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Best Campgrounds near Delta Junction, AK

42 Reviews

Campgrounds around Delta Junction, Alaska provide a mix of state recreation areas, RV parks, and dispersed camping options across Interior Alaska. Several established facilities, including Quartz Lake State Recreation Area, Delta State Recreation Site, and Clearwater State Recreation Site, offer tent and RV sites from June through September. These locations sit between 64 and 65 degrees north latitude along the Richardson and Alaska Highways. Delta Junction Floodplain offers primitive camping access for those seeking undeveloped sites, while Delta State Recreation Site contains one of the few public use cabins in the area.

Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping in the Delta Junction region, with most established sites operating only from June through September. The state recreation sites feature varied amenities—some providing electric hookups, water access, fire pits, and vault toilets, while more remote areas have minimal facilities. Road access varies by location, with some areas requiring consideration for larger vehicles. Clearwater State Recreation Site sits approximately 11 miles off the main highway along a crystal-clear creek, while Delta Junction Floodplain requires navigating steeper terrain. As one camper noted about the floodplain area: "There is a steep hill to access the location so I wouldn't recommend large RVs. We drove in with a truck camper with no issues."

Several visitors mention the appeal of water access and wilderness views at campgrounds in the area. The Delta Junction Floodplain earns praise for its "large open area with an amazing view of the Alaska Range." Quartz Lake State Recreation Area consistently receives high ratings for its combination of lake access, hiking trails, and spacious sites with privacy between camping spots. Site size constraints appear in several reviews, with campers noting that some locations have limitations for larger RVs. While some campgrounds feature running water and improved facilities, others maintain a more rustic experience. Campgrounds with water frontage tend to fill more quickly during summer months when fishing for grayling, Arctic char, and stocked trout attracts visitors to the region's clear waterways.

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Best Camping Sites Near Delta Junction, Alaska (21)

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Recent Camping Photos near Delta Junction, AK

7 Photos of 21 Delta Junction Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Delta Junction, AK

42 Reviews of 21 Delta Junction Campgrounds

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Delta State Recreation Site

    Site Size Limits Worth Knowing

    We originally planned to stay at Delta State Recreation Area on a first-come, first-served basis after reading several online reviews suggesting that a 40’ RV could fit into some of the sites. After scouting the campground in person, we decided not to chance it and instead stayed at Big Delta State Historical Park nearby. That said, we wanted to share our impressions to help fellow campers make an informed decision. In our opinion, Delta State Recreation Area is not suitable for 40' fifth wheels—primarily for two reasons: 1: Narrow roads with tight turns where overhanging tree branches could easily scrape your rig. 2: Short, narrow sites that don’t provide enough swing room for a 62’ truck and trailer combo. There may be a couple of sites that could fit a rig up to 35’, but even those had branch clearance concerns. Some of the longer-looking sites are actually“buddy” sites labeled A and B, which are meant to be shared and aren’t ideal for big rigs. This campground is best suited for smaller setups—Class B and C motorhomes, small travel trailers, and tent campers. Tent sites looked inviting, and the area has a quiet, wooded charm. There are vault toilets and a camp host cabin onsite, though it appeared unoccupied during our late June visit.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Big Delta State Historical Park

    Historic Setting with Simple, Overnight RV Convenience

    Junction on the Richardson Highway heading toward Fairbanks. The turnoff is well signed, and the campground operates on a self-pay system with a kiosk located in the outer parking area. Our travel partners arrived about an hour before us and talked to the historical park's caretakers/camp host to get the scoop on how the campground works. They gave us a call with the details and when we arrived we pulled in next to them in the area marked"Pull Through Sites" by a sign. The camping area is essentially a large gravel parking lot with minimal site definition. Other than the Pull Through Site sign there's no map or marked boundaries. The official website says 23 any size rig can fit and you can pull through or back-in where convenient. For review purposes, we're calling our travel companion's site#1 and ours#2. We were the only rigs in the campground area overnight. A Class C parked in the outer lot near a picnic table that was clearly marked"No Overnight RV Parking, " but a park ranger drove through and didn't ask them to move so enforcement seems relaxed. There's a second parking lot down by the river that is technically private property (as reported by the camp hosts) that is owned by a local commune living on an island in the river. There were no"No Parking" signs, and it was actively used by both park visitors and the commune residents, who used it to catch their small boats to and from the island. The historical site is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Around 56 PM, traffic picked up along with dust as the island residents came back from work and passed through the camping area on their way to the river. It quieted down by evening. We didn't get much of a phone signal, but Starlink worked great as there are no trees in the camping area. There's a dump station available down the road leading to the back of the park, along with a potable water spigot. The adjacent historic park and Rika’s Roadhouse exhibits are worth exploring and close by on foot. In addition, a portion of the Alaska pipeline runs behind the campground area. You can get a great photo of the pipeline going across the Tanana River by going down to the boat ramp.This camping area was good for an overnighter.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Delta Junction Floodplain

    Boondocking with an amazing view of the Alaska range

    This location is across the street from the Delta State Rec Site. You'll drive through the town brush dump site and then down to the river bed. There is a steep hill to access the location so I wouldn't recommend large RV's. We drove in with a truck camper with no issues. It's a large open area with an amazing view of the Alaska Range.

  • Birgit V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Quartz Lake State Rec Area

    Small paradise at the lake

    Breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding area. The campsite might be basic but it's well worth it. It also has picnic tables, a tiny beach, a beach volleyball court, and a sandpit for the little ones.

  • c
    Jun. 28, 2023

    Quartz Lake State Rec Area

    Has a little of everything

    Has great trails, RV and tent camping. 16 sites in wooded circle( 4 double sites) plenty of sites in gravel lot by water. Boat rental on site plus GREAT fishing!! Also by beach there’s volleyball, tetherball and sand box!!

  • c
    Jun. 28, 2023

    Delta State Recreation Site

    Close to town but private

    24 sites some big enough for RV some tucked away for cozy tent. Has faucet’s for running water.

  • Andrew V.
    May. 23, 2023

    Harding Lake State Recreation Area

    Fantastic and Clean Campground, Great for Kids

    Harding Lake State Recreation Area is a shady and scenic site about twenty minutes from North Pole. The lesser-known and elder cousin of the many water-themed state recreation areas that trace the Richardson Highway from Fairbanks to Delta Junction.

    This large and accommodating campground boasts a boat launch into Harding Lake, a baseball field, a large group recreation area near the water, a self-guided nature trail, a trailer dump site, and unpotable bulk water--along with various bathrooms with trash receptacles. 

    Our family of 5 tent camped in May and had a fantastic weekend. The sandlot-reminiscent baseball field was a rare and magical find that suited our family's wiffleball addiction perfectly. It's like wandering through a moss grove and emerging into a boreal. baseball field. A subarctic Field of Dreams. I also hit two first-pitch homeruns off my 9 and 5 year old--which may or not be related to the magic of this field--but I choose to believe.

    The spacious and thoughtfully-designed campground certainly feels beyond its prime--old, unserviceable water pumps (perhaps not yet operable for the season); aspen saplings dotting the baseball infield; and many downed spruces over the nature trail. The posted maps are a little outdated. However, the campground boasted some of the cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen, anywhere-with a very friendly on-site host who came by to chat and kept the facilities in pristine condition.  The camping spots are well-placed along the loop to allow for varying degrees of privacy between sites.

    Mosquitoes are everywhere in springtime Alaska--please let me know when you find a campground in a birch forest without them. That said, bring all the bug repellant and preventative measures you can muster. I was swarmed by a biblical cloud of man-eating Culicidae when we first pulled in--but they soon dispersed and only became annoying for intermittent periods. 

    Overall this was a magnificent campground, quiet and clean, with plenty for the kids to do. Fantastic and memorable experience.

  • Riley N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2022

    Donnelly Creek State Rec Area

    Good little spot very average

    We stopped here on our way down to glennallen. It was very average had good clean bathrooms and picnic tables with fire pits. It was a nice spot but nothing out of the ordinary.

  • Riley N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2022

    Salcha River State Recreation Site

    Earthquake!

    We loved camping here! The river is so pretty and the mountains are beautiful. We were sitting in our van and all of the sudden there was an earthquake! Just a small one but it was kind of exciting. The sunrise was also beautiful over the water. The have restrooms, water pump, and a boat launch as well.

Guide to Delta Junction

Camping near Delta Junction, Alaska, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the local lakes. At Quartz Lake State Rec Area, one reviewer mentioned, "Boat rental on site plus GREAT fishing!!" This makes it a great spot for anglers.
  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails. A visitor at Donnelly Creek State Rec Area noted, "Scenic overlook hike 1.7 miles one way for those who want to stretch their legs."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Harding Lake State Recreation Area shared, "There were plenty of opportunities to view wildlife as moose came running through our campsite."

What campers like:

  • Beautiful Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A review for Quartz Lake State Rec Area highlights, "Breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding area."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Donnelly Creek State Rec Area mentioned, "The bathrooms are also well maintained and the spots spaced out enough so you’re not right on top of your neighbors."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Harding Lake State Recreation Area offer fun for kids, with one parent stating, "The sandlot-reminiscent baseball field was a rare and magical find."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Donnelly Creek State Rec Area, lack certain amenities. A camper noted, "It was very average had good clean bathrooms and picnic tables with fire pits. It was a nice spot but nothing out of the ordinary."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Harding Lake State Recreation Area warned, "The mosquitoes were unbearable outside and in 73 degree weather you needed to be completely covered."
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Donnelly Creek State Rec Area cautioned, "Warning, entrance has a lot of pot holes."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Quartz Lake State Rec Area, where one reviewer said, "It also has picnic tables, a tiny beach, a beach volleyball court, and a sandpit for the little ones."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and sports equipment. A camper at Harding Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "There is a baseball/soccer field on site which was a lot of fun for the children to run off so energy."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Don’t forget the bug spray! A parent at Donnelly Creek State Rec Area advised, "Bring all the bug repellant and preventative measures you can muster."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Donnelly Creek State Rec Area noted, "The spots spaced out enough so you’re not right on top of your neighbors."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Harding Lake State Recreation Area, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "There are no electric hookups."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of the local scenery and activities. A camper at Quartz Lake State Rec Area said, "Scenic overlook hike 1.7 miles one way for those who want to stretch their legs."

Camping near Delta Junction, Alaska, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards this beautiful area offers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Delta Junction, Alaska?

Delta Junction offers several excellent camping options. Donnelly Creek State Rec Area stands out with its jaw-dropping views of the Alaska Range and well-maintained facilities. It's typically quiet even during peak season, making it a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility. Another top choice is Clearwater State Rec Area, featuring 16 campsites including two pull-throughs, toilets, picnic tables, a water pump, and a boat launch along a beautiful waterway. Both locations provide fire rings and scenic natural surroundings that showcase Alaska's wilderness beauty, with opportunities to view the Northern Lights on clear nights.

How far are campgrounds from Delta Junction town center?

Delta State Recreation Site is located right outside of Delta Junction, making it the closest established campground to town. This proximity allows easy access to local amenities while still providing a peaceful camping experience. For those seeking more unique spots, Delta Junction Floodplain offers dispersed camping directly across from Delta State Recreation Site, accessible through the town brush dump site. Other notable options like Big Delta State Historical Park and Quartz Lake are within a 20-30 minute drive from town, providing a good balance between accessibility and wilderness immersion.

What amenities are available at Delta Junction campgrounds?

Campgrounds around Delta Junction offer various amenities to enhance your stay. Quartz Lake State Rec Area provides 16 lakeside sites, a camp host, picnic tables, fire pits, and access to a walking trail connecting to Little Lost Lake. Lost Lake State Recreation Site features 12 campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, toilets, litter bins, and a boat dock - perfect for fishing Arctic char and rainbow trout. Most public campgrounds in the area include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings as standard amenities. Some sites offer water pumps, while others provide firewood for purchase. Several campgrounds feature boat launches for water recreation access.

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