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.

Paxson Lake Campground is located at MP 175 of the Richardson Hwy. The campground has 45 camp sites including 2 accessible sites and 5 walk-in sites near the shore of Paxson Lake. All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible sites, water, picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms are available. The campground\'s boat launch is the starting point for those floating the main branch of the Gulkana Wild and Scenic River. Fees $12/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.

Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management

Gakona, AK is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Gakona campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Gakona, reviewed by campers like you.

Gakona

The Best Camping Near Gakona, Alaska

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.

Quiet, wooded campground on glacial kettle lake

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.

Quiet Remote Beautiful

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. 

A Quiet Night in a Breathtaking Place

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. 

Great Setup

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. 

A little off hwy fun !  

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.

Awesome

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. 


Slice of Heaven 

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!  

Photos of Paxson Lake Campground — Bureau Of Land Management

Real photos from real campers