Campgrounds near Gakona, Alaska operate seasonally from late May through September when temperatures range from 45°F to 70°F. The Copper River Valley region sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation with the Wrangell Mountains visible to the east. Most campgrounds in this area require advanced preparation for mosquito season, particularly during June and July when insect activity peaks.
What to do
Fishing for Arctic Grayling: At Ranch House Lodge, visitors can access excellent fishing opportunities directly from their campsite. "Arctic Grayling fishing was excellent while we were there in August," reports one camper, while another mentioned "Greyling and Trout Fishing in the Tolsona Creek."
Salmon fishing: King For A Day Campground provides direct river access for salmon fishing. "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," notes one visitor. The campground is most active during salmon runs.
Mud Volcano hiking: A 2-2.5 mile round trip trail to the Tolsona Mud Volcanoes starts near Tolsona Wilderness Campground. "Near the entrance to the campground is the trailhead to the Tolsona Mud Volcanoes. The trail is usually pretty swampy, so be sure to wear tall boots and dress appropriately for the weather," advises one experienced hiker.
Creek tubing: Several campgrounds offer water recreation beyond fishing. "Inner tubes can be written in the creek along with fishing and waiting," mentions a visitor to Tolsona Wilderness Campground, though another recent visitor cautions "Water is super cold, no one was tubing."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Sailors Campground offers peaceful riverside sites. "Had the whole place to ourselves. Site #1 right next to river. Porta Potty for toilet but it was clean. Rocking cell service for Verizon and ATT. Late July zero mosquitoes," notes one satisfied camper.
Campground amenities: Dry Creek State Rec Area provides essential facilities. "Dry Creek $20 a night per vehicle, site, night check out at 12pm. Clean with dump station and about 30+ sites, all most all with tent pads just no ATVs. Has Group sites, water stations, walking trails in campground, pull though spots," explains one visitor.
Full hookup availability: Gakona RV Park offers complete services for RVers. "Site had hookups and a picnic table to use," explains one camper, while another appreciates the "duper friendly and wholesome folks the kind you can really get lost in conversation with unlike other unmentioned parks."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area provide good separation between camping spots. "Sites are large, level, and open. The sites are truly enchanting. Large, level, and open. The creek is right there and after staying elsewhere I could not help but compare how charming this campground is," notes a visitor to Ranch House Lodge.
What you should know
Variable water conditions: Several campgrounds experience seasonal wetness. "We stopped here in mid-June and there was water everywhere and based on the number of mosquitoes it had been there some time," reports one visitor to Dry Creek. Another camper mentioned "We camped here and enjoyed how it was close to town but we still felt like we were far out. The sites are okay most of them have the picnic tables and fire pits in low areas where water collects."
Limited availability: Klutina Salmon Charters & Campground becomes particularly busy during fishing season. "Call and make reservations! Prices are a little high for tent camping but pretty standard for RVs," advises one camper.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close by mid-September. Tolsona Wilderness Campground operates from "May 20 to September 10," while Northern Nights Campground runs from "May 1 to Oct 1." King For A Day Campground has the shortest season, operating only "May 25 - Aug 31."
Varying maintenance standards: Facility quality differs between campgrounds. "This is a safe but bare bones RV park. The sites were clean and level, but not too many FH. The surrounding area isn't too tip top maintained, but it was fine and well priced for the night," reports one visitor to Northern Nights Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: Tolsona Wilderness Campground offers family programming. "The owners maintain a camp store with basic necessities and also plan weekend activities and games for kids," notes one visitor. Another mentions it's "Very child-friendly place. The showers and bathrooms were clean and their store was very nice and convenient."
Consider wildlife viewing opportunities: Some campgrounds offer nature experiences beyond camping. "Bald eagles were playing, and flying around all day," reports a visitor to King For A Day Campground.
Check bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly. At Ranch House Lodge, "The bathhouse is essential. And this campground has all others beat. Not just clean but decorated in moose motif and wood. Very cute," while another campground received feedback that "Bathrooms haven't seen a cleaning this season."
Bring mosquito protection: Insect activity varies by season and location. A late July visitor to Sailors Campground reported "zero mosquitoes," while most June visitors throughout the area mention significant mosquito activity.
Tips from RVers
Select level sites: Northern Nights Campground receives mixed reviews for site quality. "The sites are small and mostly unlevel. One dump station and the bathhouse was questionable," reports one RVer, while another notes the sites were "clean and level, but not too many FH."
Consider utility limitations: Water and power restrictions exist at several campgrounds. At Ranch House Lodge, visitors note "This campground is essentially off-grid Alaska, with all the challenges and rules that come with that. For example, black tank flushing isn't allowed due to septic limitations."
Book ahead during fishing season: RV sites at popular fishing destinations fill quickly. "If you are into fishing then maybe," notes one camper about King For A Day, indicating its specialty focus.
Look for pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer easier access sites. "Has group camping, pull throughs, water, restrooms," notes one visitor about Dry Creek State Rec Area, while another mentions it has "A good combo of back in sites and pull through."
