South Rolly Lake Campground near Big Lake, Alaska has evolved beyond traditional camping with upscale glamping accommodations that blend wilderness immersion with modern comfort. Located at the end of Nancy Lake Parkway, this lakeside retreat houses luxury canvas tents and elevated glamping cabins complete with comfortable bedding, electricity, and private outdoor spaces overlooking the water. Each glamping site includes picnic tables, dedicated fire rings, and easy access to the lake for swimming or paddling. The campground boasts well-maintained facilities including regularly cleaned bathrooms and a canoe rental shop that provides all necessary equipment for water adventures. Willow Creek Resort adds another dimension to the area's glamping scene with riverside accommodations featuring full hookups, clean facilities, and riverside positioning. One guest shared, "This seems like a well loved campsite and the lake was beautiful! Lots of sites to choose from and a lot of moose!"
The glamping experience at South Rolly revolves around an extensive water-based adventure network, featuring six miles of interconnected canoe trails on Nancy Lake that provide endless exploration opportunities. Glamping guests enjoy privileged access to the Red Shirt Lake Trail system directly from the campground, offering hiking routes through pristine Alaskan wilderness. The campground maintains a dock perfect for fishing or swimming, while on-site kayak and canoe rentals eliminate the need to transport personal watercraft. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with numerous reviewers mentioning moose sightings throughout the area. Several glamping accommodations include private lake access paths leading directly to waterfront areas. According to a camper, "We enjoy the beautiful lake, hiking trails and just the peace and quiet the campground has to offer. Sites are pretty generous and private. Hiking trails are bountiful and beautiful."
"Great spot close to our home of Anchorage for when we don't want to go too far. Large pavillion great for get-togethers right along the river and includes it's own bathroom."
"Located around 5 minutes to Eagle River. Beautiful location on River. ADA accessibility. Dump station on site. Restrooms available. There is a fee and a limit on how long you can stay."
"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."
"6 miles of canoe trails on Nancy Lake to keep you nice and busy all weekend long."
"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."
"Roomy camp sites, fire pits and clean. Bears do roam from time to time so food storage away from your sleeping area is a must! Rangers here will ticket if you leave food out around your site."
"You want water access on a glacial lake? How about numerous hiking, biking skiing and horse trails?"
from $5 - $100 / night
"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."
"We arrived late and called ahead to let them know."
"Easy access to the river for the kids and fishing. Bathrooms were clean. Has full hook-ups, and a dump station on site if you don’t get a full hook-up."
from $51 / night
"Only down side is that there is a lot of private property around the lake so one would need to be aware of docking kayak/boat to go off trail hiking."
"Quiet place near water, boat ramp, had toilets. Had water to fill your RV or bottles but no water or electric at campsites"
from $25 - $100 / night
"Pavillion with fire pit, two grills si you dont have to unpack yours, and hammocks to laze away the day. Laundry and showers look like an old west town, too cute!"
"The park had helpful and friendly staff, clean bathrooms, a nice laundry facility, and even a playground with a communal pavilion for people to gather round together. We would stay here again."
"There's a pay station to pay when you arrive and pick your site. This was perfect in the shoulder season and in-between cities. I apologize I didn't get any campground pictures to post!"
from $20 - $25 / night
ScoutEasy payment system right at the entrance which takes card. No issue finding a site and there was overflow camping on the way out. Toilets were clean. Definitely go check out the river!
LegendWe followed the website instructions and took Fireweed Road off AK-3. Arriving early cost us a $20 fee, and check-in was unpleasant as the front desk person was snippy, didn’t recognize our confirmation for a deluxe site, and gave no amenities or rules briefing. We had asked if there was somewhere we could go park until check-in time, but didn't get a response. She just kept checking us in and charged us the $20 fee. We were assigned pull-through site 8 with FHUs and 50 AMP. Since we had reserved a deluxe site back in January, we expected enough length for our 40’ toy hauler and patio, but the pad was too short and forced us to park our F-450 diagonally and still no room to put the patio down. Utilities were placed in the middle of the pad with good water pressure, but the KOA Wi-Fi never connected despite repeated attempts. Starlink had a clear shot to the sky. The next day we spoke with the manager about our experience. She offered firewood as an apology, but then discovered they were out, so we asked for our $20 early-arrival fee back instead. She agreed, but the refund never came. The campground does have two small fenced dog areas. On departure day we had a slide issue that prevented us from leaving, and the manager was very accommodating, providing the number of a local RV tech who came out that day and moving us to back-in site K4 so we could stay another night for repairs. Mobile RV and Toyostove, 907-745-0468, gave us fast, reliable service. Site K4 was definitely a much better site with plenty of space for our size rig. In the end, our stay had both frustrations and positives, with poor check-in and site issues offset by a helpful manager when we ran into problems.
ScoutEklutna lake is just beautiful. Its several miles up the mountain but the view there is just gorgeous. The camp sites r nicely placed apart to not be right on top of ur neighbor. Firewood is available & it costs involved think 20$ a night but worth it & just down the way u can take showers, do laundry & get some killer home made Alaskan flavored ice cream. It has rentals & many amenities. Truly a very nice place to go & if ur really in for an interesting adventure. Down at the bottom of the mountain there is a Russian Orthodox Cemetary that's just amazing. Its got plaques telling of earlier years & the people who came. Creepy, Cool & Powerful all in a beautifully peaceful off the beaten path & only a mile, mile & 1/2 down the road historic adventure
GuideGreat spot to camp when you don't want to travel too far from home. Would recommend!
LegendOur planned stop at Three Bears Trapper Creek Inn& RV Park was a bust—their large pull-throughs were closed due to sewer issues—but they recommended Montana Creek Campground about 20 miles south. We called, and they told us to come on in. Located just off the Parks Highway/AK-3, the friendly campground manager gave us a map of the dry-camping sites that were available, including a few in the tent section that could handle our 40’ fifth wheel and told us to pick a spot. We walked the grounds and chose back-in site 13 in the tent area, which was more than long enough for our rig and F450—we even got to put the back patio down. We needed to top off our water tank, but the spigot had weak pressure, so the fill took a while. Afterward, we backed up in the large parking lot and headed to our site. We had 2 bars LTE on Verizon and 1 bar roaming on T-Mobile. The site had a picnic table, fire pit, and a nice stand-up grill. The campsites on the north side have 30 AMP but no water. Toward the back of the campground are more wooded pull-through and back-in dry-camping sites—some well spaced with privacy from shrubbery—but this area isn’t tall-rig friendly. The campground filled up over the weekend with locals from the Anchorage area. The same office also registers campers for the Montana Creek Recreation Site across the street, which is essentially a back-in parking lot for smaller rigs. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay—especially with the chance to get in some fly fishing.
ScoutElectric , water and dump. Bathrooms barely adequate, dirty, wet floors, hard to use showers. Combination door lock which was changed mid stay to keep out the homeless. Overall i would stay here again given the location and low price $35 electric
GuideCheck in was very easy. Guys at the store are very helpful. It is right off the road, so yes there is road noise. We had a pull thru site, very level with a picnic table and fire pit. Very close to Johnny on the spot toilet, which was very clean. There are electricity hook ups but no water. There is a potable water fill up but no dump. Mosquitos galore though this time of year. Really pretty Creek. Great wifi near the well stocked store. Close to supermarket too. Great place to visit is Talkeetna
GuideVery clean campground right next to Finger Lake. Vault toilets were spotless, campsites were clean, host puts reserved tags up on your camp post.
TravelerThis is a lovely campground. They have great amenities. The only 2 reasons I gave jt 4 ⭐️ is because half the washers are out of order leaving only 3 working and the sites are close together.
Dispersed camping and yurt rentals near Big Lake, Alaska offer alternatives to established campgrounds in the region. Located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley about 13 miles west of Wasilla, Big Lake sits at an elevation of 148 feet with average summer temperatures ranging from 45°F to 70°F. Winter camping options include cabins and seasonal yurts that can withstand the harsh Alaska winter conditions when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Water recreation access points: Several campgrounds around Big Lake provide direct access to water activities. At Finger Lake State Recreation Site, "7 miles of canoe trails, a swimming beach, and nice campsites make this a weekend getaway!" While another camper notes, "Great place to stay for the day or weekend if you love the water...The campground is at the start of one of the great canoe trails that ends at Wasilla Lake."
Ice fishing during winter: Winter yurt camping near Big Lake offers excellent ice fishing opportunities. One visitor to Rocky Lake State Recreation Site shared: "My friend and I went here this past winter to do some ice fishing for the first. It was amazing. The views of the mountains were beautiful and the fish were biting every 5 seconds. It was like they have never eaten before."
Hiking networks: The region offers multiple hiking options for campers. A visitor at Eklutna Lake Campground explained: "The hiking around the Lake is great. There are several trails of varying lengths depending on your preference. Kayaking on the Lake is great fun too." Another noted, "Twin peaks is a fun hike but pretty steep for kids. The view is worth the hike but be prepared."
River access and wildlife viewing: Many sites feature direct waterfront access. At Willow Creek Resort, campers appreciate the "Nice clean campground on the river. Easy access to the river for the kids and fishing." Another guest mentions the local wildlife: "Keep your dogs on a leash there are lots of bunnies. Fishing, Early spring you can pick fiddle head ferns."
Secluded yurt camping options: For those seeking alternative accommodations near Big Lake, several campgrounds offer secluded spots. A camper at South Rolly Lake Campground noted: "Sites are pretty generous and private. 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."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Finger Lake State Recreation Site, visitors commented: "Very clean campground right next to Finger Lake. Vault toilets were spotless, campsites were clean, host puts reserved tags up on your camp post." Another visitor noted the "Well maintained and wonderful camp sites" with "large, level, and nice and lush grass."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance planning. At Eagle River Campground, "There is a fee and a limit on how long you can stay. It was 4 days when we were there." For Finger Lake: "7 day limit...sites 9-14 fcfs. $25 a night dry camping. Minimum booking 2 days in advance."
Bear safety precautions: Wildlife safety is essential when yurt camping near Big Lake. One camper warns: "Don't keep your food out of a secured box or by your tent, or rent one of their yurts. Make sure you take bear spray and/or a gun with you. Also bring bug spray as the mosquitoes can be quite viscous."
Seasonal access limitations: Many facilities have limited operating seasons. Rocky Lake State Recreation Site operates from "May 15 to September 15," while Eagle River Campground is available from "May to September." Winter yurt camping options may be available through private outfitters in the Big Lake area during off-season months.
Playground availability: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. A Willow Creek Resort visitor mentioned: "Family friendly place, staff is super friendly and helpful. I did not expect the place to be that good! Our kiddos loved the playground and playing in the sand." Another noted the "Basic playground for kids and a lot of tame bunnies for them to watch."
Swimming areas: Designated swimming spots provide safer water recreation. At South Rolly Lake Campground, "The dock is great for fishing or swimming!" Another camper shared: "We stayed here using a pull through site, no power with a walking path directly to the lake...and a little sand area for kids to play in."
Trail difficulty considerations: When planning hikes with children, assess difficulty levels. A visitor cautioned about Eklutna Lake Campground: "Twin peaks is a fun hike but pretty steep for kids. The view is worth the hike but be prepared." For easier options, try "riding bikes down the lake side trail" where "people were nice and respectful. Also the dogs and kids love playing on the beach."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Big Lake, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Big Lake, AK is Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Big Lake, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 glamping camping locations near Big Lake, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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