Camping areas near Copper Center, Alaska are positioned at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 feet in a transitional zone between the Copper River Basin and the Wrangell Mountains. The region experiences short summers with temperatures typically ranging from 50-70°F, while mosquitoes peak from mid-June through July. Most campgrounds maintain gravel pads that can become soft during heavy rain periods, requiring campers to plan accordingly.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several campgrounds offer convenient fishing opportunities. At King For A Day Campground, visitors can catch salmon within walking distance of their site. As one camper noted, "Fishing was good. Took us about an hour to land 4 sockeyes. Owners came down, gave us tips and offered to loan some gear we hadn't realized we needed."
Visit local waterfalls: Liberty Falls State Recreation Site provides both camping and waterfall viewing. "This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I've seen in Alaska. Although this campground is just off the road system, the roads in Alaska can always use some work," shares one visitor. The site features a wooden bridge crossing the river flowing from the waterfall.
Berry picking excursions: At Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site, campers can combine berry picking with outdoor recreation. "Great swimming hole and wonderful berry picking. Clear water creek and lake. Nice beach and secluded campsites," writes one camper. The recreation site is open from May to September with 25 sites available.
What campers like
Private woodland sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of camping in the Copper Center area. One visitor to Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site mentioned, "This is a really great stop over camp site for road trips. The sites are all different and pretty secluded, hardly saw anyone while there (September)."
Creek-side camping: Tolsona Wilderness Campground offers sites along Tolsona Creek. A camper shared, "Family friendly campground surrounded by creeks and trees. Quiet, clean, and incredibly friendly hosts. Hot showers and clean restrooms available for guests, as well as a 'store' inside the check in office, with ice cream and other treats."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities despite their remote location. At Liberty Falls State Recreation Site, a visitor noted, "This camp ground really makes you appreciate the freedom to explore Alaska and see all the beauty. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I've seen in Alaska."
What you should know
Variable campground quality: Facilities and maintenance vary considerably between campgrounds. About Northern Nights Campground, a recent visitor reported, "This campsite is so poorly maintained with toilet paper not being replaced, dirty showers, and TONS of mosquitoes. This is not even near water so I don't understand how the sites have hundreds of mosquitos in them."
Limited availability: The more scenic campgrounds fill quickly. A visitor to Liberty Falls stated, "Cannot reserve. Get there early in the week and stay the weekend. This campground only has 10 spots but is worth it. Spots are small but the waterfall is amazing."
Seasonal constraints: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Dry Creek State Rec Area operates from June 15 through September 15. One camper noted, "Small campground with sites close to one another. Right off Richardson Hwy and across from the Gulkana airport."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Several sites provide safe water access for children. A Squirrel Creek visitor mentioned, "Loved the location. Close to Glenallen and not far from Valdez. Lots of spots with great shade. We found a spot in the back right on the creek."
Organized activities: Some campgrounds offer structured programming. At Tolsona Wilderness Campground, "The owners maintain a camp store with basic necessities and also plan weekend activities and games for kids. Near the camp store are handicap accessible sites, bathrooms, private showers and laundry."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Ranch House Lodge provides natural habitat viewing. A family reported, "Camped with my family and had the best time. The sites level and have full hook up. No issues with electric or water. Pizza and firewood can be delivered to your site."
Tips from RVers
Level site availability: Finding stable parking for RVs can be challenging in the region. A visitor to Ranch House Lodge noted, "The RV park itself is excellent—clean, spacious, and well laid out. The sites are level, with full hookups, and you can choose whether you want to be right along the river or a little further back in a quieter area."
Hookup reliability: While several rv campgrounds near Copper Center, Alaska offer hookups, quality varies. One Ranch House Lodge camper shared, "Clean, quiet and full hook up sites. No issues with water, electric. Level site and the tavern is a roadhouse that serves food. The pizza is amazing."
Site selection strategy: At Gakona RV Park, site location impacts experience. A visitor commented, "Stayed here for a few days and the scenery was captivating. I could sit and stare for hours, I must've take hundreds of pictures of the same things lol. Great get away with basic amenities, peaceful atmosphere. Site had hooks ups and a picnic table to use."
