Tent camping options near Wasilla, Alaska include primitive sites and designated campgrounds scattered throughout the surrounding wilderness areas. South Rolly Overlook Group Campsite in Nancy Lake State Recreation Area offers tent-friendly sites accessible by car, while more remote options can be found at Rabbit Lake Primitive Campsites where hiking is required to reach camping areas. Eagle River Nature Center also provides tent camping along trails for those seeking a more secluded experience.
Most primitive tent sites around Wasilla require self-sufficiency as amenities are minimal. Rabbit Lake Primitive Campsites offer free camping but lack facilities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers need to pack out all waste and bring sufficient water supplies. While some areas like Eagle River Nature Center have maintained trails, others require navigation skills and wilderness camping experience. Bear activity is common throughout the region, making proper food storage essential for tent campers. Fire regulations vary by location and season.
The hiking required to reach many tent sites around Wasilla creates a quieter camping experience away from RVs and larger groups. At Rabbit Lake, tent campers should note access challenges, as one reviewer advised: "This is a strange one. 4.4 mile hike up the road. A road that obviously people don't want you to go down. You must park at the gravel parking lot walk up following the road." For Eagle River Nature Center, tent camping areas offer solitude but require preparation. According to a camper review, these areas feature "Well maintained trails but a walk to the cabin or yurts. Accessible by foot year around. No horses or bikes allowed on trails. Tent camping along the Crow Creek Pass Trail."
"Beauty lake, lovely trail, great spot for a weekend getaway."
from $100 - $150 / night
"Well maintained trails but a walk to the cabin or yurts. Accessible by foot year around. No horses or bikes allowed on trails. Tent camping along the Crow Creek Pass Trail."
from $85 / night
"These are walk in tent sites. There are no spots for RVs or trailers. Firewood is a fun place and not too far from Anchorage."
"Small private walk up sites. Parking is close. There is a large common area for a camp fire and covered picnic tables. I enjoyed the common areas as that facilitates meeting new people."
ScoutDriving a 34’ boat trailer with sailboat from Bend, OR up the Alaska Highway, was one of the most amazing campsite views of the trip, yes, parking that trailer was ‘interesting’, and not suggested, but was a life saver, end of a long day driving, was delighted with the find, stay here whenever I am driving by, calm, clear, restfull, not crowded, not fancy, just AK right!
TravelerVery friendly and welcoming hosts. Nice spot complete with a few water/electric sites
TravelerSmaller sites. Any trailer over 23 feet, would be tough. Host was very helpful and all the sites were clean. One water hand pump with boil warning. Sites next to river very nice. If you like quiet and seclusion, this is your camp. Chickaloon store right down the highway!
GuideRight on the river. Several spots. Rocky
ScoutEasy payment system right at the entrance which takes card. No issue finding a site and there was overflow camping on the way out. Toilets were clean. Definitely go check out the river!
LegendGeneral: 83-site Good Sam RV park, plus 15 long-term sites. 72 are pull-through; the rest are back-in.
Site Quality: Roads are gravel, but sites are on grass. The grass was a bit high in our site (22). Sites are close together with no separation, as is typical of Alaska RV parks.
Bath/Shower: Six all-in-one units with sink, toilet, and shower. Clean but NO SOAP in any of the bathrooms.
Activities/Amenities: Spacious laundry room ($4/wash; $2 for dryer, but I needed two cycles of the dryer). Quarters are available in the office. There is a reservable covered pavilion. Dog walk area. Propane fill available. Cell service is limited (Verizon), and I was not able to connect to the WiFi in our campsite (I believe you could in the laundry room).
This is fairly typical of RV parks we have found in Alaska. It really annoyed me that there was no soap in the bathrooms; I am not in the habit of bringing soap with me when I go to the bathroom; this deducted a star in my review.
GuideThere are vaults toilets. a hiking trail to the river to fish. No numbered spots. Two loops where people park in front of a fire ring. Only about 10 spots. No fee. Quiet. Good for a layover because it is free. I suspect some campers are locals as we are here on a Saturday
RangerThe campground is clean and has nice grass, flowers and shrubs separating the rows of campers. Grass pads so get on an open to the sky site for sun and wind to keep it dry. Good potable water, dump for $6. Bathhouse leaves a lot to be desired. I couldn’t take a shower in there it was so flooded and muddy.
LegendIt's apparent that at one time this was a very nice campground. Unfortunately it has fallen into disrepair and is showing its neglect.
Perhaps the biggest problem with this campsite is how close it is to the main Highway and the amount of road noise.
As for the rest I will let the pictures and video speak for themselves.
Tent camping near Wasilla, Alaska offers backcountry experiences amid the Chugach Mountains and numerous lakes. Temperatures range from 60-70°F in summer months with frequent rainfall, requiring waterproof gear and proper preparation. Winter camping is possible but requires specialized cold weather equipment as temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Hike accessible trails: At Eagle River Nature Center, campers can access multiple hiking routes. "Many choices for length of hikes depending on which loop you choose. This is bear county so bring your bear bells," notes reviewer Tanya B., who adds, "Loved the hikes so much we decided to rent the cabin for my birthday."
Lake activities: South Rolly Overlook Group Campsite in Nancy Lake State Recreation Area provides access to water activities including kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The campground sits near multiple interconnected lakes, creating opportunities for day-long paddling excursions.
Wildlife viewing: The wilderness surrounding Wasilla supports diverse wildlife including moose, eagles, and bears. Proper wildlife safety practices are essential when tent camping in these areas. Maintaining clean campsites and storing food securely prevents unwanted animal encounters.
Secluded camping spots: Rabbit Lake Primitive Campsites offers remote tent camping with minimal crowds. One camper advises an alternative access point: "I suggest parking at the rainbow trail head right down the way to the left that connects with multiple trails."
Well-maintained paths: Eagle River Nature Center receives positive feedback for trail conditions. A reviewer notes the area features "Well maintained trails but a walk to the cabin or yurts. Accessible by foot year around. No horses or bikes allowed on trails."
No-cost options: Budget-conscious tent campers appreciate that some primitive camping areas around Wasilla remain free of charge. Rabbit Lake Primitive Campsites provides no-fee camping but requires hikers to pack all supplies in and waste out.
Access challenges: Some of the best tent camping near Wasilla requires significant hiking. At Rabbit Lake, a reviewer describes the approach as "a strange one. 4.4 mile hike up the road. A road that obviously people don't want you to go down. You must park at the gravel parking lot walk up following the road."
Seasonal considerations: Spring camping often means muddy conditions while fall brings earlier sunsets and cooler temperatures. Summer offers extended daylight hours but also increases mosquito activity. Camping in late August through September reduces insect pressure.
Limited facilities: Eklutna Lake Public Use Cabins provides tent camping options but campers must be self-sufficient. Most primitive tent sites lack running water, requiring campers to filter water from natural sources or carry sufficient supplies.
Cabin alternatives: For families seeking tent camping alternatives, Eagle River Nature Center offers cabin and yurt options that provide more weather protection while maintaining a wilderness experience.
Wildlife education: Before camping near Wasilla with children, prepare them with age-appropriate wildlife safety information. Practice proper food storage techniques and teach children to maintain appropriate distances from wildlife.
Shorter hiking options: Nancy Lake State Recreation Area offers tent camping accessible by shorter trails, making it more suitable for families with young children who cannot hike extended distances.
Parking considerations: RVers heading to tent-only areas should identify appropriate parking locations beforehand. Some primitive camping areas provide designated parking lots before trail access points.
Supply coordination: When tent camping from an RV base camp, use waterproof containers to transport food and gear from vehicle to tent site. The weather in the Wasilla region can change rapidly, necessitating proper equipment protection.
Mixed accommodation camping: Eklutna Lake allows both drive-in and tent camping options, enabling groups with different accommodation preferences to camp in proximity to each other while experiencing the best tent camping near Wasilla, Alaska.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wasilla, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wasilla, AK is Eklutna Lake Public Use Cabins & Serenity Falls Hut — Chugach State Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Wasilla, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Wasilla, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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