Camping options near Elmendorf Air Force Base range from basic tent sites to full-amenity RV parks. Located in south-central Alaska at approximately 200 feet elevation, the area experiences summer temperatures averaging 55-65°F with nearly 19 hours of daylight during peak season. Most campgrounds operate from May through September with limited winter access due to snowfall that averages 70 inches annually.
What to do
Fishing access points: Finger Lake State Recreation Site offers excellent fishing opportunities with reviewers noting, "fish were biting every 5 seconds. It was like they have never eaten before." The lake provides year-round recreation with ice fishing popular in winter months.
Canoe trails: South Rolly Lake Campground connects to "6 miles of canoe trails on Nancy Lake to keep you nice and busy all weekend long." The campground rents canoes and kayaks on-site, with a dock "great for fishing or swimming" and multiple lake-access day use areas.
Wildlife viewing: Big Bear Campground provides opportunities to see local wildlife in their natural habitat. Most camping areas require proper food storage as "there are a ton of bears" in the region, and moose sightings are common at dawn and dusk.
What campers like
Lake activities: Eklutna Lake Campground visitors appreciate the "amazing views everywhere" and water recreation. A camper noted it's "perfect for biking, hiking, kayaking, or camping" with trails that follow along the campground and river. The glacial-fed lake remains cold year-round.
Privacy between sites: Eagle River Campground offers spaces that "are large and well-maintained" with enough separation for comfort. Reviewers appreciate the "quiet and respectful" atmosphere and how the "sites are spread out well" making it "fairly comfortable and quiet."
Clean facilities: Rocky Lake State Recreation Site maintains well-kept amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Bathrooms were well maintained. Our big bummer was a hornets nest underneath the provided picnic table," showing the generally positive maintenance despite occasional wildlife issues.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Summer conditions can change rapidly with rain common even in peak season. One camper at South Rolly Lake Campground reported, "It ended up raining the whole weekend but was still a great trip." Pack waterproof gear and layered clothing regardless of forecast.
Insect protection: Bring adequate mosquito repellent as summer brings significant mosquito activity. A reviewer warned to "bring bug spray as the mosquitoes can be quite viscous. I bring a bug net for my head too, this way when they are extremely bad, I can still enjoy being outside."
Reservation timing: Most popular sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. For Finger Lake State Recreation Site, a visitor suggested, "I would try to show up closer to noon after people are leaving those sites. All of the non-reserved sites were full by about 3p."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Eagle River Nature Center provides accessible wilderness camping experiences for new campers. One visitor described the river yurt as "worth the walk in" with "well maintained trails but a walk to the cabin or yurts" making it suitable for families seeking a controlled introduction to outdoor stays.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas for children. Historic Hope Cafe & Campground sits "right on the Cook Inlet" with easy water access, though parents should note there are no lifeguards on duty at any of the area swimming spots.
Playground facilities: Some locations provide dedicated play areas for children. Anchorage N KOA Journey features "a playground with a communal pavilion for people to gather round together," making it suitable for families needing additional entertainment options during their stay.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. While Big Lake North State Rec Area offers waterfront access, a reviewer noted it's "set up as more of a large parking lot" with "close tight spots and literally a parking lot for RVs with no room for pop outs or tables."
Electrical availability: For those needing hookups, Centennial Campground provides electrical connections at affordable rates. A camper mentioned, "$35 for hookups for the night whereas the other campground in town was $80. Huge difference," making it a budget-friendly option for overnight stays.
