Waterfall camping near Mosquito Lake with campfires
Itching to visit Mosquito Lake? Here are the area’s best camping and outdoor activities.
- Mosquito Lake
Popular camping styles for Mosquito Lake
Top waterfall campgrounds near mosquito lake with campfires
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterfall camping near Mosquito Lake with campfires guide
Overview
Mosquito Lake is a peaceful alpine lake at the base of the Takshanuk Mountains in the Chilkat River Valley. Well off the beaten path, the Mosquito Lake Recreation Site is just 40 minutes from the city of Haines and makes for a great basecamp to explore the coastal mountains and temperate rainforests of the northern Alaskan Panhandle. There are numerous opportunities to boat and fish on the local waterways in the Mosquito Lake area, including the Chilkat River and the Chilkat Inlet. Mountain hiking is accessible in nearby peaks, and local parks preserve glaciers, bald eagles, and wide swaths of Alaska wilderness.
Where to go
Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is just 15 minutes from Mosquito Lake. This state park spans more than 49,000 acres and is said to have the world’s largest concentration of Bald Eagles in October and November when several thousand of the raptors congregate here to feast on salmon.
Chilkat River
The coho salmon run on the Chilkat River starts in September and peaks in October. There are also a handful of outfitters in Haines that lead river rafting trips on the Chilkat during summer.
Chilkat State Park
Chilkat State Park lies south of Haines at the southern tip of the Chilkat Peninsula. It features beach access, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Davidson Glacier across the waters of the Chilkat Inlet. Experienced kayakers (or those willing to book a plane) may want to extend their adventure out to the Chilkat Islands State Marine Park.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Air taxis run from Haines to the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, where campers can see some of the most rugged glacial and mountain wilderness in Alaska. Alternatively, ferry from Juneau to Gustavus and base your park visit from there.
When to go
Mosquito Lake experiences dramatic changes in day length and temperatures between summer and winter. In late June, the sun is in the sky for 18 hours and average high temps are in the mid-60s. In mid-December, there is just 6.5 hours of sun, with average highs of 30°F and lows of 20°F.
