Wasilla, Alaska offers campers diverse terrain spanning lake shores to mountain foothills with elevations ranging from 300 to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically hover between 55-75°F with longer daylight hours, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can dip below freezing. Most camping sites near Wasilla, Alaska operate seasonally, with access roads typically clear of snow from mid-May through late September.
What to do
Paddle the canoe trails: Finger Lake State Recreation Site Campground connects to a 7-mile canoe trail system perfect for day exploration. "Seven miles of canoe trails, a swimming beach, and nice campsites make this a weekend getaway," notes one visitor about Finger Lake State Recreation Site Campground. Rentals available seasonally.
Wildlife spotting: Early mornings and evenings provide prime wildlife viewing opportunities near Eklutna Lake Campground. "This is a great place to see bears! Moose.... Foxes. The waters are clear and the landscape is so lush. There are a ton of flies though in the summer. Especially next to all this water. Mosquitos are aggressive at night," reports one camper.
Winter camping and recreation: Several areas remain accessible for winter adventures. "This is a great place to build a snow cave or do some winter camping. It gets cold so dress warm in the -20--40 range. There are lots of great places to drive up to and snowboard to the roadway," explains a visitor to Hatcher Pass Backcountry Sites.
What campers like
Lake access for swimming: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying amenities. "The kids had a park they could play at... Short walk to the river, we had a blast with kids and dogs at the water," notes one visitor at Matanuska River Park Campground.
Spacious camping sites: Several campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. At Lake Lucile Campground, "There are some trees. There's a lake with some small walking trails which are nice in the morning. Pit toilets, picnic tables, fire pit. Best part is the price. $10 for dry camping and $20 for electric!"
Community facilities: Many campgrounds include shared spaces for gatherings. "Pavillion with fire pit, two grills so you dont have to unpack yours, and hammocks to laze away the day. Laundry and showers look like an old west town, too cute!" describes one visitor to Anchorage N KOA Journey.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "If you live in Anchorage or the valley this is a nice campground. The camp host is very attentive but on sunny weekends the campground and day area fills up quickly," notes a visitor about Finger Lake State Recreation Site Campground.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The road to get the rv up the hill was a little sketch as no room for someone coming in the other direction," warns a visitor to Kepler Bradley Lake.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. One camper at Forget Me Not RV Park notes, "Nice place to take the kiddos. Right off the parks Hwy before the Big Lake turn off... You do hear noise from the Highway and it looks like there are some long term residents that were running their generators consistently."
Tips for camping with families
Enclosed play areas: Several campgrounds offer designated children's spaces. "This is a great place to take the kiddos. Right off the parks Hwy before the Big Lake turn off... There is an older swing set for smaller kids to play on and there are kayaks, canoes, & paddle boats for rent," reports a visitor to Forget Me Not RV Park.
Beginner-friendly options: For new campers, certain sites provide easier experiences. "Great place to bring kids especially on a first camping trip. Dog friendly. Tent friendly. Can accommodate large RVs. No spot is bad," notes one visitor about Finger Lake State Recreation Site.
Multi-generational amenities: Look for campgrounds with diverse activities. "Seven miles of canoe trails, a swimming beach, and nice campsites make this a weekend getaway! Two large group sites, 24 tent sites and 8 rv sites, 1-8 and 15-21 are reservable, with sites 9-14 fcfs. $25 a night dry camping," details a visitor at Finger Lake State Recreation Site.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: RV campers should check site dimensions before booking. At Matanuska River Park Campground, "Water and sewer via dump station...30 amp service available up top. Wooded tent and RV sites down the hill in 'The woods'. 72 is a great site, our 30 ft 5er and f250 fitted in fine, but some caution needs to be exercised when driving."
Price variations: Electric hookup costs vary significantly between campgrounds. "Minutes away from the amenities of a small city. Not much privacy between spots but there are some trees. Best part is the price. $10 for dry camping and $20 for electric!" notes a visitor to Lake Lucile Campground.
Winter accommodations: Year-round RV camping requires preparation. "They have great amenities. The campground has helpful and friendly staff, clean bathrooms, a nice laundry facility, and even a playground with a communal pavilion for people to gather round together," explains a visitor to Anchorage N KOA Journey, one of the few year-round options in the area.
