Reached by a gravel road that drops several hundred feet below the Richardson Highway, Paxson Lake Campground sits on the shore of Paxson Lake in a white and black spruce forest roughly 200 miles northeast of Anchorage. The $20 nightly fee covers access to more than 50 sites split across two loops, with sites 1 through 20 on the upper loop offering more room for larger rigs and pull-throughs, while sites 21 through 50 sit closer to the water. No pets are allowed.
The campground layout gives campers real choices. Walk-in tent sites along the lake have food lockers and direct water views, though wind off the lake can be significant. A boat launch provides access to three remote sites on the far shore, reachable only by water, which lack toilet facilities. Bear activity signs are posted throughout, and bear-proof trash cans are on-site. Firewood sells for $5, and a free dump station is available. Cell coverage is limited, with roughly three bars on Verizon reported by recent visitors.
Fishing is one draw, though results vary. Bugs are a consistent factor, and a Thermacell or mosquito coils are worth packing. Amenities are sparse in the surrounding area, so arriving with a full tank of gas and adequate supplies matters. As Melissa F. notes, the campground sits "well off the hwy, not too far, enough to be quiet." Campers wanting a different setup can look at Denali Highway Gravel Pit Dispersed — Paxson to the north for dispersed options.
Description
Overview
Paxson Lake Campground MP 175 Richardson Hwy Large boat launch and parking area for 70 vehicles, toilet, boater registration stand and information panels. RV Dump station $10 fee for non-campers. 50 campsites First Loop: 20 camp sites, universally accessible toilets, one hand pump well, rules/map panels and bulletin boards, and boardwalk to lake. Second Loop: 20 camp sites, 10 walk in sites, toilets (1 universally accessible), rules/map panels and bulletin boards. Trail and bridge across the creek between the two loops. Fee Station: Per night = $20 all sites; Federal Senior Pass half price.
Recreation
Facilities
This recreation site provides 50 campsites (which includes a host site, two accessible campsites and ten walk-in camping sites), picnic tables and fire rings. Other amenities within the facility include six double vaulted toilets (three accessible), numerous bear-proof trash receptacles and food lockers, parking for vehicles and trailers, a paved boat launch, potable water, a sanitary dump station, accessible trails, picnic area, boater information cabin, and interpretive panels dispersed throughout the site.
Natural Features
Paxson Lake Campground is located at MP 175 of the Richardson Highway near the shore of Paxson Lake. The campground has 50 camp sites, including 2 accessible sites and 10 walk-in sites. All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and have access to water, picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. Fees: $15/night for regular, $6/night for walk-in site. The campground's boat launch is the starting point for those floating the main branch of the Gulkana Wild and Scenic River. Located in the 1st loop of Paxson Campground is a foot trail shore access to the lake and boat mooring area.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 822-3217.
Nearby Attractions
Denali Highway Info Gulkana Wild and Scenic River Denali Highway
Fee Info
All sites are on a first come first serve basis. Fee's Per night = $20 for overnight use. The Paxson Lake Campground opening and closing dates are weather dependent and may vary from season to season. May 30th Mermorial Day through the first week in September (Labor Day) is typically when the site is accessible and open to the public.
Map & DirectionsPaxson Lake Campground is located in Alaska near Gakona
Public CampgroundCoordinates
62.88346369 N
145.5248217 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
