Camping near Big Lake

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

92% (118 reviews)
  1. Big Lake
92% (118 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near Big Lake

96%
(45)

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.
Potable water
Toilets
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Trash
from 
$35
 / night
100%
(14)

Jim Creek Blank Land

30 sites · RVs13 acres · Palmer, AK
Welcome to Jim Creek 10 — Voted Runner-Up for Best Campground! Escape to raw, open Alaska for just $12/night. This spacious, untouched land is located in the beautiful Butte area of Palmer, right off Walling Road (address: 18748 Walling Rd). No signs, no frills—just you and the wild. Camp your way: • Choose your perfect spot—under the trees, in the open grass, or tucked into your own little hideaway. • Self-contained rigs are welcome (RV, camper, van, tent). • No hookups, no amenities. Just nature. • Pack it in, pack it out—please take all trash with you. What makes it special: • Direct access to Jim Creek ATV trails—ride straight from your site! • Excellent nearby fishing and wildlife spotting—moose are regular guests. • No designated pads—freedom to roam and set up as you like. • Campfires allowed, unless there’s an active State fire ban. Why stay here? Tired of paying $100 a night for hookups you don’t need? This land gives you freedom, space, and an unbeatable price. Perfect for off-grid adventurers, ATV enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore the Jim Creek area on their own terms.
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$11.04
 / night
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..
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$65
 / night

Other options near Big Lake

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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.