Byers Lake Campground

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.

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 :)

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.

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 😂.

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.

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!

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.

Rustic

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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