Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Big Lake? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Big Lake. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Big Lake, Alaska's most popular destinations.
$85 / night
Coeur D'Alene Campground is open. A small campground with six walk-in tent sites. This site is not recommended for large RV's or trailers. Water is not available at this campground. There are toilets, fire pits, and tables at the site.
Traveler
No amenities. What you pack in you pack out. 6 tent camping spots before the gate, back country camping after the gate. Look for the posts with yellow reflectors for camping sites past the gate. beautiful sunrise and sunsets.
Legend
This is an option if everywhere else is full. There is a sewage dump for $10 so that is a plus. RV sites and tent sites available.
RV spots are not very level so choose wisely.
Legend
Due to construction this campground is closing for the 2020 season. Reservations are required 2 weeks in advance. (907) 240-9797 or reservations@greatholidaycampgrounds.com Gates close you in from 8 am - 8 pm. Rentals for canoes and paddle boards.
With only 10 sites they fill up quickly.
RV and tent camping sites.
Legend
ThisSmall tent camping campground is nestled in the heart of Talkeetna. Close to all the action of this fun little town. Sites fill up in the heart of summer so come during the middle of the week to increase your chance of grabbing a spot. There is cell service but Internet is spotty.
Ranger
Perfect place to camp if you're looking for belugas! We rented a kayak nearby and explored the bay. Surreal. The camp sites all had amazing views and the tent sites were forested and pretty private. Lots of locals camp here and offered insider tips about where to see wildlife, eat, etc.
Legend
Well maintained trails but a walk to the cabin or yurts. Accessible by foot year around. No horses or bikes allowed on trails. Tent camping along the Crow Creek Pass Trail.
Many choices for length of hikes depending on which loop you choose. This is bear county so bring your bear bells. Loved the hikes so much we decided to rent the cabin for my birthday.
Guide
This campground has nice size sites for RV's. If you are tent camping (I am), there's one pull in to 3 sites so you are close to strangers if your friends don't come. The toilets are clean but smell awful. One can also hear quite a bit of road noise and military aircraft all day because the campground is near both. Nice quick stop. $20 a site per day.
Legend
I needed a place to stay between Anchorage and Glen Allen. I was shocked this campground wasn't in Dyrt (found it on google). We actually ended up staying here two separate times- on our way North east and coming back South West. This State Rec Area is extremely clean. It's nice that there are tent sites separated from their RV sites (nothing worse than being in a tent and stuck hearing an RV's generator or TV all night). The RV lot is basically a parking lot but without many other options it would probably do the trick for an RV. The tent sites in the back are great. They are huge and have privacy between them. There's a vault toilet which is kept clean. No services or amenities but it's not far to the town of palmer. Despite being right off the state route, it stays pretty quiet from the road traffic because of all the trees. 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!
Legend
Some of the reviews are not for this campground. These are walk in tent sites. There are no spots for RVs or trailers. Firewood is a fun place and not too far from Anchorage.
Make sure if you are coming from Anchorage you stop off at Potters Marsh and check out the boardwalk. So many hiking trails no matter what way you go.
Traveler
I live on base and recently purchased a pop up. Took a maiden voyage here to feel out the beast and work out the kinks. Kids had a great time. All sites were back in other than the tent sites. Walking distance from commissary, bx, and shoppette but still felt like wilderness. Really had a good weekend and would recommend to anyone with base access. Will go again
Legend
All you can hear is Highway. This Campground may be considered the better of the three main choices for Anchorage however after asking around with my Anchorage friends I've heard that the homeless over takes this campground at night. After driving through the campground I did notice several questionable tent sites and also several questionable run-down RVs that looked as though they had been there for quite a while.
LegendTrails 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. First come, first served. Fire rings, tables, restrooms, firewood for purchase ($15) and camp host. Two sets of walk in tent sites with food lockers also available. Well water available too. Come spend a weekend exploring Eklunta Lake!
Legend
We came here in mid-May and everything was beautiful and green. I've read this campground can be busy but it was not at this time. Everything was well taken care of and you could tell the hosts make sure everything is in order. Each site has parking, fire rings, and picnic tables (excluding some tent sites). The picnic tables are large and have spots for someone in a wheelchair. The views of Turnagain Arm are stunning! Sites cost $9.
TravelerOpen year round with 50/30/20amp sites (seasonal water hook up as well) and tent sites, this small campground is a great place while waiting for a house or on your way out. The bathhouse is super clean, there's dumpsters close by, spaces are decently sized with a picnic table and charcoal grill set up, and trees offer some privacy. There's a playground for the kids, a bike path that can be taken to the shopette or one of the neighborhood playgrounds. Close to the hospital, PX/commissary, and the Muldoon gate.
RangerThis campsite fills up fast! We happened to get the last available tent campsite right on the water and it was GORGEOUS! This is the more peaceful campground in Hope (there's another one in town that seems more fun but more noisy too). They have large picnic tables, one spot seemed handicap accessible even. There was a nice fire pit that helped for us novice fire makers. The camp hosts were super helpful and informative. There are two great hikes nearby within driving or walking distance. A perfect weekend getaway from Anchorage! You'll adore this beautiful spot.
Legend
This is the best camping in Alaska. Just find a spot big enough for your rig it tent and pull off. There are many regularly used sites that have rock fire rings already made. Always make sure you are not in a drive way and that there are no POSTED signs to keep off property. Bug shelters highly recommended because depending on the year it’s mosquitoes, flies, or bees.
Ranger
Bird Creek camp/ RV/ Cabin site is a beautiful 25 minute journey south of Anchorage. Far enough away but close enough to town if you feel the need to get back to the city.
We rented a cabin 95$ a night and took aprox 12 young ladies in the chilly month of November! Daring, I know! But state restrooms made sharing a bathroom easy :)
there is a small wood stove and wood supplied for each cabin which was amazing! A lil kitchen area is built in for your food prep pleasure- must bring stoves and water. No electricity so bring your choice of lighting. Also I recommend headlamps for winter months as bathrooms are a small treck from the secluded wooded cabins.
Bunks are built in and a loft makes for plenty of room.
There was a beautiful table with a map in the top- pretty awesome!
There is a walking trail and it's close to the inlet for beluga whale watching and if your lucky a bore tide!
Rv sites and tents sites available as well- plus table and fire pits at each site.
Legend
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.
RangerBig 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.
Always be safe on the water. Such a big lake draws in a lot of people. If you don’t feel like cooking dinner at camp, travel across the water to the Islander Bar and Grill or the floating coffee house.
Even if you don’t have a need for speed, you can enjoy many other water sports and there’s always room for everyone!
Guide
Nice place to take the kiddos. 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. There is a older swing set for smaller kids to play on and there are kayaks, canoes, & paddle boats for rent. A fire pit and wood table provided at each site.
You do hear noise from the Highway and it looks like there are some long term residents that were running their generators consistently.
Owner is very nice to work with and will bring you a wheel barrel of fire wood for $15.
Ranger
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. There are options to hang up your hammock, start a fire using your pit, walk down your private path to the lake and enjoy the weekend. This would be a great spot if you’re not looking to explore but to just relax on the lake. If it’s a rainy day you could drive into wasilla and make a fun day out of it. We ended up driving to the extreme fun center for the kids since it rained all day and had a blast! If you’re looking for more of a group I’d suggest big lakes north or south options.
RangerCentennial camp ground in Anchorage Alaska was a FAB SURPRISE!! Hidden, secret, clean, and big tent spots!
Legend
This very small campground is only open in the summer months and has eight spots. There is no cell service out here but the drive and scenery is some of the best Alaska has to offer. Who am I kidding that can be said for just about any of the DNR sites. Sites are along side the Little Su River and are primitive.
These are not large RV sites but if you have a tent or smaller vehicle this is a definite place to check out. Restroom are well maintained.
Cell Service: no Internet: no 2020 Cost: $15 per site Distance from Anchorage: 57 miles Best sites: any if you can find one Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 5
Legend
Right off the Highway this RV park is not bad. Although I prefer my camping more rural. If you are visiting and just want to start one way out of Anchorage this could be a choice for you. With everything from cabins, to full RV hook ups, to dry RV camping, and lakeside tent spots this is a good option for a first stop on a great Alaska adventure. Because of it’s proximity to Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer you are not far from anything. There is good cell and internet service here as well and stores to get everything you need. Spaces are close to each other and I would not recommend spending my entire camping trip there, but they are a good option if you need something close. Cell Service: Yes Internet: Yes Distance from Anchorage: Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 45 miles
GuideWe were hard pressed to find a camping spot in Girdwood, but we found this one to have nice scenery and uncrowded. There were some pretty small sites and we were lucky to find one suitable for an 8 person tent. It sites in a really beautiful spot near the Crow Creek Gold Mine. Being from Alaska, we are used to mosquitos and flies, but our experience here was quite traumatic. We set up after the sun started setting and were up in the morning before the sun rose over the mountains. It was all well and good until the sun was shining bright and the temperature rose. As soon as it got warm, an insane amount of flies came out. We are not talking 10-15, we are talking 50-75 each on my husband and I. We couldn't not pack up fast enough! As we packed up, the kids stood there smacking flies off of us and each other. I am not sure if the insane amount of flies are just from the warm winters and really warm summers or what. It might be worth staying here again if we check the fly situation first.
GuideI have lived in Alaska almost 3 years and still not get over the beauty of this state. Chugach State Park is no different. If you have never been to Alaska and live to hike or camp, you need to plan a trip up here!
TravelerGreat spot to stay for a nite or two. Bring your fishing pole as you're close to the river. Enjoy what Alaska has to offer!
Tent camping near Big Lake, Alaska offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes and outdoor activities the region has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Big Lake, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Big Lake, AK is Eagle River Nature Center (public use cabins/yurts) with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Big Lake, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Big Lake, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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