102 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Big Lake area of Alaska features several established campgrounds within short distances of the water, including Big Lake South State Recreation Site and Big Lake North State Rec Area. These campgrounds accommodate tent camping, RVs, and some offer cabin options. Most sites are managed by Alaska State Parks and provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The surrounding areas include Nancy Lake State Recreation Site, Rocky Lake State Recreation Site, and South Rolly Lake Campground, expanding the camping options within a 30-mile radius of Big Lake.
Camping season typically runs from May through September, though some sites like Big Lake South remain open year-round. Many campgrounds operate on reservation systems through Great Holidays Campgrounds, with reservations closing 48 hours before arrival, after which remaining spots become first-come, first-served. "This campground is available by reservation or walk/drive in. There are only about 10 campsites but a few of them have a terrific set up," noted one visitor about Rocky Lake State Recreation Site. Visitors should verify campground status before planning trips, as some facilities periodically close for maintenance.
Many campgrounds in the Big Lake area feature waterfront access, though the style and quality of campsites vary significantly. Several locations offer boat-in camping access, making them popular with water recreation enthusiasts. The camping experience at Big Lake South and North has been described as more of a "parking lot style" arrangement, with RV spots positioned close together. Reviews indicate mixed experiences regarding noise levels, with some campers reporting generator noise throughout the night and music playing until early morning hours. Those seeking more privacy may prefer smaller campgrounds like Rocky Lake with only 10 sites, though these fill quickly during summer weekends. Water activities represent the main attraction in the area, with options for fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, and swimming.
"Multiple trails travel along the campground and the river. Beautiful Alaskan experience right next to Alaska's largest city."
"Bring your fishing pole as you're close to the river. Enjoy what Alaska has to offer!"
"We stayed here using a pull through site, no power with a walking path directly to the lake. It ended up raining the whole weekend but was still a great trip."
"We were aiming for Nancy Lake Park and didn’t pull up our maps and found ourselves at South Rolly. This was a wonderful surprise! The campground has so many cool sites tucked away."
"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."
"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."
"This campground is available by reservation or walk/drive in. There are only about 10 campsites but a few of them have a terrific set up. This is quiet, small and right on the lake."
"Some sites have direct lake access, others more back into the trees. Camp sites are TIGHT- watched a few RVs and 5th wheels struggle into spots on the one way road. Bathrooms were well maintained."
"Trails to hike or play on the lake! This campground is situated with access to Eklunta Lake and boy is that perfect. Tons of campsites to choose from both double, single and handicapped."
"If you get there at the right time, there are a few sites with a view of the lake thru the trees. Requires a very short hike to get lakeside but the view is worth it."
from $5 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Right on the Susitna River and right next to Miller’s which has the best ice cream in Alaska. If you are looking to hook up to Electric and want an easy stop on the highway this is a great choice."
"Right off the parks Hwy before the Big Lake turn off. We chose #8 a beachfront site. #7 is wider for anyone trying to decide which one."
"Quiet nice sites next to a large pond. They made a nice sandy beach. Good location right off the highway but somehow quiet."
"Big Lake is so fun during all seasons (aside from breakup). We meet friends here frequently to ride jet skis, kayak, jet boat, swim, snowmachine, ski and most importantly enjoy each others company."
"Minutes away from the amenities of a small city. Not much privacy between spots but there are some trees. There’s a lake with some small walking trails which are nice in the morning."
"Great all around, Great Lake. Good trees."
from $20 - $40 / night
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GuideTent sites up to a few larger RV sites. 3 miles up a dirt road. Historic mine next door where you can pan for gold. 28-30' is probably the largest rig you want to take there. No walk ins, online reservation only.
GuideThe campground is clean and has nice grass, flowers and shrubs separating the rows of campers. Grass pads so get on an open to the sky site for sun and wind to keep it dry. Good potable water, dump for $6. Bathhouse leaves a lot to be desired. I couldn’t take a shower in there it was so flooded and muddy.
LegendIt's apparent that at one time this was a very nice campground. Unfortunately it has fallen into disrepair and is showing its neglect.
Perhaps the biggest problem with this campsite is how close it is to the main Highway and the amount of road noise.
As for the rest I will let the pictures and video speak for themselves.
TravelerThis campground isn’t marked on maps. I just took a chance and went. There are about 20 sites on a ridge some overlooking the creek. There is an access trail to the creek. Pit toilets are available as well as fresh water from a hand pump. I didn’t try it. Some sites are not yet cleaned or set up from the winter I guess. The night we stayed there were just 2 others in the park. Close to Talkeetna and gas , propane etc. The sites are well spaced for privacy, especially on the ridge. Sorry I didn’t take pictures but think state park level quality for the completed sites.
GuideEnjoyed our stay here. Sites are all pull through turnouts and 40 have full hookups including sewer. Another 5 in the back have water and electric and also several tent sites. Sites are fairly level and you face the woods which is an enjoyable view. Each site has a picnic table and grill. Some sites bigger, some smaller and all fairly close together, sharing the sides of the gravel road.
Mosquitoes were out and about but also saw a lot of small wildlife and birds. And even small black bear ran across the road the day we pulled in.
Highly recommend if you’re able to get on base and need a stopover with full hookups. n
LegendA quiet exceptionally well maintained small private campground. Conveniently located just outside Palmer Alaska, it is a perfect stopover location.
Both the bath and laundry rooms are clean and well maintained. As of the writing of this review showers are $5 and laundry is $5 per load. The charge for both laundry and showers is done on the honor System and users are requested to go to the check encounter to pay for use after the fact. It should also be noted that due to the size of his campground the bathrooms are co-ed. This is not a political statement but rather a simple logistical fact. Parents with children are very strongly encouraged to go with them to the bathroom to avoid any unfortunate embarrassing situations.
As for the rest of this review, I believe pictures are worth a thousand words. Please see attached.
ScoutWe have now been misled by Dirt 3 times.
TravelerWe went and the water was too high to cross onto the river bed, so we stayed on the gravel path immediately off the highway. not a bad spot with a good view of the river. you can hear the highway, but we’re sleeping in a van so not a concern
GuideAbout a mile off highway down a good gravel road. Four gravel areas able to accommodate any size rig. Some sites around the perimeter have fire rings. Pit toilets available.
Camping in the Big Lake area of Alaska offers access to numerous established campgrounds within 30 miles of the water. During peak season, temperatures typically range from 50-75°F, with extended daylight hours from May through August. Many campsites near Big Lake, Alaska open around mid-May when snow has melted and ground has thawed sufficiently for camping equipment.
Hiking trails: South Rolly Lake Campground provides access to several hiking trails, including the Red Shirt Lake trail. "Hiking trails are bountiful and beautiful. There is a canoe trail between some lakes around the area and South Rolly Lake itself is fun to take your canoe or kayak out on," notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: At Eagle River Campground, visitors frequently spot local wildlife. "Look up every so often because there are also bald eagles around. If you want to venture out for a different hike with amazing views, check out Baldy. You can see Anchorage to the Valley," writes one camper.
Canoeing: South Rolly Lake Campground offers canoe trails spanning 6 miles throughout Nancy Lake. "6 miles of canoe trails on Nancy Lake to keep you nice and busy all weekend long. Tons of hiking, camp host, firewood for sale $8 or 2 for $15," reports one visitor.
Lake access: Rocky Lake State Recreation Site features direct water access from some sites. "There are only about 10 campsites but a few of them have a terrific set up. This is quiet, small and right on the lake. There are options to hang up your hammock, start a fire using your pit, walk down your private path to the lake," explains a camper.
Spacious sites: South Rolly Lake Campground receives praise for its generous campsites. "The sites are large and campground staff clean them daily after campers leave. The outhouses are clean and also maintained daily. There are canoe and kayak rentals and the dock is great for fishing or swimming," notes one visitor.
Family activities: Lake Lucile Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "There's a fenced dog park for dog lovers and playground for kiddos," shares one reviewer. Another adds, "Tons of trails, lake access, dog park, playground, electric hookups, forested descent separation between sites."
Gate schedules: Rocky Lake has restricted access hours. "There is a curfew of sorts where they lock the entrance and exit gates at 8pm/10pm and open again at 8am," reports one camper.
Noise levels: Big Lake North State Rec Area can be busy during summer weekends. "Close tight spots and literally a parking lot for RVs with no room for pop outs or tables. Tables and fire pits are at the end of your spot so hope you like your neighbors," notes one visitor.
Water access: Kayakers and canoeists appreciate Nancy Lake State Recreation Site Campground for its peaceful waters. "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."
Beginner-friendly spots: Nancy Lake offers a good introduction to camping. "This is a great spot to take your younger kids to teach them the basics. Not too much in and out traffic and plenty for them to just explore and learn close to camp."
Beach areas: Forget Me Not RV Park offers sandy beach access for children. "Nice place to take the kiddos. Right off the parks Hwy before the Big Lake turn off. We chose #8 a beachfront site. There is an older swing set for smaller kids to play on and there are kayaks, canoes, & paddle boats for rent."
Wildlife education: Eagle River Campground provides wildlife viewing opportunities. "This is one of my favorite campgrounds to visit. Living in Eagle River, this campground allows me to get out of town without going far. Be careful if you aren't used to camping, there are a ton of bears."
Electric hookups: Riverside Camper Park offers full-service sites. "Right on the Susitna River and right next to Miller's which has the best ice cream in Alaska. If you are looking to hook up to Electric and want an easy stop on the highway this is a great choice."
Parking configurations: Big Lake North State Rec Area has specific limitations. "Set up as more of a large parking lot. The good features of this 'campground' include being right on Big Lake for close access to the water. Lots of water activities on the lake itself."
Price considerations: Lake Lucile Campground offers budget-friendly rates. "Best part is the price. $10 for dry camping and $20 for electric! Also, there's a fenced dog park for dog lovers and playground for kiddos."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Big Lake, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, Big Lake, AK offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Big Lake, AK and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Big Lake, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Big Lake, AK is Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Big Lake, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Big Lake, AK.
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