Best Glamping near Big Lake, AK

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."

Best Glamping Sites Near Big Lake, Alaska (13)

    1. Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park

    33 Reviews
    Eagle River, AK
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 694-7982

    "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."

    2. South Rolly Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Big Lake, AK
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 269-8400

    "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."

    3. Rocky Lake State Recreation Site

    3 Reviews
    Big Lake, AK
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 240-9797

    "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."

    4. Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park

    40 Reviews
    Chugiak, AK
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 345-5014

    $5 - $100 / night

    "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?"

    5. Big Lake North State Rec Area

    2 Reviews
    Big Lake, AK
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 745-3975

    "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."

    6. Willow Creek Resort

    6 Reviews
    Willow, AK
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 495-6343

    $51 / night

    "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."

    7. Finger Lake State Recreation Site Campground

    10 Reviews
    Palmer, AK
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 745-3975

    $25 - $100 / 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"

    8. Anchorage N KOA Journey

    7 Reviews
    Wasilla, AK
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 745-7445

    "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."

    9. Centennial Campground

    4 Reviews
    Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 343-6986

    10. Matanuska Lake State Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Palmer, AK
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 269-8700

    $20 - $25 / night

    "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!"

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Glamping Reviews near Big Lake, AK

131 Reviews of 13 Big Lake Campgrounds


  • Shadara W.
    Sep. 15, 2019

    Anchorage N KOA Journey

    Wasilla Wonderful

    Wonderful place to stop off and catch your breath. 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! Cabins for rent, playground for the kids and propane to restock. Open year round! Pet friendly and Wifi available. Super friendly staff.

  • Shadara W.
    Aug. 12, 2019

    Big Lake North State Rec Area

    Great lake access but parking lot for RV's.

    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. 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. Several walk-in campsites for tents which were much prettier.

  • Sierra  S.
    Jul. 9, 2018

    Montana Creek Campground

    Highways and Sun Rays

    This is a great place to fish and play but it is located right next to the Parks Highway which can be loud and busy with tourists and semis in the summer. If you’re sleeping in a camper the noise might not be so bad but the Alaska Highway doesn’t have a quiet hour.

  • Courtney H.
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Anchorage N KOA Journey

    Great Family Park

    We booked a one night stay here as a trial run with our brand new travel trailer. Our daughter loved it so much that she begged to stay another night. Luck was on our side as there was a last minute cancellation and we were able to extend our stay 1 more night. 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 was a bit of road noise from the nearby highway but our family wasn't bothered at all by it as we are used to living on a base with lots of jet noise. Pet friendly and Wi-Fi is available and free! Propane, water fill, and dump station are available at this park.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Montana Creek Campground

    Nice little stop over campground

    Check 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

  • Shadara W.
    Aug. 12, 2019

    Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park

    Close to home camping

    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. Semi-seclude sites give privacy with large open areas at your fire pits, great for groups. Some double sites perfect for camping with friends. Pet friendly just please keep the leashed and clean up after them. Watch for bear activity and make sure to keep all food and enticing items locked up.

  • Courtney H.
    Aug. 28, 2022

    Willow Creek Resort

    Nice & Clean RV park

    We live in the Fairbanks area and stayed here 2 nights. We used this park as sort of our anchor point as we spent time in Anchorage for a birthday trip and shopping. We arrived late and called ahead to let them know. We were told a map with our name on it would be taped to the door with bathroom codes but they must have forgotten because it wasn't there when we arrived. Not a huge deal but a little disappointing. We found this park to be quite charming with the beautiful office area and tree covered path to the door and all of the adorable bunnies hopping around. Wish we could have spent more time at the actual park but we had other plans. The park was for the most part pretty empty but we had neighbors directly next to us and diagonally to us. Unfortunately, both sets of neighbors were up late into the night (1 a.m.) being loud and had loud barking dogs. It was unfortunate for quiet hours not to he observed especially because the sites are pretty close to each other but we weren't going to poopoo on anyone's party. The creek was nice and relaxing. We had full hookups and stayed in a pull thru spot. We would attempt to stay here again.

  • Sierra D.
    Jun. 25, 2021

    Anchorage N KOA Journey

    Best RV Park

    Favorite place we stayed at out of all locations on our trip. Cleanliest, coziest, well-taken care of place. Bathrooms and showers were 10/10. Spots had space, grass, fire pits, full hook up and dump hook up. Staff was so accommodating! Firewood and other amenities available. Only downside is mosquitos weren’t the best so a lot of people stayed in their campers and the highway noise is noticeable but not terrible. Somewhat busier campground, seemed like a lot of long term campers. Really recommend!

  • Aimee H.
    Jul. 27, 2017

    Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park

    Eklutna Lake

    This place is a straight 10!

    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.

    Quiet wooded area surrounded by wonderful hiking trails- try twin peaks for a lung and leg stretching adventure with a view as your reward! A 12 mile ( one way) dirt road for biking walking or Sunday- Wednesday atv'n the lake. Blue clear glacier water is beyond beautiful! Remember your life jackets as this water is literally freezing!

    You can rent kayaks and bikes here-- if you don't have room to bring your own.

    atvs can run the trail Sunday- wednesday only April- November but the noise does not interrupt your quiet campsites.

    This is a family favorite!!

    bathrooms and fresh water pumps :)


Guide to Big Lake

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.

What to do

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."

What campers like

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."

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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 33 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.