Cabins near Sutton, Alaska sit within a region characterized by the dramatic terrain of the Chugach Mountains and Talkeetna Range, with elevations ranging from 270 feet to over 6,000 feet in nearby peaks. Winter temperatures can drop to -20°F, while summer brings 18+ hours of daylight with temperatures typically between 60-75°F. Most cabins remain accessible year-round via the Glenn Highway, though some remote locations require additional hiking or specialized transportation.
What to do
Hiking at South Rolly Lake: The campground connects to several trail systems including the Red Shirt Lake Trail. "We hiked on the nearby Red Shirt Lake Trail and caught a ton of small northern pike on Red Shirt Lake. There is a great canoe rental shop in the campground that provides everything you need to get on the water," notes one visitor to South Rolly Lake Campground.
Canoe trails: The Nancy Lake area features extensive water routes. "6 miles of canoe trails on Nancy Lake to keep you nice and busy all weekend long. Tons of hiking, camp host, firewood for sale $8 or 2 for $15, several lake access day use sites with picnic tables and fire rings," according to a camper at South Rolly Lake Campground.
Winter recreation: Many cabins serve as base camps for cold-weather activities. "Great sledding in the winter and amazing hiking in the summer. Great place to beat out the winter blues. You can't beat a hike to independence mine or any of the other trail heads," reports a visitor to Hatcher Pass Lodge.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Many cabin locations offer opportunities to spot native animals. "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," warns a camper at Eklutna Lake Campground.
Lake access: Multiple cabin rentals provide direct access to water recreation. "Being born and raised in Alaska, I am disappointed in myself for only going to Nancy Lake for the first time in 2018. This is such a cool lake and very shapely. Lots of coves to explore as well as beautiful lake front homes to day dream about," shares a visitor to Nancy Lake State Recreation Site.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the space between accommodations. "The sites are large and campground staff clean them daily after campers leave. The outhouses are clean and also maintained daily. There are canoe and kayak rentals and the dock is great for fishing or swimming!" notes a camper at South Rolly Lake.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Bears frequent the area around cabins. "Bear proof trash so they are here people," warns a visitor to South Rolly Lake Campground.
Bug preparation: Insects can be intense during summer months. "Skeeters weren't terrible between the fire, bug spray and bug room we were just fine and came out with minimal bites," reports a camper at Nancy Lake State Recreation Site.
Water conditions: Lakes in the area have specific characteristics. "This is not a motorized sport lake or float planes landing that I have ever seen means you can paddle out without worrying about other peoples wakes. It also lets you float silently and gives you better opportunities to get some great views of the local wildlife," explains a visitor to Nancy Lake.
Seasonal availability: While Eagle River Campground operates from May to September, a camper notes: "Located around 5 minutes to Eagle River. Beautiful location on River. ADA accessibility. Dump station on site. Restrooms available. There is a fee and a limit on how long you can stay. It was 4 days when we were there."
Tips for camping with families
Safe swimming areas: Some locations offer protected water access for children. "We stayed up until the rise telling stories around the fire and taking late night swims," reports a camper at South Rolly Lake Campground.
Playground access: Certain campgrounds include dedicated play spaces. "The park had helpful and friendly staff, clean bathrooms, a nice laundry facility, and even a playground with a communal pavilion for people to gather round together," notes a visitor to Anchorage N KOA Journey.
Educational opportunities: The area provides learning experiences for children. "This is a great spot to take your younger kids to teach them the basics. Were new to the area so really just learning AK. But this was a great spot for a 5&4 YO. Not to much in and out traffic and plenty for them to just explore and learn close to camp," shares a Nancy Lake visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some campgrounds accommodate larger rigs better than others. "Right off the Highway this RV park is not bad. Although I prefer my camping more rural. If you are visiting and just want to start one way out of Anchorage this could be a choice for you. With everything from cabins, to full RV hook ups, to dry RV camping, and lakeside tent spots this is a good option for a first stop on a great Alaska adventure," explains a camper at Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground.
Utility location considerations: Pay attention to hookup placement. "The only bad we could think of was sports are close together. The hookups are on the opposite side if you back in. It is not an issue if you bring an extra extension cord," advises an Anchorage N KOA Journey visitor.
Year-round availability: Not all RV locations operate in winter. "Great park with daily, weekly, monthly rates. There is a mix of full hookups, electric and water, and primitive sites so try and reserve if possible. They have 2$ laundry, free showers, restrooms, firewood, a small store, restaurant, and really friendly owners that will accommodate you the best they can," notes a Fox Run Lodge visitor.
