Quartz Lake State Recreation Area

4.00

18 reviews

3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99709, United States

FishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

991 ft

Price

$15 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Alaska Department of Fish and Game site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

991 ft

Price

$15 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Alaska Department of Fish and Game site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quartz Lake State Recreation Area

$15.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsites are $15-$20 per night (user reviews: $15 for camping, $20 for traditional sites).

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

9074512695

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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 18 reviews

73 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlakestaff

"User reviews for Quartz Lake State Recreation Area are generally positive, with emphasis on fishing, scenic beauty, and the diversity of recreational opportunities. However, some reviewers highlighted maintenance issues and overcrowding during peak times."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99709, United States

Quartz Lake State Recreation Area

3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99709, United States

Driving directionsQuartz Lake State Recreation Area is ten miles north of Delta Junction and is reached by a three-mile road at mile 277.8 of the Richardson Hwy.

"Recommend you take it slow on the road, it always has frost heaves and seems to be repaired in the summer months." (Eric Collier). The road access is noted to have seasonal frost heaves, particularly challenging during certain times of the year.

Nearby places

Delta Junction: 10 miles (approximately 20 minutes drive). Fort Greeley: null.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are located in Delta Junction, which is approximately 10 miles away and includes groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Quartz Lake State Recreation Area

Experience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformation at Quartz Lake, where each season unveils a completely different adventure playground. Summer brings long, golden days perfect for diving into cool waters, traversing scenic hiking trails, and landing that trophy fish as the midnight sun lingers on the horizon. As autumn paints the birches in brilliant gold, the landscape prepares for its winter metamorphosis. When snow blankets the region, the frozen lake becomes a hub for ice fishing enthusiasts, cross-country skiers carving fresh tracks, and snowmachiners exploring miles of groomed trails under the dancing northern lights.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: long days, fishing, swimming and hiking popular though overcrowding occurs.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fewer crowds and changing scenery; fishing and trails remain attractive into fall.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Shoulder season with activities returning; limited detailed review information on spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 11% in AK

Winter offers ice fishing, skiing and snowmachining but with reduced services and crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months are likely peak season based on user review patterns and activity descriptions.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round availability, with summer activities dominating and winter activities such as ice fishing, skiing, and snowmachining noted in the description.

About Quartz Lake State Recreation Area

Nestled within 600 acres of pristine Alaskan wilderness, Quartz Lake State Recreation Area beckons adventurers with its crystalline waters and ancient spruce groves. Among the constellation of campgrounds dotting this natural haven, Quartz Lake Campground stands as the crown jewel—a well-appointed basecamp where towering spruce trees whisper stories of the north. Here, anglers cast their lines for prized catches while families explore endless trails, splash in refreshing waters, and witness wildlife in their natural habitat. When winter transforms the landscape into a glittering wonderland, the adventure continues with ice fishing expeditions and exhilarating snowmachine rides across the frozen expanse.

Quartz Lake State Recreation Area offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV-compatible sites, and public-use cabins. However, there are no water, sewer, or electricity hookups, limiting options for RV campers.

Historical SignificanceJourney through time with a visit to the historic Rika's Roadhouse, a captivating glimpse into Alaska's pioneering past located within Big Delta State Historical Park, just 8 miles north of Delta Junction. This beautifully preserved roadhouse tells the story of early Alaskan hospitality and the rugged individuals who carved civilization from the wilderness, adding a rich cultural dimension to your outdoor adventure.

Weather and SeasonsExperience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformation at Quartz Lake, where each season unveils a completely different adventure playground. Summer brings long, golden days perfect for diving into cool waters, traversing scenic hiking trails, and landing that trophy fish as the midnight sun lingers on the horizon. As autumn paints the birches in brilliant gold, the landscape prepares for its winter metamorphosis. When snow blankets the region, the frozen lake becomes a hub for ice fishing enthusiasts, cross-country skiers carving fresh tracks, and snowmachiners exploring miles of groomed trails under the dancing northern lights.

ElevationWhile the specific elevation remains one of nature's quiet secrets, the campground's position in Interior Alaska creates the perfect microclimate for both summer recreation and winter wonderlands, offering visitors a true taste of subarctic camping at its finest.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape where time seems to slow beside the mirror-like waters of Quartz Lake, perfectly framed by ancient spruce and paper birch forests that have flourished for generations, naturally sheltered from the harsh northern winds. This protected sanctuary has created a unique ecosystem where majestic moose browse along the shoreline, elegant swans glide across the water, and industrious beavers engineer their aquatic kingdoms. Beneath the surface, the lake teems with life—rainbow trout rise to meet the evening hatch while coho salmon, Arctic char, and mighty Chinook salmon patrol the depths, making every cast an exciting possibility.

Geological RegionSet in the heart of Interior Alaska's northern reaches, Quartz Lake occupies an ancient floodplain where geological forces have sculpted a remarkable landscape over millennia. This fascinating terrain showcases how nature's patient hand created pristine lakes and nurtured old-growth spruce groves, resulting in a camping destination where geology meets recreation in spectacular fashion.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 4 guests allowed per site (user reviews and site data).

Groups

There is no information available about group-specific sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutQuartz Lake Campground features 16 campsites in a loop, with uneven gravel pads and varying sizes. Overflow lots near Quartz Lake available for additional camping.

Reservation PlatformsReservations for cabins can be made via the state website. No specific platform mentioned for campsites.

Walk-in AvailabilityBe prepared to arrive very early or circle the 16 campsites with despair" (Andrew Visscher). Indicates limited walk-up availability for Quartz Lake Campground.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not explicitly described.

AccessibilityThe cabins and main campgrounds appear accessible to a variety of visitors, though no detailed information on specific accessibility features is provided.

Site SizeCampsites in the Quartz Lake Campground vary significantly in size. Some are suited for large RVs, but others might cause inconvenience due to uneven terrain. According to a user, 'large RV campers will experience varying levels of consternation trying to fit.

PrivacyCamping sites in the Quartz Lake Campground are described as relatively private, surrounded by old spruce and birch trees, creating a wooded and shaded environment. One user highlighted the 'very shady and pleasant "old forest" vibe.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesFor fishing, the south side of the lake is recommended for its deeper waters; for camping, choose spots near boat ramps for convenience (Eric Collier).

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Quartz Lake State Recreation Area are diverse and cater to all seasons. Fishing is a major draw, with the lake stocked with rainbow trout, coho salmon, Arctic char, and Chinook salmon. Hiking is increasingly popular, with five trails offering scenic views and wildlife encounters. Other summer activities include camping, picnicking, swimming, beach volleyball, and water skiing. Winter activities include ice fishing, snowmachining, dog mushing, and staying in a rustic cabin under frigid conditions.

HikingThe park has five hiking trails offering various levels of difficulty and extraordinary views, such as those of the Tanana River Valley and the Alaska Range. Some trails, like the Bert Mountain Trail, are described as challenging, with unmaintained paths and obstacles. According to one reviewer, 'be prepared to duck and dive your way across this challenging 3.4-mile obstacle course.'

FishingFishing is a highlight at Quartz Lake, which is annually stocked with over 300,000 fingerling rainbow trout and coho salmon. Additional species include Arctic char and Chinook salmon. A trophy rainbow trout weighing 8.3 pounds was once caught here. The best fishing areas include the boat launches and rocky shorelines. A boat rental service operated by a helpful host named Randi is also available.

SwimmingSwimming is an option at the designated swimming area, though one review noted that 'the lake shore doesn't seem to be maintained so swimming might not be ideal.'

BoatingThe campground features two boat launches with easy access to Quartz Lake. A boat rental shack is available, and boating activities, such as water skiing, are popular during the summer.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is excellent, with sightings of moose, swans, and beavers at Lost Lake. Moose are common, often seen feeding on aquatic plants. A beaver lodge is also located near the lakeshore.

Beach activitiesThe campground includes a beach area with options for sunbathing and playing volleyball. However, the level of maintenance is unclear, as one review mentioned that the 'lake shore doesn't seem to be maintained.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReported frost heaves on roads during summer; mosquitoes in Lost Lake Campground due to stagnant water. "Lost Lake Campground is riddled with massive holes and stagnant water" (Andrew Visscher).

Fire PolicyFire rings are available at campsites, but regulations on their use are not detailed.

Quiet Hours"Busy all times of night, not a good place to camp if you don’t plan on staying up till 2 or 3 am" (Margaret). Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station contact: 9074512695. Other emergency services in the nearest town, Delta Junction, approximately 10 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no detailed information about trash or recycling facilities at the campground. Some reviews mention trash issues, including 'trash all over' at certain campsites.

Water FeaturesQuartz Lake and Lost Lake are adjacent water features. Quartz Lake is known for fishing and water activities, while Lost Lake offers wildlife viewing.

Camp Host"The campground worker sits at the cabin with binoculars and watches over people" (Carmen Glynn). Limited interaction noted.

Weather at Quartz Lake State Recreation Area

Reviews

4.0

18 reviews

Satisfactory

Quartz Lake State Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Quartz Lake State Recreation Area are generally positive, with emphasis on fishing, scenic beauty, and the diversity of recreational opportunities. However, some reviewers highlighted maintenance issues and overcrowding during peak times.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Fishing is a standout feature, and the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding forest is frequently praised. Users appreciated the variety of recreational options, especially the clean campgrounds...

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance concerns, such as dilapidated facilities at Lost Lake Campground and uneven camping pads, are mentioned. Overcrowding during summer weekends and the presence of mosquitoes were also...

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure a good spot, especially during weekends. Those interested in fishing should target the south side of the lake, where deeper waters are located. Slow driving...

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with fishing, swimming, and hiking dominating activities. Winter sees reduced crowds but offers unique opportunities such as ice fishing and snowmachining....

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Quartz Lake SRA is a peaceful and tucked away sanctuary with a beautiful, placid lake.' - Andrew Visscher. 2. 'The vault toilets are a 5 at best out of 10.' - Carmen Glynn. 3. 'Fishing is great;...

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Quartz Lake Campground is often described as the best camping option at the park. Lost Lake Campground is noted to have poor maintenance, with water-filled holes and mosquito issues. The overflow lot...

Based on 18 reviews