Dispersed camping opportunities surround Fort Greely, Alaska, with options spread throughout the Richardson Highway corridor and Alaska Range foothills. Winter temperatures regularly drop below -20°F, while summer brings extended daylight with 20+ hours during peak season. Mosquito activity typically peaks between mid-June and late July when standing water from snowmelt creates ideal breeding conditions.
What to do
Fishing for grayling: Clearwater State Recreation Site provides direct access to crystal clear waters ideal for fishing. "Wonderful surprise right on the lake...with a walking trail down to Little Lost lake which has it's own campground," notes one visitor to Quartz Lake State Rec Area, where boat rentals are available for anglers.
Beach activities: "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," writes a camper about Quartz Lake State Recreation Area. The recreation site includes water-based amenities not common in interior Alaska campgrounds.
Historic site exploration: Big Delta State Historical Park combines camping with educational opportunities. "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," explains one camper about the unique dual-purpose facility.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Donnelly Creek State Rec Area, campers appreciate the thoughtful layout. "Nice space between sites for quiet and privacy. Restrooms, bear proof trash. One public use cabin. A great place to get away for quiet to reconnect and think," writes one visitor who rated their experience positively despite noting entrance road conditions.
Creek walking paths: "Behind most of the sites is access to Donnelly Creek and boy oh boy the views of the Alaska Range are magnificent. We had a beautiful walk along the path and while it was windy, it was a beautiful day," notes one camper who discovered the walking opportunities that extend beyond the campground boundaries.
Proximity to amenities: Delta State Recreation Site receives praise for its location. "Right outside Delta Junction this campground has a great day use area with multiple picnic tables and grills. A small picnic pavilion also adds to the day use appeal," writes one reviewer, highlighting the dual camping and day-use functionality.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Fort Greely operate from June through September with limited winter access. "This is a large open area with an amazing view of the Alaska Range," notes a visitor to Delta Junction Floodplain, one of the few areas accessible beyond peak summer months.
Road conditions: Several campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The road through is full of pot holes but don't let it deter you, it just requires a little navigation," advises one camper about Donnelly Creek State Recreation Area, echoing similar comments about other sites in the region.
Bathroom maintenance: Facilities receive varied reports depending on timing and visitation. "Bathrooms were not maintained well during our visit," notes one camper at Clearwater State Recreation Site during peak season, while another visitor to the same location during off-peak times found them satisfactory.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Clearwater State Recreation Site provides water-based activities for families. "The name says it all, clearest bluest water I've seen in a long time," writes one visitor, though noting limited amenities beyond the water access points.
Hiking trails: "Clean campground, incredible views and hiking trails," reports a camper about Quartz Lake State Recreation Area, with family-friendly paths rated as moderate difficulty suitable for older children.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to spot moose, eagles, and smaller mammals. "We really loved it here! The campsites were huge and there was a lot of privacy between spots. The lake is lovely," describes one camper about their experience with natural surroundings at Quartz Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Big Delta State Historical Park offers RV camping with some caveats. "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," explains one RVer, noting the informal nature of the parking arrangement.
Dump station access: "There's a dump station available down the road leading to the back of the park, along with a potable water spigot," reports a visitor to Big Delta State Historical Park, providing crucial information for self-contained RVers planning extended stays.
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "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," cautions one RVer who scouted the area before attempting to park their large setup.
