Lakeside camping in Alaska

With miles of glacier-fringed coastline, rambling fjords and rivers, and a staggering 3 million lakes—more than any other state—campers won't have to look far to find a lakeside pitch in Alaska. Cruise into Lake Clark National Park and Preserve to hike, fish, and paddle, before snagging one of the first-come, first-served campsites, or bring your boat or kayak to the primitive campgrounds at Kenai Lake in Chugach National Forest. Late May through September provides the best weather for lake camping in Alaska, and this is prime fishing season, too. Head to Wonder Lake within the Denali National Park & Preserve, Eklutna Lake at Chugach State Park, or Iliamna Lake, Alaska's largest lake, to catch your fill of trout, salmon, and halibut. In winter, check into a cozy cabin by Mendenhall Lake and enjoy glacier hikes, dog sled rides, and ice fishing in the Tongass National Forest.