Camping near Wasilla, Alaska offers numerous wilderness and lakeside options 40 miles northeast of Anchorage. The area sits at approximately 315 feet elevation in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, with summer temperatures averaging 60-70°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Wasilla serves as a convenient base for campers exploring the surrounding lakes and mountains.
What to do
Water activities on multiple lakes: Finger Lake State Recreation Site Campground features a remarkable 7-mile canoe trail network. According to visitor Jonathan V., "It was amazing. The views of the mountains were beautiful and the fish were biting every 5 seconds. It was like they have never eaten before."
Hiking opportunities: Chugach State Park's Eagle River Campground provides access to several trails. One visitor notes, "Multiple trails travel along the campground and the river. Beautiful Alaskan experience right next to Alaska's largest city."
Wildlife viewing: The areas surrounding Eklutna Lake Campground offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Camper Carly S. shares: "This is a great place to see bears! Moose.... Foxes. The waters are clear and the landscape is so lush."
Winter activities: Some campgrounds remain accessible for winter recreation. Forget Me Not RV Park stays open year-round, giving access to winter trails and frozen pond activities when conditions permit.
What campers like
Lakefront swimming access: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. At Eklutna Lake, one visitor mentioned, "Camp ground was spacious and very quite... people were nice and respectful. Also the dogs and kids love playing on the beach."
Fishing opportunities: The lakes around Wasilla provide excellent fishing. One camper at Kepler Bradley Lake noted it has a "shallow lake great for kayaking swimming and fishing."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer good site separation. At Eagle River Campground, a visitor noted, "Lots are spread out well and it is fairly comfortable and quite."
On-site food options: Some parks offer unexpected food amenities. According to Erik J. at Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground, "The on site restaurant is a gem. The Thai food was REALLY good. So good that we'd go back just for the food!"
What you should know
Seasonal mosquito issues: Summer brings insects to most campgrounds. One camper warned about Eklutna Lake: "There are a ton of flies though in the summer. Especially next to all this water. Mosquitos are aggressive at night."
Varied pricing structures: Campground fees vary significantly. At Matanuska River Park Campground, Kevin H. noted: "$20 to dry-camp. Water station and sani-dump usage included. There are also some sites with electricity - a few more dollars but extremely close together."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Kepler Bradley Lake, a visitor warned: "The road to get the rv up the hill was a little sketch as no room for someone coming in the other direction."
Limited availability: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. As Erik J. observed at Finger Lake, "We didn't have a reservation but there are a number of first come first served sites. 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
Playground access: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Wasilla include play areas for children. At Finger Lake State Recreation Site Campground, Staci J. recommends: "The lake is just a short walk from the campgrounds and has a nice spot to fish from the shore with little ones."
Beginner-friendly options: For first-time campers with kids, Tanya B. suggests: "Great place to bring kids especially on a first camping trip. Dog friendly. Tent friendly. Can accommodate large RVs. No spot is bad."
Educational opportunities: Plan day trips to cultural sites. Barbara W. mentions a unique opportunity near Eklutna: "Down at the bottom of the mountain there is a Russian Orthodox Cemetery that's just amazing. Its got plaques telling of earlier years & the people who came."
Rental equipment: Several campgrounds offer boat rentals. Jessica J. notes that at Forget Me Not RV Park: "There is an older swing set for smaller kids to play on and there are kayaks, canoes, & paddle boats for rent."
Tips from RVers
Site positioning: Pay attention to hookup placement. At Matanuska River Park, Kevin notes site 72 "is a great site, our 30 ft 5er and f250 fitted in fine, but some caution needs to be exercised when driving. Trees made Starlink coverage a bit spotty."
Facility closures: Check operating hours for amenities. Scott T. cautions about Matanuska River Park: "This is a nice little spot but there's two drawbacks... the restrooms close at 10pm."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Lake Lucile Campground, Jordan J. notes: "This is a great spot to unwind, enjoy a pretty lake, and give your pup the opportunity to run around in the dog park. It is a bit noisy, so definitely not the place if you're looking for peace and quiet."
Long-term options: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Wasilla accommodate extended stays. Shadara W. points out that Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground offers "long term parking too. Some sites have gorgeous lake views."
