow Pass Cabin

1 site In Chugach National Forest

Nancy Lake Canoe Trail Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

Nancy Lake State Recreation Site Campground

30 sites · RVs, Tents In Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

Government Peak Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents In Hatcher Pass Management Area

Coeur D'Alene Campground

6 sites In Chugach National Forest

Stories from the community

Weekend Trip to Willow AK Glamp & Camp

Absolutely wonderful and just what we needed. Everything was set up and great. We are used to an outhouse, a fire pit, and getting a sauna fire going (for the hot tub) so it was fantastic to have a piping hot hot tub with coffee in the morning! To hear the birds overhead and the wood frogs emerging this time of year was such a great natural oasis. We loved this for breaking up our drive from working all day in Anchorage, hike in Denali, then home to Fairbanks. Def recommend!

Pam

March 2025

2 nights at Little Bear Wilderness Retreat

Shelley was very responsive and flexible. The cabin itself was cozy and included all the basics.

1 night at Willow AK Glamp & Camp

Place was fine, a little out of the way, but thats no issue. They messed up and keot tent camping on when they were supposee to remove it but allowed me to stay anyway while providing all the normal amnesties

Top camping destinations

The gentle trail hugs the water’s edge for a mile upstream, continuing over a small wood bridge and returns in the same fashion on the other side. Look up to spot wildlife in the rocky outcrops on both sides of the valley.

Denali National Park & Preserve

55 campgrounds

Chugach National Forest

12 top campgrounds near Big Lake

96%

(14)

Creekside Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Willow, AK

We are a small, family-run campground in the heart of Willow, AK just off the Parks Highway FEATURING 🔌Electric - 30 and 50 amp 💧 Water fill up available from our well 🌳 Gravel and natural forest sites both suitable for RVs or tents 🔥 Picnic tables and fire pits at each site 🚿 Shower house with toilet and hot water shower 🏞️ A relaxing, babbling creek 🐾 Minutes away from downtown Willow, including the start of the Iditarod and the entrance to Hatcher Pass. We have fresh cut firewood available and offer a common gazebo area with a table, camp chairs, and large charcoal grill. Our family lives on site and is available for anything you may need during your stay.

80%

(5)

Clean Forest type camping

40 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Wasilla, AK

Learn more about this land:Family friendly our campground is called houston grass station campground and is located right next to the alaska railroad watch it go by wile you camp see you here thanks

Booked 9 times

Talkeetna Lake Retreat

13 sites · RVs15 acres · Talkeetna, AK

Escape the daily grind and indulge in a delightful retreat with us. Welcome to our evolving Alaskan campground – a work in progress that promises a unique experience. Situated on 15 acres, our property offers kayak use included in stay, wifi work area, showers, restrooms, scenic cross-country walking paths, and an optional hot tub and or sauna add on to reservation. With 11 dry RV pads complemented by picnic tables, you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort. Additionally, there's a grocery store, Subway, coffee shop, and gas station within walking distance, ensuring convenience and variety during your stay. You must be able to open and close a gate to enter or exit the property. Discover the Talkeetna Lake Retreat!

100%

(9)

Little Bear Wilderness Retreat

2 sites · Lodging13 acres · Talkeetna, AK

Here at Little Bear Cabins 30 minutes from Talkeetna, Alaska and Willow youll find a working off grid homestead with privacy and nature everywhere. Offering guided Alaskan plant walks and more! Private cabins with a wandering creek to explore with kayaks or skis as well as bikes all included ! Late fall its filled with salmon and trout. World class fly fishing all around you! Winter time the Northern lights will dance over you! With many trails to wander along and a bridge to view or swim. Summer or winter .. The birds here are like no other located in the migrating route of the predatory birds. You'll find nests all along the creek of rare birds.. Each cabin is private and has a firepit fridge and potable water provided . There are groomed ski trails and walking trails for guests with kayaks and bike to use during your stay .I offer guided walks of the garden and In the forest to learn about the edible and medicinal plants of Alaska. You will find stillness and nature all around you..

95%

(44)

Lulu's Glamping on the Knik River

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Palmer, AK

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Located on the river's edge of the Knik River in Palmer, Alaska, our glamping tents offer a unique experience. Unplug, unwind and kickback in our Stout canvas style bell tents. Each tent is stylishly outfitted with a queen size bed, linens, rugs, stylish decor and other amenities. You also will have your own smokeless Solo Stove with seating for two outside your tent. Only 45 minutes north of Anchorage, our location boasts incredible views with access to all things outdoor! There are shared porta toilets with foot pump sinks with soap for hand washing on site. There is one on demand outdoor shower! We have an outdoor kitchen with a BBQ grill, pots, pans, dishes, silverware, salt, pepper and other items for guest use. Half of the property is an adult glamping experience. Half of the property allows children, as long as you understand that we are located right on the river and children should be supervised. Our property is the perfect basecamp with easy access to hiking for all abilities; Bodenburg Butte, Lazy Mountain, Pioneer Peek and Pioneer Falls. Located right on the Knik River we can help you plan a day of fishing, kayaking or riverboat touring. Other local activities include ATV rentals, glacier helicopter tours, exploring the town of Palmer, the Alaska State Fair, a trip to the Reindeer Farm, Independence Mine State Historical Park, the Musk Ox Farm, horseback riding, touring our breweries, enjoying the local golf course, sled dog tours and so much more! Although we love pets, in order to keep tents clean and odor fee, pets are not allowed without permission. No smoking 🚭 Check in 4pm Check out 11am We ask that shoes be removed before enter the tent.

Alaska's Best Rentals

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Houston, AK

Gravel pad with fire pits, picnic tables, tucked away in a beautiful white birch forest—a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Big fire pits perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the night sky. Surrounded by over a half dozen lakes that allow boats and floating toys, and most are great for swimming on warm, sunny days. We also have a camper on site for rent that can be seen here: https://www.airbnb.com/h/budgetcamperak Check us out on https://AlaskasBestRentals.com or Google us for more.

100%

(13)

Hideaway Camp (Single Camp Spot!)

1 site · RV3 acres · Anchorage, AK

My wife and I have a single quiet spot on our peaceful wooded property on the Anchorage hillside on 3 acres. We can accommodate short duration stays of 1-4 days. We have household power and potable water available. We do NOT have an RV dump, although you can dump for free at the Holiday gas station about 10 minutes from the site. We have bear spray and bells available to loan at no charge! We have four dogs, and your quiet well behaved dogs are welcome. Depending on where you park you'll be able to access 1gb wifi from our house.

100%

(2)

The Glacier Breeze

2 sites · Lodging, RVs4 acres · Palmer, AK

The Glacier Breeze is located in Alaska’s beautiful Knik River Valley surrounded by breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains. With the numerous adventures that you can take in the Knik River and Matsu areas, it makes for a perfect base camp. The property also makes for a great beginning or ending of your Alaskan trip with it being conveniently located a short hour drive from Anchorage. Why be in the city when you can be emersed in Alaska!

Jim Creek Blank Land

30 sites · RVs13 acres · Palmer, AK

This is blank land in the Buette area of Palmer, Alaska. No signs except for the address sign. Make your own spot. No amenities. Please take your own trash out. Enjoy your stay for just $10 a night. Near Jim Creek. Great fishing. A lot of trails for 4X4s and riding ATVs. Come park your car, camper, RV etc and enjoy Alaskan life at Jim Creek Blank land.

100%

(4)

Willow AK Glamp & Camp

2 sites · Tents4 acres · Willow, AK

You can cozy up to a nice camp fire and enjoy the peace and quiet of the woods. The property is surrounded by trees with a large gravelled area for lots of parking. We have playground equipment for kids and spaces for dogs to explore. There are lots of nice areas to go walking/exploring on site or you can get to many fantastic rivers and lakes within a few miles. The northern lights are amazing out here in the Fall.

Booked 1 time

Wasilla Woods

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Wasilla, AK

Wasilla Woods is located in the heart of Wasilla on a wooded, semi-private one- acre lot. The host house sits on the cleared part of the lot, adjoined by a great campsite for Alaska visitors on the other side. Our guests access the property from their own wooded driveway, keeping plenty of privacy between the two spaces. Guests have use of a fire pit and approximately 70x40 feet of camping space on the far side of the fire pit, away from the house. Pets are welcome as long as they are leashed. This camp site does not furnish water, electricity, or sewer access. Tents, RVs, campers, and tiny houses are welcome.

Booked 6 times

Historic Wharfsite at Sunrise AK

11 sites · Tents10 acres · Sunrise, AK

Learn more about this land: Sixmile Creek empties into Turnagain Arm next to this picturesque area. River rafting and fishing is nearby as well as the goldrush town of Hope just eight miles away. High tides twice a day can turn this into an island if they are over 29 feet. This property is about a half mile walk down a gold-rush era road to the wharf site of the gold rush town of Sunrise City. The buildings and tents of the approximately 10,000 miners who lived in this area are long gone. But the scenic views, peacefulness and quiet of this rugged area of south central Alaska are not soon forgotten. There are no paved trails or boardwalks. No crowds or hot dog vendors. Imagine fishing without crowds--catching pink and silver salmon or trout with awesome views of the Chugach National Forest. Don't expect amenities. This is camping outdoors in Alaska. There is a communal firepit with a portable firepit and grill that can be moved to whereever you set up your tent. Usually your group will be alone on your adventure here. There is nothing like this location anywhere else along Turnagain Arm.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Hatcher Pass Management Area

Fishhook, Alaska

100%

(1)

Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

Big Lake, Alaska

96%

(47)

Chugach National Forest

Tatitlek, Alaska

Other options near Big Lake

Palmer / Anchorage North KOA Journey

43 sites1 acre · Palmer, AK

Nestled in the heart of Alaska, Palmer/Anchorage North KOA stands out as a unique campground that combines easy access to essential amenities with breathtaking views of the pristine wilderness. Open year-round, this campground serves as your ultimate gateway to a variety of unforgettable camping adventures. Experience the majestic Matanuska Glacier, where you can marvel at its stunning beauty, or take scenic hikes in the picturesque Hatcher Pass. For those interested in the rich cultural heritage of the area, the Palmer Museum of History and Art offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past. With our campground as your base, nature lovers can truly immerse themselves in the essence of Alaska. Conveniently located along the route to Denali and just a short 1-mile detour from the Canadian highway, Tok is often the first welcoming point in Alaska after crossing the border. This charming town is the perfect stopover on your journey, providing a wealth of amenities and services to ensure a seamless travel experience. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for exploration, including hiking trails and wildlife viewing. Your Alaskan camping adventure begins here, with Palmer/Anchorage North KOA serving as your ideal launchpad for a multitude of exciting activities. Discover the rugged beauty of the Matanuska Glacier, delve into the

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Susitna Landing, Kashwitna River Public Use Facility Boat Launch and Campground

1 siteWillow, AK

Nestled at the stunning confluence of the Kashwitna and Susitna rivers, this picturesque campground offers breathtaking views of Mount Denali, making it a truly unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Its prime location along the Parks Highway attracts a diverse crowd, including anglers, wildlife watchers, hunters, and campers seeking adventure in the great Alaskan wilderness. The campground features a total of sixty-nine campsites, with fifty-two designated for non-electric camping and seventeen equipped with electric hookups, accommodating both RV and tent campers. Visitors can enjoy a variety of amenities designed to enhance their experience, including a convenient boat launch and parking area, day-use parking, fish cleaning tables, a picnic shelter, vault latrines, and accessible water sources (note that water is not available for filling RV tanks). Whether you're looking to cast a line, explore the surrounding wildlife, or simply relax in nature, this campground serves as an ideal base for your outdoor activities. With its stunning scenery and well-maintained facilities, it promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Pets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Big Lake guide

Overview

You don’t have to stray far from Anchorage to find wild places. Roughly one hour north of Anchorage, Big Lake features a long shoreline, big mountain views, and access to trails and wilderness that make it a prime camping destinations. While some of the waterfront is dotted with private residences, Big Lake also offers public recreation areas, parks, and camping set along the more than 60 miles of . With more than 60 miles of shoreline.

Where to go

Big Lake North State Recreation Site

Big Lake North State Recreation Site has plenty of space with 60 campsites and no limit on RV size. Campers can stay for up to seven days, and many do thanks to the convenience of the toilets and ADA facilities. The nearby Big Lake South State Recreation Site is slightly smaller with 20 campsites, but its boat launch makes it an excellent area for fishing, swimming, and more outdoor fun. Both sites are perfect for Big Lake campers.

Rocky Lake State Recreation Site

The RV-friendly Rocky Lake State Recreation Site offers 50 acres of lakefront access, though motor restrictions are in place to keep the area quiet and serene. Consider a Rocky Lake camping trip for a fishing getaway—just know the site enforces a 30-foot limit on RVs.

Denali National Park

While in Big Lake, take a trip to Denali National Park, only three hours north. Stop in Talkeetna on the way to take a flightseeing tour over the Alaska Range, then head to the park for hiking and wildlife watching. Denali is popular during the summer months, but winter has plenty of action for dog sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

When to go

Big Lake is the perfect summer destination thanks to the water perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. Take advantage of the long summer days and grab a jet ski or fishing boat while you camp or park an RV on the lake. Summer is the most crowded time of year, but with plenty of public access, you shouldn’t have issues finding a nice campsite. Although the water freezes in winter, this is still a beautiful time at Big Lake. The open space is conducive to dog sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing, though the cold weather limits camping options.