Camper submitted image from Byers Lake Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Byers Lake Campground - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Byers Lake Campground - 3
People
Camper submitted image from Byers Lake Campground - 4
Roads
Camper submitted image from Byers Lake Campground - 5
Facilities
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Byers Lake Campground

Byers Lake Campground, near Trapper Creek, Alaska, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some essential comforts. With nearly 100 campsites featuring picnic tables and fire rings, it’s a great place to kick back and soak in the stunning surroundings.

This campground is known for its beautiful lake, which offers easy access for fishing, swimming, and paddling. Visitors have highlighted the availability of kayak and canoe rentals, making it simple to explore the waters. As one camper noted, “The lake is gorgeous and has a trail to hike around it,” providing a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

While the campground doesn’t have showers, it does offer clean vault toilets and a well for water, though it’s recommended to treat or boil it before drinking. The sites are spacious, allowing for a bit of privacy, and many campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere, especially during the week. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with plenty of recreational opportunities, Byers Lake Campground is definitely worth a visit.

Description

Denali State Park is an integral part of one of North America's most spectacularly beautiful regions. The park's 325,240 acres, almost one-half the size of Rhode Island, provide the visitor with a great variety of recreational opportunities, ranging from roadside camping to wilderness exploration. The park is about 100 air miles north of Anchorage and is divided roughly in half by the George Parks Highway, the major road link between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Situated between the Talkeetna Mountains to the east and the Alaska Range to the west, the landscape varies from meandering lowland streams to alpine tundra. Dominating this diverse terrain are Curry and Kesugi Ridges, a 35 mile-long north/south alpine ridge, the backbone of the eastern half of the park.
"Kesugi" is a Tanaina Indian dialect word meaning "The Ancient One" and is a fitting complement of the Tanana Indian word "Denali" which means "The High One". At 20,320 feet, Denali is North America's highest peak. It literally and figuratively towers over Southcentral Alaska from its base in Denali National Park.
Denali State Park was established in 1970 and expanded to its present size in 1976. Its western boundary is shared with its much larger neighbor, Denali National Park and Preserve, formerly Mt. McKinley National Park.

  • The use and discharge of a weapon for the purpose of lawful hunting or trapping is allowed in Denali State Park, except within one-half mile of a developed facility or the trail around the shoreline of Byers Lake, or within a quarter-mile of the Parks Highway between Mile 132 and Mile 170.

  • The use of fixed wing aircraft is allowed in Denali State Park west of the Parks Highway and on Ermine Lake. Practice landings are not allowed. A person may land a helicopter in Denali State Park only if authorized by the director.

  • The use of motorized boats is allowed in Denali State Park. If a motorized boat is used on Byers Lake, the boat may only be powered by an electric motor. The Tokositna River upstream from Pirate Lake is closed to the use of airboats between April 20 and July 10 annually unless authorized by the director. Jet skis and hovercraft are prohibited, except on the Susitna River.

  • Open fires are allowed on the gravel bars in and along the Chulitna, Susitna, and Tokositna Rivers or confined to a structure provided by the division for fires.

  • The use of horses, mules, and burros is allowed in Denali State Park, except for the following areas: designated campgrounds; Byers Lake Trail; Troublesome Creek Trail; Little Coal Creek Trail; Ermine Hill Trail; that portion of Denali State Park south of the township line between T29N and T30N, Seward Meridian; west of the range line between R4W and R5W, Seward Meridian; and east of the George Parks Highway.

  • The use of horses, mules, and burros in Denali State Park is subject to the following conditions: a group using 10 or more animals must obtain authorization from the director under 11 AAC 18.0 10 before entering the state park; tethering horses, mules, and burros within 100 feet of fresh water is prohibited; loose herding of animals is prohibited.

  • Recreational gold panning is allowed in Denali State Park only if the following conditions are met: no motorized equipment is used; only a gold pan or a shovel, or both, may be used; and no chemicals are used.

  • Recreational gold panning in Denali State Park may be conducted on an anadromous fish stream only between May 16 and July 14 annually.

  • For the purpose of recreational gold panning, a person may not extract or disturb natural materials above the ordinary high water line or where live vegetative matter exists in Denali State Park.

  • The use of bicycles in Denali State Park is allowed only on designated trails west of the Parks Highway and on the Byers Lake Loop Trail.

  • Highly popular, campers are encouraged to arrive as early as possible in the day, or reserve sites in advance. Overflow parking is usually available.

The Disabled U.S. Veteran Camping Pass is valid for free camping in all state park campgrounds, subject to all other park rules and stay limits. Passes must be properly displayed and the veteran must be physically present in the campsite each night for the pass to be honored. Second vehicles that can fit within the same defined parking space or site are exempted from paying additional camping fees. The pass is NOT valid for any Reservation Transaction Fees charged for reserving campsites.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Byers Lake Campground is located in Alaska

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located at Milepost 134.5 George Parks Highway (Route 3), approximately 92 miles north of Wasilla; 222 miles south of Fairbanks Note: Byers Lake Campground is at Mile 147 George Parks Highway.

Address

Mile 147
Trapper Creek, AK 99683

Coordinates

62.74749759 N
150.12160775 W

Open in Google Maps

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Drive Time


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

59%
30%
12%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

17 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 12, 2022

A Best Kept Secret Near Denali National Park!

Some of the best views of the tallest mountain in North America can be seen from hiking within Denali State Park, rather than the National Park itself.  We are so glad that we got this advice from our cousins before heading to Alaska!

The Byers Lake campground has nearly 100 campsites, offering the usual tent pad, picnic table and fire ring in a lovely setting. Vault toilets are close at hand in each loop, but the only well pump is located at the front of the campground, near the automatic pay station (credit card). None of the campsites offered electrical hook ups, so bring your solar panels.  The park has recently thinned the trees within the camping area, and we were able to charge our system by simply putting our portable solar panel out into the open. 

Another thing about Alaskan State Parks is that they all recommend that you boil, treat or filter the well water. This probably means that they haven’t had the water tested so user beware. We were here during the last week of July and though we did run into mosquito areas along our hikes, they weren’t a bother in the campground though –- not sure if they spray. 

Hiking, paddling and fishing on Byers Lake are easy to access. A seasonal adventure operator rents kayaks and canoes and offers rafting experiences on the nearby rivers. We saw our best views of the tall peaks about halfway up the Cascade trail, which was moderately difficult but easy to follow. This would also make a great start or end to an overnight backpacking experience along the Cascade trail. 

One of the best things about this campground is that it rarely, if ever, fills to capacity. While you can make a reservation, there is no need to– it even says this on their website, they have overflow spaces and can almost always accommodate everyone. So, if you have the time and you don’t get the weather window to join the 30% of visitors who get a view of the mountain, stick around for a few days to increase your chances. 

Nearby services are in the town of Cantwell to the north or Talkeetna to the south.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Shari  G., October 12, 2022
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Shari  G., October 12, 2022
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Shari  G., October 12, 2022
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Sep. 10, 2021

Lack of privacy

Lack of privacy in the first subdivision of sites. Beautiful trail down to the lake though. Would be interested in renting a public cabin and hiking to the remote sites. Appreciate the pet designated trail :)

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2020

Great stop for the night

All spots are good bit there are some pull throughs for larger rigs. They are dispersed but the lack of trees in the area means you can still see the neighboring camp sites. Bathrooms were clean but there is no trash pick up so you will have to pack out your own trash.

  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Tanya B., September 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Tanya B., September 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Tanya B., September 6, 2020
  • (17) View All
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2019

Words can’t describe

But I’ll do my best. We went for a drive today and found that wonderful camp ground unfortunately we did not get to say there because of trees that needed to be worked on. But you can bet we are going to be going back and staying there it was a cute little place beautiful lake and I can’t wait tell we get to see it all. It was just a bit windy and the boat dock was rocking but that’s because we have never been on a floating boat dock before 😂.

  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Melissa F., June 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Melissa F., June 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Melissa F., June 3, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2018

scenic lake

the lake is near the sites but most are not on the lake. there is a dock and entrance for launching canoes or kayaks. we stayed in a dry cabin. It had a bed platform and built in table and several chairs. the porch had a roof which was nice when it rains. reservations can be made online. there are pit toilets and pump water.

  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by elaine M., August 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by elaine M., August 22, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2018

Quiet spot with lots of recreational opportunities

Beautiful lake with lots of camp spots and 3 public use cabins.

Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the lake from Denali Southside River Guides www.denaliriverguides.com

Great lake for fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing (trumpeter swans, black bears, moose). The loop trail around the lake is a great short day hike, with a few cool bridges. From this trail you can connect to Kesugi ridge trail.

There's no view of Denali from the campground or cabins 1 & 3, but the hike to the east side of the lake does, as well as cabin #2

Cabins are also great for winter aurora viewing!

  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Robin F., August 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Robin F., August 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Robin F., August 13, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2018

Beautiful Lake

if you have read any of my reviews, it may be apparent that we prefer the campgrounds without many conveniences. Byres Lake is one. The roads are full of potholes and nothing is very close, but if you like it that way, this is a great place. the fishing is good. Boat rentals available.
The weekends are busy but very quiet during the week. Many people were swimming in the lake.

  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Pam W., August 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Pam W., August 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Pam W., August 9, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2018

Wonderful stop on the way to Denali

Multiple first come, first serve loops with spots for both tents and RVs. Reasonably priced ($20/night), picnic tables and fire rings, plenty of trees for hammocks, vault toilets, a water source, and close to the interstate. The lake is gorgeous and has a trail to hike around it.

SiteCranberry Loop, C3
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Emily G., August 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Emily G., August 7, 2018
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Absolutely amazing!

Incredible! Big spaces, clean bathrooms, really great large tent pads and long RV spots. Large space between each spot! Very secluded. Clean, well kept, each spot has a fire pit, sitting bench and picnic table. Lots of hiking trails. Public use cabins, boat rentals, dock and water access with life jackets. There is a trail that goes around the whole lake. This campground does not have cell service for GCI, maybe one bar with AT&T. I can’t say enough good things honestly, oh and it’s amazingly quiet. Worth the visit.

SiteA11
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2018

Anniversary Worthy

My husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary at Byers lake. It was early spring and we got to experience rain, snow, hail and sunshine all within two days.

We hiked up the ridge for amazing views, kayaked around the lake and saw swans and moose and had a peaceful weekend with one another.

Early in the spring the campground doesn’t get as full as other times so we felt like we had the place to ourselves.

We are so grateful for the parks and that we have such amazing places to visit and celebrate life.

  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Sierra  S., July 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Sierra  S., July 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Sierra  S., July 9, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2018

Perfect calm lake and mountain views

Bring your fishing gear! This canoground’s lake has a good supply of trout. Even found a greyling! The back country camp sites are in a remote walking distance. Plenty of sites year round with many hiking trails branching from the main trail head. Fire rings included in sites.

SiteAlder Loop
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Kayla A., July 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Kayla A., July 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Kayla A., July 3, 2018
Reviewed May. 2, 2018

Byers Lake

Large campground with plenty of choices to pitch tents or hook up rv. Clean facilities. Fire pits and picnic tables. Near lakes for canoe/kayak and plenty of hiking trails.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2017

alaska at it best

Had an amazing time here it would good to decompress after spending 5 days in Denali. Also we weren't able to get picture of denali when we were at the park it wasn't real clear. When we were here we able able to get some pics!!! which ill post we had a good time here. Still we enjoy the leave no trace smaller campgrounds.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Daniel S., October 11, 2017
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Daniel S., October 11, 2017
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Daniel S., October 11, 2017
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2016

Great for a Day Hike

I didn't sleep over night at this campground but we stopped here for lunch during our day hike.

This site has a beautiful view of Byers Lake and Denali. There are 70+ campsites and a few cabins you can rent for the night. There are picnic tables and firepits (we didn't use them since we packed a lunch) but this is a great spot to park and continue on for the day. Cascade Trail leaves from here and is a easy to moderate 2 mile hike.

We actually camped for the night in Talkeetna (about an hours drive) which is an awesome little town with great food, great bars and great camping. Add Moose Creek Campground guys! It is fantastic.

  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Eby H., August 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Eby H., August 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Eby H., August 30, 2016
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2016

Cabins & moose

Stayed in the cabins, they were on the rustic side but still relatively modern. This lake is incredible, the ranger even let us borrow his kayak. This site fills up every day and the privacy of the sites varies, but the scenery more than makes up for the relative lack of solitude.

Reviewed Jun. 14, 2016

Amazing views

My wife and I love to kayak this lake. It also boasts great fishing. There are cabins available to rent but they fill fast.

  • Review photo of Byers Lake Campground by Jonathan V., June 14, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Byers Lake Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Byers Lake Campground has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Byers Lake Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Byers Lake Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Byers Lake Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Byers Lake Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Byers Lake Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.