Finger Lake State Recreation Site

4.54

167 reviews

7278 E. Bogard Road, Wasilla, Alaska, 99654, United States

Family FriendlySwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Alaska#1 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Alaska#3 RV Camping Alaska +2 more

Quick Facts

390 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

390 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Finger Lake State Recreation Site

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees range from $25 to $35 per night. The Disabled U.S. Veteran Camping Pass permits free camping but excludes reservation transaction fees.

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$35.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

9077453975

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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 167 reviews

187 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlake

Some mention

crowdedexpensive

"Users widely appreciate the clean and spacious campsites, the quiet environment, and family-friendly amenities. However, some users noted the 'expensive' camping fees and occasional issues with parking availability."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

7278 E. Bogard Road, Wasilla, Alaska, 99654, United States

Finger Lake State Recreation Site

7278 E. Bogard Road, Wasilla, Alaska, 99654, United States

Driving directionsFrom Anchorage, take the Glenn Highway (Route #1) to the George Parks Highway in Wasilla (Route #3), turning on the Trunk Road exit heading north (right). Drive 4 miles north, turn left on the Bogard Road Roundabout and go 0.8 miles to the Finger Lake State Recreation Site on left. From Palmer, take Bogard Road west 5 miles, look for park signage to the left.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, with no mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain in the provided source.

Nearby places

Wasilla: Approximately 7 miles away, Palmer: Approximately 9 miles away

Nearby supplies

Nearby Walmart mentioned in user reviews

other details on grocery stores, camping supplies, or fuel stations are missing.

Best Time to Camp at Finger Lake State Recreation Site

Alaska's dramatic seasons paint Finger Lake in ever-changing palettes throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the ground for much of the season and temperatures that demand proper cold-weather gear. As spring arrives, the frozen lake gradually awakens, giving way to the brief but glorious summer months when temperatures climb to comfortable camping ranges. These precious warm weeks invite outdoor enthusiasts to fully embrace lake life, though even summer evenings remind visitors they're still in the Last Frontier with refreshingly cool temperatures perfect for campfire gatherings.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season: swimming, boating and day-use busy on holiday weekends; highly used in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers quieter camping and scenic changes; fewer activity-specific mentions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely quieter with thawing conditions; fewer activity mentions in source.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 8% in AK

Winter ice fishing is popular; landscape becomes a 'crystalline wonderland' per description.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is implied during holiday weekends and sunny days, but specific dates are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round availability suggested, but specific opening/closing dates are not provided.

About Finger Lake State Recreation Site

Tucked away in the scenic corridor between Palmer and Wasilla, Finger Lake State Recreation Site beckons travelers seeking an intimate escape from Alaska's grander destinations. This hidden gem combines the tranquility of a secluded alpine lake with easy access to modern amenities, creating the perfect basecamp for both relaxation and adventure. Despite its modest size, the campground delivers an authentic Alaskan experience where morning mist dances across pristine waters and the only sounds breaking the silence are loons calling across the lake.

The campground features non-electric campsites, including tent and RV options, as well as two group-use sites.

Historical SignificanceThe surrounding region tells the story of Alaska's golden past and enduring spirit. Just a scenic drive away, the legendary Hatcher Pass Management Area and Independence Mine State Historical Park preserve the legacy of Alaska's mining boom, where fortune seekers once carved their dreams into the mountainside. These nearby attractions offer fascinating day trips where visitors can explore restored mining buildings, hike among alpine meadows that once echoed with prospectors' picks, and glimpse into the rugged determination that built modern Alaska.

Weather and SeasonsAlaska's dramatic seasons paint Finger Lake in ever-changing palettes throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the ground for much of the season and temperatures that demand proper cold-weather gear. As spring arrives, the frozen lake gradually awakens, giving way to the brief but glorious summer months when temperatures climb to comfortable camping ranges. These precious warm weeks invite outdoor enthusiasts to fully embrace lake life, though even summer evenings remind visitors they're still in the Last Frontier with refreshingly cool temperatures perfect for campfire gatherings.

ElevationWhile specific elevation data awaits confirmation, the campground's position in the Mat-Su Valley places it in Alaska's accessible lowlands, where the terrain offers gentle approaches perfect for families and RV travelers while still providing those quintessential Alaskan vistas.

Natural Features and SceneryFinger Lake lives up to its name as a slender jewel set amid emerald forests, where towering spruce and birch create a natural amphitheater around crystal-clear waters. Early risers are rewarded with mirror-like reflections and the haunting calls of loons, while patient observers might spot moose browsing along the shoreline or eagles soaring overhead. The lake itself serves as both playground and pantry, offering excellent fishing opportunities for those hoping to land rainbow trout or arctic char. Wildflower meadows burst with color during summer months, creating perfect backdrops for photography and peaceful contemplation.

Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent Mat-Su/Copper Basin region, Finger Lake showcases the best of southcentral Alaska's diverse landscapes. This geological wonderland balances accessibility with wilderness, where ancient glaciers carved out countless lakes now cradled by lowland forests. The nearby mountain ranges stand as sentinels on the horizon, their peaks catching alpenglow during those endless summer evenings. This unique positioning offers campers the rare opportunity to experience multiple ecosystems within a single stay, from wetland habitats teeming with wildlife to the transitional forests that mark the boundary between civilization and Alaska's vast interior wilderness.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limits apply, but no exact number is provided in the source.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity varies, with tent sites accommodating up to 12, and group sites up to 24 people.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 20 or 24 people, with a maximum equipment length of 35 feet.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are organized into East Loop, West Loop, and group camping areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, per user review references.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is possible, with user reviews suggesting late-night arrivals still securing sites.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not explicitly stated in the source.

AccessibilityCampground includes accessible pit toilets and features a relatively flat terrain, making it suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeSite sizes vary across loops, accommodating equipment lengths from 19 feet to 54 feet.

PrivacySome user reviews mention the sites are 'spacious' and 'pretty private,' suggesting a moderate level of privacy.

Total Campsites24 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews suggest privacy is notable at some sites, and proximity to the lake is a draw.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The Finger Lake State Recreation Site offers a range of recreational activities, from fishing and boating to winter ice fishing and swimming. It is a popular destination for family outings and water activities.

FishingFishing opportunities exist for Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, and Grayling. Ice fishing is also listed as a seasonal recreational option.

SwimmingThere is a designated swimming area with a small roped-off section ideal for children, as mentioned in reviews.

BoatingThe lake permits motorized boats under specific restrictions. A boat launch and docks are available. Quiet hours (11:00 PM to 8:00 AM) apply for motorized boats.

Wildlife viewingDucks and other lake wildlife are commonly seen, as mentioned in user reviews.

Beach activitiesA small beach area is available, complementing the roped-off swimming area.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCold water is noted in reviews, emphasizing safety for swimmers and boaters. Crowded conditions during peak times may also pose challenges.

Fire PolicyFire pits available, per user reviews.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Explicit quiet hours are not mentioned; complaints about noisy groups suggest enforcement may vary.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station contact available at 9077453975. Specific hospital and police locations are not stated.

Trash & RecyclingNo information about trash and recycling pickup or facilities is provided.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Finger Lake, offering a boat launch, fishing docks, and designated swimming areas.

Camp HostPositive reviews mention accommodating and friendly camp hosts.

Weather at Finger Lake State Recreation Site

Reviews

4.5

167 reviews

Top-Rated

Finger Lake State Recreation Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users widely appreciate the clean and spacious campsites, the quiet environment, and family-friendly amenities. However, some users noted the 'expensive' camping fees and occasional issues with parking availability.

Review Summaries

Based on 167 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviews highlight the serene environment, 'beautiful lake views,' and 'clean and organized' facilities. The availability of activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating is frequently...

Based on 167 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints primarily focus on limited parking in the day-use area and campsite fees being 'expensive' ($25/$35 per night). Some reviewers noted crowding on holiday weekends.

Based on 167 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early, particularly on weekends, to secure a spot. Bring your own firewood if possible, although free wood may occasionally be available. Consider alternative accommodations during peak...

Based on 167 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during summer holiday weekends. Winter activities, such as ice fishing, are popular, while fall offers a quieter camping experience.

Based on 167 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The lake is enjoyable for everyone from swimmers to boaters.' - Ed C. - 'Nice lake and pretty private sites.' - Emily Branca - 'Great little gem of a campground.' - Tahnee Seccareccia - 'Parking...

Based on 167 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites in the East Loop accommodate equipment lengths from 34 to 54 feet and have a consistent max occupancy of 12 people per site. Group sites cater to larger gatherings but require advance planning.

Based on 167 reviews