Tangle Lakes Campground

3.82

52 reviews

PO Box 147, Glennallen, AK, 99588

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,815 ft

Price

$6 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Campground is typica...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

2,815 ft

Price

$6 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Campground is typica...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Tangle Lakes Campground

$6.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees include $20/night for standard nonelectric sites and $6/night for walk-in tent sites. Delta Wild and Scenic River usage is free. Rates may vary...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$6.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(907) 822-3217glennallenfieldoffice@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

3.82

Mixed Reviews

Based on 52 reviews

46 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioushiking

"User reviews highlight Tangle Lakes Campground as a clean, well-maintained, and highly scenic location. It is frequently described as one of the best campgrounds in Alaska, offering a range of activities and ample space for both RVs and tents."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 147, Glennallen, AK, 99588

Tangle Lakes Campground

PO Box 147, Glennallen, AK, 99588

Driving directionsDrive along the Denali Highway to milepost 21.5 on the north side to reach the campground.

The campground is accessible via paved roads and is situated on a major highway. Access may be subject to seasonal conditions.

Nearby places

Glennallen, AK (~60 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)

Denali National Park (~140 miles, approximately 3 hours drive).

Nearby supplies

Supplies and groceries available in Glennallen (~60 miles from the campground).

Best Time to Camp at Tangle Lakes Campground

Experience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformation at Tangle Lakes, where mild summer days from May through September create the perfect backdrop for paddling, fishing, and wildlife watching. As autumn approaches, the tundra explodes in brilliant reds and golds, drawing photographers and nature lovers from around the world. When winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, adventurous souls arrive by snowmachine to discover a completely different world—one of northern lights, endless white horizons, and the profound silence of the Arctic wilderness.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season (Memorial Day–Labor Day) is ideal for fishing, hiking and paddling.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open into early Sept; autumn colors and cooler weather possible but season is short.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Campground generally opens around Memorial Day; spring services and access are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Campground typically closed in winter; access possible by snowmachine but services limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground is typically open from Memorial Day (May 30th) to Labor Day (first week of September). Exact opening/closing dates are weather dependent.

About Tangle Lakes Campground

Discover your perfect wilderness retreat at Tangle Lakes Campground, where 45 spacious campsites and 4 secluded walk-in sites await adventure seekers along the legendary Denali Highway. At milepost 21.5, this well-appointed basecamp offers essential amenities including fresh water pumps, clean facilities, and direct boat access to explore the stunning chain of pristine lakes. Interpretive panels throughout the campground reveal the fascinating stories of this breathtaking tundra valley, where crystal-clear waters connect in nature's own highway system.

Tangle Lakes Campground supports a variety of camping styles. It caters to RV campers, tent campers, and walk-in campers, with additional group camping options available.

Historical Significance

Indigenous Heritage

Step back through millennia at this remarkable crossroads of human history, where the Tangle Lakes Archaeological District preserves evidence of over 10,000 years of continuous human presence. Ancient hunters once tracked caribou across these same ridges, while generations of indigenous peoples harvested the rich resources of land and water. Today's visitors walk in the footsteps of countless ancestors who recognized this special place as a vital corridor through Alaska's interior wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsExperience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformation at Tangle Lakes, where mild summer days from May through September create the perfect backdrop for paddling, fishing, and wildlife watching. As autumn approaches, the tundra explodes in brilliant reds and golds, drawing photographers and nature lovers from around the world. When winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, adventurous souls arrive by snowmachine to discover a completely different world—one of northern lights, endless white horizons, and the profound silence of the Arctic wilderness.

ElevationHigh in Alaska's interior wilderness, Tangle Lakes Campground offers visitors a true alpine experience where the air is crisp and the views stretch endlessly across the tundra plateau.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers, where narrow ribbon lakes reflect snow-capped peaks and the meandering Tangle River begins its journey through untouched wilderness. This stunning tapestry of water and tundra creates an ever-changing canvas—watch morning mist rise from mirror-still lakes, spot majestic moose browsing along shorelines, and witness massive caribou herds during their epic fall migrations. The surrounding hills burst with wildflowers in summer, while autumn transforms the low-growing vegetation into a photographer's dream of crimson bearberry and golden willow.

Geological RegionMarvel at nature's artistry in this spectacular glacially carved valley, where the powerful forces of ice age glaciers created today's interconnected system of jewel-like lakes. As part of the Delta Wild and Scenic River corridor, Tangle Lakes showcases Alaska's raw geological beauty—from ancient bedrock ridges to kettle ponds dotting the tundra like scattered gems. This dynamic landscape continues to evolve with each season, offering visitors a front-row seat to the ongoing story of Alaska's dramatic geological heritage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific time provided.

Check-out

No specific time provided.

Stay Limit

The stay limit is undefined.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Number of guests per site is undefined.

Groups

Two group camping areas are available, suitable for larger gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features various back-in and pull-through options suitable for tents and RVs, along with a walk-in area for tent camping.

Reservation PlatformsScan and Pay onsite; Recreation.gov for related services like permits.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Expect high demand during peak seasons and holidays.

Cancellation PolicyThis is a Scan and Pay campground. Refunds and modifications are not allowed. Cancellation fees apply for reservations, with late cancellations forfeiting fees for the first night.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible features such as three accessible vault toilets, accessible trails, and picnic areas.

Site SizeThe campground offers both back-in and pull-through sites, suitable for longer RVs as well as standard-sized tents. There are also group camping areas.

PrivacyUser reviews suggest that privacy is limited due to 'not much brush or anything between the spots,' making the sites less secluded.

Total Campsites45 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose walk-in sites for tent camping or pull-through sites for RVs. Sites near the boat launch are ideal for kayaking and fishing enthusiasts.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Tangle Lakes Campground provides an array of recreational opportunities in a stunning natural setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground's proximity to the Delta Wild and Scenic River also makes it a prime location for float trips.

HikingThe Tangle Ridge Hiking Trail begins at the campground and is designated for non-motorized use only. It offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. One user described the trail as 'great for hiking.'

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Tangle Lakes Campground, with grayling being the most commonly mentioned catch. User reviews frequently highlight fishing as a major draw to the area.

BoatingThe campground features a paved boat launch, providing access to the Tangle Lakes and the Delta Wild and Scenic River. The area is popular for both recreational boating and as a starting point for the 30-mile float trip.

Wildlife viewingThe area is home to moose and caribou, and wildlife viewing is a frequently mentioned activity. The natural surroundings provide ample opportunities to observe local fauna.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity may necessitate food storage precautions. Seasonal flooding or harsh winter conditions could pose risks.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are dispersed throughout the site for food storage safety.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood should be brought as none is sold on-site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital and police station are in Glennallen, AK (~60 miles away); ranger station details unavailable.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground features numerous bear-proof trash receptacles, ensuring safe waste disposal and a clean environment.

Water FeaturesCampground is directly adjacent to Tangle Lakes and Tangle River, providing ample opportunities for water-based recreation.

Camp HostThere is a designated host site, although some reviews indicate inconsistent host presence during visits.

Weather at Tangle Lakes Campground

Reviews

3.8

52 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Tangle Lakes Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Tangle Lakes Campground as a clean, well-maintained, and highly scenic location. It is frequently described as one of the best campgrounds in Alaska, offering a range of activities and ample space for both RVs and tents.

Review Summaries

Based on 52 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include excellent fishing, breathtaking views, spacious and level sites, a clean environment, and ample recreational opportunities such as hiking and kayaking. The campground's...

Based on 52 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include limited privacy between campsites, lack of cell phone reception, and overcrowding during holidays such as the 4th of July and Labor Day.

Based on 52 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing firewood for the provided fire pits. Additionally, visitors suggest arriving early during peak seasons to secure a spot, as the campground is often fully occupied.

Based on 52 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is particularly popular during the summer months when fishing and hiking opportunities are abundant. Winter access is limited but possible via snowmachine.

Based on 52 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'One of the top 5 campgrounds in Alaska! Views are breathtaking.' - Lentz Life Alaska - 'Pleasant quiet campground on the scenic Denali highway. Great fishing and plenty of space for both rv and...

Based on 52 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are generally described as level and spacious, with both pull-through and back-in options. Walk-in sites are considered a good choice for tent campers. However, privacy is noted as lacking due...

Based on 52 reviews