Camping near Wasilla, Alaska draws visitors year-round with temperatures ranging from 60-70°F in summer to below freezing in winter. Located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley at approximately 350 feet elevation, the area offers seven interconnected lakes and wetlands spanning across 3,000 acres. Mosquitoes peak in June and July, requiring proper repellent for comfortable outdoor experiences.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Eklutna Lake Campground offers trail access for various skill levels. "My favorite place near Anchorage. Perfect for biking, hiking, kayaking, or camping. Amazing views everywhere," explains one visitor. The Twin Peaks trail provides a challenging option but rewards hikers with panoramic views.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to spot native Alaska wildlife. "This is a great place to see bears! Moose.... Foxes. The waters are clear and the landscape is so lush," notes a camper at Eklutna Lake Campground. Prepare for wildlife encounters by maintaining proper food storage.
Winter activities: Several campgrounds remain accessible for winter sports. At Finger Lake State Recreation Site, winter visitors can experience ice fishing. "My friend and I went here this past winter to do some ice fishing for the first. It was amazing. The views of the mountains were beautiful and the fish were biting every 5 seconds," shares one reviewer.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Rocky Lake State Recreation Site offers secluded camping spots. "Not the best campground for RVs but wonderful for tents and small campers. Only about 10 sites that can be reserved online. Right against the lake so great for fishing, canoeing and kayaking," explains one visitor who appreciated the layout.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms as a highlight. At Eagle River Campground, "Campground with paved roads. Lots are spread out well and it is fairly comfortable and quite. Multiple trails travel along the campground and the river," notes one reviewer who valued the maintained infrastructure.
Family-friendly amenities: South Rolly Lake Campground provides features for family outings. "We stayed here using a pull through site, no power with a walking path directly to the lake. The camp hosts were helpful with fire wood for sale, the toilets not terrible and bathroom area clean, kayak/canoe rentals on location, water, and a little sand area for kids to play in," reports a visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Several campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season (May-September). At Rocky Lake State Recreation Site, "Camp sites are TIGHT- watched a few RVs and 5th wheels struggle into spots on the one way road," warns one camper about site limitations.
Mosquito intensity: Insect repellent is essential equipment. "There are a ton of flies though in the summer. Especially next to all this water. Mosquitos are aggressive at night," reports a visitor to Eklutna Lake Campground about the insect conditions.
Glamping options near Wasilla: For upscale outdoor experiences, Willow Creek Resort offers glamping accommodations with amenities. "This campground is popular with rafters and fishermen who like to drive upstream and float back to the campground. Willow Creek gets a good annual run of King, Silvers and Pink Salmon...with the occasional Chum," notes a fisher who enjoyed the comfort combined with outdoor access.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campsites with play areas: Several campgrounds feature dedicated spaces for children. "The campground has a nice spot to fish from the shore with little ones. We went on a non-holiday weekend and it was nice and peaceful," recommends a family that visited Finger Lake State Recreation Site.
Plan for weather fluctuations: Alaska weather changes rapidly, requiring proper gear. "We ended up raining the whole weekend but was still a great trip. We brought a canopy to hide from the rain, canoeing attire, food to cook on the campfire, fishing equipment and warm clothes," advises a family from South Rolly Lake Campground.
Consider glamping accommodations: Luxury camping options around Wasilla provide comfort for families new to outdoor experiences. "Family friendly place, staff is super friendly and helpful. I did not expect the place to be that good! Bathrooms and showers are clean and there's always toilet paper," reports a family that enjoyed glamping at Willow Creek Resort.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Many campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. "We needed a place to stay between Anchorage and Glen Allen. The RV lot is basically a parking lot but without many other options it would probably do the trick for an RV," notes a visitor to Matanuska Lake State Recreation Area.
Plan for limited hookups: Full service sites are scarce in the area. "Electric, water and dump. Bathrooms barely adequate, dirty, wet floors, hard to use showers. Overall I would stay here again given the location and low price $35 electric," advises an RV camper who stayed at Centennial Campground while exploring the Wasilla area.
Consider seasonal limitations: Most RV-friendly campgrounds operate May through September, with limited winter access. Winter glamping close to Wasilla requires preparation for frozen water systems and propane heating.
