Nancy Lake State Recreation Site, near Willow, Alaska, is a fantastic spot for families and friends looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With its close proximity to the lake, you can easily spend your days fishing, swimming, or just soaking up the sun along the shore.

The campground offers a variety of sites, including options for tents, RVs, and cabins. Visitors appreciate the clean bathrooms and the availability of firewood, making it easy to gather around the campfire at night. One camper noted, “This is a great spot to take your younger kids to teach them the basics,” highlighting the family-friendly atmosphere.

For those who love to explore, there are trails nearby that lead to beautiful forested areas and scenic views of the lake. The lack of motorized boats on the water means you can paddle in peace and enjoy the local wildlife without the noise of wakes. Just be prepared for some pesky bugs, as a few campers mentioned bringing bug spray or nets to keep them at bay.

With its welcoming vibe and natural beauty, Nancy Lake State Recreation Site is a solid choice for a weekend getaway or a longer stay. Whether you're here to relax or embark on outdoor adventures, this campground has plenty to offer.

★ ADA Facility - No
★ 36 Acres
★ 30 Campsites
★ No RV size limit
★ Camping Limit - 15 days
★ Toilets
★ Water
★ Picnic sites (15)
★ Picnic Shelter
★ Boat Launch

Nancy Lake State Recreation Site

Willow is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Willow and user-submitted reviews.

Willow

The Best Camping Near Willow, Alaska

this is an enjoyable little campground only about 25 miles from Wasilla, AK.  The campground is right by Nancy Lake, which offers a recreation area and in the summer the lake is warm enough for swimming.  It also offers two boat launches for those campers with boats and is a fun little lake to cruise around on.  We often go there with our boat just on day trips.  Wonderfully friendly camp host this summer (2016) and good facilities.  Great place for a close camping weekend getaway.

Quiet Lake Campground

Being born and raised in Alaska, I am disappointed in myself for only going to Nancy Lake for the first time in 2018. This is such a cool lake and very shapely. Lots of coves to explore as well as beautiful lake front homes to day dream about. 

We spent a whole day enjoying the water, fishing and exploring. The camp spots are conveniently located next to the launch as well. 

The restrooms were very well kept which is also a bonus when camping! 

Coves and Critters

Lake access, picnic area, trails, pretty forest areas , host, no pull through sites however so large rigs may be tight.  In my video I accidentally state no motorized boats on the lake but yes they are allowed. Bear proof trash. FCFS, firewood 8 and 2 for 15

Lake Beauty


Like all State Recreation site it has all the basics, the campsites are spaced out which is nice.  Not sure the reason but this campground was buggier than the South Rolly lake one, which I would go to first given the choice.  But if that campground is full this is a great one to fall back on.  Bring bug dope or a netted awning which I just got, worth the money if you are planning on doing lots of camping or have kids who already complain that you drag them camping.
 
Cell Service: no
Internet: no
2020 Cost: $20
Distance from Anchorage: 76 miles
Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 7

Only if S Rolly is full

I really enjoy this campground.  My dog got a tick here (yes a tick) 15 years ago when I stayed here so I have been coming for many years.  The close proximity to the lake is nice.  This is not a motorized sport lake or float planes landing that I have ever seen means you can paddle out without worrying about other peoples wakes.  It also lets you float silently and gives you better opportunities to get some great views of the local wildlife. 
 
This is a large 98 site campground with all different sized spots including Premium spots (bigger /close to the water). 
 
Cell Service: spotty
Internet: no
2020 Cost: $20 - $25
Distance from Anchorage: 76 miles
Best sites: A2, A8, A20, A22, A26, A24
Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 4-7 depending on weather

Love this campground

great place to bring family and friends for a day/night out in the outdoors. close the lake and trails. spaces are a bit close but some people prefer that! 

great campgrounds

Weather
Highs in upper 70s
Lows in the lower 50s
Loop 1 site 1
Bathrooms were clean
Dumpster for trash
“No host or firewood”

This is a great spot to take your younger kids to teach them the basics. Were new to the area so really just learning AK. But this was a great spot for a 5&amp;4 YO. Not to much in and out traffic and plenty for them to just explore and learn close to camp.  You can walk around the other parts of campground as a hike and lead down to the water that has a really small area to play

Skeeters weren’t terrible between the fire, bug spray and bug room we were just fine and came out with minimal bites

You can procure firewood from woods

Photos of Nancy Lake State Recreation Site

Real photos from real campers