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Established Camping

Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Paxson Lake Campground, near Paxson, Alaska, is a serene spot that offers a peaceful escape surrounded by stunning natural beauty. With well-maintained sites and easy access to the lake, it’s a solid choice for those looking to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

This campground features clean facilities, including toilets and bear-proof trash cans, which campers appreciate. Many visitors have highlighted the spaciousness of the sites, especially in the upper loop, making it suitable for larger rigs. As one camper noted, “Great place to boondock at $12 a site,” emphasizing the affordability and convenience of the location.

For those who enjoy water activities, the campground is close to the lake, perfect for kayaking or fishing, though some have mentioned that fishing can be hit or miss. The area is also known for its beautiful glacier views and scenic trails, making it a great spot for hiking and exploring. Just be prepared for some wind by the lake and bring along mosquito repellent to keep the bugs at bay.

Whether you're planning a short visit or a longer stay, Paxson Lake Campground offers a quiet retreat with plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

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Location

Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management is located in Alaska

Detail location of campground

Directions

Enter the campground on the west side of milepost 175 Richardson Highway

Coordinates

62.88 N
145.52 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 4, 2022

Quiet, secluded, free dump station

Great place to boondock at $12 a site. We brought our lite trailer and site 10 was a perfect pull through with little leveling needed. We haven’t had luck fishing at the lake, but the campground is clean, limited amount of people, and there is a free dump station.
Sites 1-20 have some pull throughs and are better for bigger rigs. Sites 21-50 are smaller, with a few bigger sites, no pulls through though. We will come back here again!

Site10
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by M P., August 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by M P., August 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by M P., August 4, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2022

Slice of Heaven

Plenty of spaces for everyone. Walk in sites along the lake is a favorite, but be aware it can be VERY windy by the lake. Bugs aren’t really a surprise unless you’re a tourist - bring a Thermacell or two and you’ll have no issues! Cell phone service was recently added to the area - 3 bars on Verizon. We brought our kayak and stayed 4 nights. Peaceful and amazing.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by Drew , June 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by Drew , June 20, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2019

Awesome

A wonderful campground, clean, close to lake access and beautiful scenery. 1-20 sites on the upper loop a bit further from the water but nice, large sites. 21-50 loop has smaller sites and the walk in tent sites but closer to the water with views of Paxson Lake. Fire wood available for purchase$5, bear proof trash cans also recycling. Handicapped sites too. Walk in tent sites have food lockers. Bear activity warning signs so make sure your food is stowed away.

  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by Shadara W., August 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by Shadara W., August 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by Shadara W., August 20, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2019

A little off hwy fun !

Paxton Lake well off the hwy, not too far, enough to be quiet. nice spots well maintained . Clearly marked trails 50+ sites all shapes and walk in sites right on the lake. Clean bathrooms and low cellphone single there.

  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by Melissa F., August 13, 2019
  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by Melissa F., August 13, 2019
  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by Melissa F., August 13, 2019
  • (9) View All
Reviewed May. 14, 2019

Great Setup

This is a well maintained BLM campground. The facilities we're still closed when we came here in May, but you could still use it. All sites had a fire ring and picnic table and some had tent pads. It is conveniently located right next to the lake's boat ramp. Firewood is available for purchase here when the campground is officially open.

  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by Hannah C., May 14, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2016

A Quiet Night in a Breathtaking Place

We hopped over to one of the three only-accessible-by-boat campsites across the lake. What a treat! With waves gently lapping the shore and views of the mountains and glaciers, it felt like our own little piece of paradise for the weekend. A note on amenities - The campsite had a picnic table and fire ring, but no outhouse/toilet, so be prepared to dig a hole, unlike other campers that stayed here.

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2016

Quiet Remote Beautiful

This is a great little campsite that has been fairly quiet whenever we visit, probably due to the remote location. Excellent facilities, well maintained and separates out Rvs and a walk in campsite. Great boat launch, beautiful scenery complete with glacier views on a clear enough day. The lake can get weedy in spots but some great fishing as well. Amenities aren't too close by so keep that in mind when choosing this campground and be sure you have enough gas to get to the next gas station. They have remote campsites as well that can be accessed if you have a boat, which are our preferred camping spots. Always excellent camping and if you go at the right time, lots of fresh blueberries to pick and eat.

  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by Angie G., August 9, 2016
  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by Angie G., August 9, 2016
  • Review photo of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management by Angie G., August 9, 2016
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2016

Quiet, wooded campground on glacial kettle lake

I and my group of visited Paxson Lake Campground and found it to be beautifully wooded with white and black spruce (perfect for hanging a hammock!). We picked sites adjacent to only water pump within the park to save on hauling and many walked down to the lake for a cold dip, since the campground has no modern amenities. The gravel road to get into the campground was a bit of challenge on loaded touring bicycles, but wouldn't present a challenge to those in motor vehicles, as the Richardson highway is several hundred feet above the lake.

Bring mosquito coils to create a safe zone, and definitely get to know the campground host, who has been a BLM volunteer in Alaska for several years at various campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Paxson Lake Campground in Alaska?

Paxson Lake Campground is located off the highway in Alaska, set back far enough to ensure peace and quiet but still easily accessible. The campground is situated right next to Paxson Lake's boat ramp. While the exact highway isn't specified, the location is relatively remote but reachable by standard vehicles. For precise directions, it's recommended to check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) which manages the campground.

What amenities are available at Paxson Lake Campground?

Paxson Lake Campground offers numerous amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads at most sites. The campground features clean bathrooms and a water pump within the park. Sites are well-maintained and clearly marked, with different areas for RVs and walk-in tent sites. There's a boat launch for lake access, and firewood is available for purchase at $5. The campground also provides a free dump station for RVs. For convenience, the campground is organized with sites 1-20 on an upper loop and sites 21-50 on a lower loop closer to the water.

What is the best time of year to visit Paxson Lake Campground?

The best time to visit Paxson Lake Campground is during the summer months, particularly from June through August. During this period, the facilities are fully operational, and the weather is typically most favorable for camping and lake activities. May visits are possible, but facilities might still be closed. Summer offers opportunities for swimming in the lake, though be prepared for cold water temperatures. Keep in mind that lakeside areas can experience significant wind, and like most Alaskan destinations, insects are active during summer months. For the most comfortable experience, bring insect repellent or Thermacell devices.

Are there fishing opportunities at Paxson Lake?

Yes, Paxson Lake offers fishing opportunities, though success may vary. The lake features convenient access with a boat ramp at the campground, making it easy to launch watercraft for fishing excursions. Some visitors report fishing directly from the shore. For a unique experience, you can access boat-only campsites across the lake. While specific fish species aren't mentioned, the lake is sizeable and situated in a beautiful natural setting with mountain and glacier views, enhancing the overall fishing experience.