Fort Greely sits at the junction of the Richardson and Alaska Highways, approximately 100 miles southeast of Fairbanks. The area surrounding this military installation features boreal forest terrain with elevations ranging from 1,271 to 2,000 feet. Camping options near Fort Greely operate primarily from May through September, with most facilities closing by late September due to interior Alaska's harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Quartz Lake State Rec Area offers stocked fishing for Arctic char and rainbow trout. "The lake is stocked with fish and you can see plenty swimming around as soon as you look in the water," notes a visitor to Birch Lake State Recreation Site.
Hiking trails: Access multiple trail systems ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "Great trails, RV and tent camping. 16 sites in wooded circle (4 double sites)... plus GREAT fishing!! Also by beach there's volleyball, tetherball and sand box!!" reports a camper at Quartz Lake.
Historical exploration: Visit Rika's Roadhouse exhibits at Big Delta State Historical Park. "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."
Wildlife viewing: The Delta Junction area provides opportunities to spot moose, foxes, and various bird species. "The only thing was I missed Florida because of it," comments a visitor to Clearwater State Recreation Site about the stark contrast in environments.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural separation. "Quiet sites with enough separation of peace and privacy," notes a camper about Delta State Recreation Site, which features 24 sites of varying sizes.
Lake access: Several campgrounds provide direct water access for swimming and boating. "This was a small campsite well situated on the highway between Anchorage and Fairbanks. About half full in late August and quite buggy," reports a visitor to Donnelly Creek State Rec Area.
Peaceful settings: Weekday camping typically offers quieter experiences. "During the week, it is very quiet. Weekends and holidays it can be crowded," explains a reviewer about Birch Lake State Recreation Site.
Scenic mountain views: Clear days reveal panoramic Alaska Range vistas. "We stumbled upon this campground by accident while exploring the area between Paxon Lake and Delta Junction and it was such a hidden gem! The night we stayed it was super quiet with hardly anyone else staying there, which was surprising for the middle of July," shares a visitor to Donnelly Creek State Rec Area.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most rv campgrounds near Fort Greely, Alaska operate from May through September. "12 pretty tree filled sites, tables, firepits, $15 a night. The road through is full of pot holes but don't let it deter you, it just requires a little navigation," advises a camper about Donnelly Creek State Rec Area.
Variable facilities: Amenities range from basic to more developed. "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!!" notes a Quartz Lake visitor.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation. "Warning, entrance has a lot of pot holes. Decent cell service," shares a Donnelly Creek visitor.
Mosquito presence: Interior Alaska experiences high mosquito activity, particularly in June and July. "We did come here in very late August and the Lost lake campground had only one camper. If you can get spot 10 followed by spot 11 then this campground is worth it. The other spots were not as nice and done had pools of water in them," reports a camper at Lost Lake State Recreation Site.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Several lakes offer rentals for family water fun. "This was a parking lot style camping with 17 parking spots. There are a few walk-in tent sites on site as well. There's a rental place near by for water toys which makes a great day on the water for kids," shares a Birch Lake visitor.
Kid-friendly beaches: Look for swimming areas with gradual entry points. "Has a little beach, a beach volleyball court, and a sandpit for the little ones," notes a visitor to Quartz Lake State Rec Area.
Wildlife education: Incorporate animal tracking and bird watching into family activities. "Beautiful campground, beautiful lake and wonderful hiking trails for the whole family," reports a Quartz Lake visitor.
Pack for variable weather: Interior Alaska temperatures can fluctuate significantly, even in summer. "The night before a storm came through and gave a fresh layer of snow of the mountains. Highly recommend site 8, or the unmarked sites towards the end," advises a Donnelly Creek camper.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds have limited turning radius and low-hanging branches. "Site Size Limits Worth Knowing... 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," cautions a reviewer.
Campground layout: RV parking areas vary from defined sites to open lots. "The camping area is essentially a large gravel parking lot with minimal site definition," notes a visitor to Big Delta State Historical Park.
Self-contained needs: Many rv campgrounds Fort Greely provides limited hookups. "Half-way between Delta Junction and Glenallen, the road to this vast boondocking area forks off the Richardson Hwy just south of Isabell Pass. The road goes north from the pavement, and will lead about 2 miles of very rough, 2-wheel drive, dirt," explains a camper at Isabell Pass, Gulkana Glacier Area.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "There's a dump station available down the road leading to the back of the park, along with a potable water spigot," reports a Big Delta State Historical Park visitor.
