Paxson Lake Campground

Star4.00
62 reviews
PO Box 147, Glennallen, AK 99588
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,628 ft

Price

$6 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

50 campsites

Season

The campground is ty...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Paxson Lake Campground
$6.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsites cost $20 per night for drive-in sites and $10 per night for walk-in sites. Federal Senior Pass holders receive a 50% discount. An RV dump...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
907-822-7335blm_ak_gfo_general_delivery@blm.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 62 reviews

62 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews of Paxson Lake Campground are mixed. Positive aspects include its clean facilities, scenic views, and accessibility features. Common complaints involve bugs, small campsites, and limited lake access from most sites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 147, Glennallen, AK 99588

Paxson Lake Campground

PO Box 147, Glennallen, AK 99588

Driving directionsPaxson Lake Campground is located at MP 175 on the Richardson Highway. The road is described as 'great for Alaskan standards,' making it accessible for a wide range of vehicles, including large trailers. Visitors may need to watch for signage to the campground.
Driving access is via the Richardson Highway. The road is paved and described as easy to navigate. Seasonal weather conditions may affect road access, particularly during the off-season when the campground is typically closed.
Nearby places
Glennallen: approximately 30 miles away
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies, including water, may require a drive of up to 30 miles to other nearby campgrounds when onsite water facilities are unavailable. The nearest towns, such as Glennallen, may provide fuel and groceries.

Best Time to Camp at Paxson Lake Campground

Experience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformations at Paxson Lake, where summer brings pleasantly moderate temperatures ideal for hiking, fishing, and paddling adventures. As daylight stretches long into the evening hours, be prepared with quality bug protection as mosquitoes thrive in these pristine wetlands during the warmer months. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, though the campground closes for the season when temperatures plummet and access becomes challenging, ensuring visitor safety during Alaska's harsh winter months.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open Memorial Day–Labor Day; pleasant temps and activities but peak mosquitos and blackflies in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground typically closes after Labor Day; fall season not generally available.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Park opens around Memorial Day; spring access generally not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed for winter; seasonal operation Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season aligns with the summer months, particularly from late May to early September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is typically open from Memorial Day (May 30) to Labor Day (first week of September), with dates being weather dependent.
  • Current Alerts: There are no specific active alerts at present.

About Paxson Lake Campground

Nestled along pristine waters, Paxson Lake Campground welcomes adventurers with 50 thoughtfully designed campsites that cater to every camping style. From the 10 secluded walk-in sites perfect for those seeking a more intimate wilderness experience, to spacious RV-friendly spots and 2 fully accessible sites ensuring everyone can enjoy Alaska's natural beauty, this campground serves as your basecamp for unforgettable adventures. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under the northern sky, while modern vault toilets and a convenient boat launch complete the amenities that make your stay both comfortable and connected to the great outdoors.
Paxson Lake Campground offers various camping options, including standard drive-in sites and walk-in sites. All campsites are first-come, first-served.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
The campground has a stay limit, though the duration is not specified.

Amenities available

Potable water
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Paxson Lake Campground can engage in several activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating. Wildlife viewing is possible but limited by accessibility. Seasonal challenges such as bugs may deter some activities.
HikingThe first loop has accessible trails and foot paths leading to shore access and the boat mooring area. Users describe trails as well-maintained but minimal in scope.
FishingFishing opportunities are available, but user reviews are mixed. While the lake hosts fish populations, one review mentions 'no bites' despite visible fish activity.
BoatingThe campground includes a paved boat launch as the starting point for floating the Gulkana Wild and Scenic River. User reviews highlight ease of launching and accessibility.
Wildlife viewingOpportunities for observing wildlife exist but are limited. Users mention bear activity via signage, emphasizing the need for caution.
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are reported as abundant during the summer. Bears are a potential hazard, as evidenced by visible bear signs.
Active AlertsThere are no specific active alerts at present.
Food Storage RequiredNumerous bear-proof food lockers are available throughout the campground.

Weather at Paxson Lake Campground

Reviews

4.0
62 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Paxson Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Paxson Lake Campground are mixed. Positive aspects include its clean facilities, scenic views, and accessibility features. Common complaints involve bugs, small campsites, and limited lake access from most sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 62 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the clean facilities, accessible picnic areas, and the ease of launching boats. The 'campground hosts were amazing,' and 'vault toilets were clean and stocked.' Scenic views...
Show more
Based on 62 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include overwhelming mosquito populations, limited lake access from most sites, and the small size of campsites. One reviewer criticized fire ring placement and orientation of...
Show more
Based on 62 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing mosquito repellent and planning ahead for water needs. Walk-in sites are preferable for lake access. Users advised that the campground is suitable for short stays or as a...
Show more
Based on 62 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are frequently noted for high mosquito populations and occasional blackflies. Seasonal availability of water remains inconsistent.
Based on 62 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice quiet campground. Sites are pretty level, no water yet but that wasn't a big deal for us.' - Thomas Lamontagne 2. 'We’ve stayed twice and both times it was really miserable with all of the...
Show more
Based on 62 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews highlight significant differences between walk-in and drive-in sites. Walk-in sites offer better lake access while drive-in sites are noted as small and less convenient.
Based on 62 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are well-reviewed, with universally accessible toilets and trails available in the first loop. Users with specific needs may find the campground accommodating.
Based on 62 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Paxson Lake Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated February 17, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Alaska

Campgrounds
Paxson Lake Campground