Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

4.07

14 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

272 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Alaska Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

272 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Alaska Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website

Get Directions

Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for cabins range from $25 to $35. Parking fees apply for visitors using the canoe trail system.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

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

Reserve America

Provider

9077453975null

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.07

Satisfactory

Based on 14 reviews

127 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacious

"User reviews showcase a mix of positive experiences, emphasizing the natural beauty, recreational options, and cabin quality, but also raise concerns about noise and safety during certain times."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

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

Driving directionsNancy Lake State Recreation Area is a ninety-minute drive north of Anchorage along the Parks Highway. To enter the recreation area, turn west onto Nancy Lake Parkway at Mile 67.3 of the Parks Highway. From there, the Nancy Lake Parkway travels 6.5 miles southwest to South Rolly Lake Campground; in winter the parkway is not plowed beyond the Winter Trailhead at mile 2.2.

The Nancy Lake Parkway is paved but not plowed beyond mile 2.2 in winter, which may pose challenges for winter visitors.

Nearby places

Wasilla: approximately 30 miles (~40 minutes drive)

Anchorage: approximately 65 miles (~90 minutes drive).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies available in Wasilla, approximately 30 miles away. Wasilla offers groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Nancy Lake, where winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline blanket of snow and temperatures plunge well below freezing, creating perfect conditions for snow sports and cozy campfire evenings. As summer arrives, the area awakens with comfortable temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F, ideal for exploring the interconnected waterways and forest trails. Pack your rain gear for shoulder seasons when gentle rains nourish the verdant forests and create mystical morning mists over the lakes.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer paddling, wildlife viewing and swimming are key summer draws in reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall likely scenic but specific fall activity mentions are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring is a transition season; fewer explicit activity notes available.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 8% in AK

Winter praised for skiing, ice fishing and cozy cabins; road limits beyond mile 2.2 noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, but winter access beyond mile 2.2 of Nancy Lake Parkway is limited due to non-plowed roads.
Current Alerts: No current alerts or advisories mentioned.

About Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

Escape to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, where a mesmerizing tapestry of pristine lakes and gentle terrain creates an outdoor paradise unlike anywhere else in Alaska. This remarkable landscape invites adventurers year-round, from summer paddlers gliding across mirror-like waters and anglers casting for the day's catch, to winter enthusiasts carving trails through snow-covered forests on cross-country skis or following ancient mushing routes behind eager sled dogs. Whether you're seeking the splash of a paddle, the thrill of a hiking trail, or the exhilarating rush of snow machining through winter wonderlands, Nancy Lake offers an unforgettable Alaskan experience.

Nancy Lake State Recreation Area offers diverse accommodations such as public use cabins, primitive camping, and group campsites. Cabins are especially popular for their size and features.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of human habitation remains quietly woven into the landscape, Nancy Lake continues to serve as a cherished gathering place where modern adventurers create their own stories amid Alaska's timeless wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Nancy Lake, where winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline blanket of snow and temperatures plunge well below freezing, creating perfect conditions for snow sports and cozy campfire evenings. As summer arrives, the area awakens with comfortable temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F, ideal for exploring the interconnected waterways and forest trails. Pack your rain gear for shoulder seasons when gentle rains nourish the verdant forests and create mystical morning mists over the lakes.

ElevationThe gentle, accessible terrain of Nancy Lake State Recreation Area welcomes visitors of all abilities to explore its natural wonders without the challenging climbs found in other Alaskan destinations.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover the crown jewel of the Mat-Su/Copper Basin region, where crystal-clear lakes reflect endless skies and virgin forests stretch to the horizon. This 'Gold' standard recreation area enchants visitors with its network of tranquil waterways perfect for contemplative paddling, while scenic trails wind through towering spruce and birch forests where moose, beaver, and countless bird species make their homes. The untouched beauty of this lake-studded sanctuary offers photographers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts endless opportunities to connect with Alaska's wild heart.

Geological RegionNancy Lake's distinctive flat topography sets it apart from Alaska's mountainous terrain, creating an accessible wilderness dotted with dozens of interconnected lakes carved by ancient glaciers. This unique geological canvas of gently rolling hills, pristine waters, and unspoiled boreal forests forms a rare Alaskan ecosystem where water and land dance together in perfect harmony, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the state's gentler, yet equally captivating side.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Stay limit not provided explicitly.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by cabin, generally ranges between 4 to 8 guests.

Groups

Group sites exist, such as South Rolly Overlook Group Campsite, accommodating up to 50 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutMultiple loops named James Lake, Lynx Lake, Nancy S/B Cabins, Bald Lake, Redshirt Cabins, Rhein Lake, and South Rolly.

Reservation PlatformsReservations likely managed through Alaska Department of Natural Resources or local platforms, but exact details are not provided.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific data provided about walk-up or first-come-first-serve availability.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not stated explicitly.

AccessibilityExtensive accessibility features are available, including accessible boat docks, ramps, campsites, drinking water, fishing docks, grills, parking, and trails as per official sources.

Site SizeSites are generally medium-sized; user Rodney Ferree mentioned, 'Large enough for our 26' class C but not much bigger.

PrivacyReviews reflect a mixed experience in privacy. Some users, like Damaris Rose, describe 'Pleasant surroundings, tranquil,' while others, like M Myrter, noted issues with noise during a large party.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesCabins like Rhein Lake are highly recommended for winter stays due to proximity to groomed ski trails and lake access.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Nancy Lake State Recreation Area is a year-round recreational haven. It supports activities such as canoeing, fishing, hiking, swimming, skiing, dog mushing, and snow machining depending on the season. The Canoe Trail System is a major highlight, praised by users for its scenic beauty and variety of routes.

HikingThere are numerous hiking trails, as user Dana G noted: 'So many good trails to hike or canoe!!'

FishingFishing opportunities are abundant, with various lakes available. Specific fish types are not mentioned.

SwimmingSwimming facilities are accessible as per the official amenities list.

BikingBiking is supported within the facility, but terrain details are not explicitly provided.

BoatingBoating is allowed on Nancy Lake, Lynx Lake, Butterfly Lake, Red Shirt Lake, and the Little Susitna River. Personal watercraft restrictions apply to Red Shirt Lake.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is common, with user Dana G stating: 'Lots of wildlife. Such a pretty place.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRain can cause muddy portage trails. Wildlife such as bears may be present, but no specific safety incidents are reported.

Active AlertsNo current alerts or advisories mentioned.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers available, particularly for sites along the canoe trail system. Sizes and exact locations are unspecified.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated rings; regulations about firewood collection are not detailed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station contact number: 9077453975. Emergency services are likely based in nearby Wasilla, approximately 30 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is present within the facility, but detailed recycling options are not specified.

Water FeaturesMultiple lakes including Nancy Lake, Lynx Lake, Bald Lake, and Red Shirt Lake. The area includes a canoe trail system and several portage routes.

Camp HostUser reviews indicate dissatisfaction with host responsiveness during disturbances, but no specific contact details are provided.

Weather at Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

Reviews

4.1

14 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews showcase a mix of positive experiences, emphasizing the natural beauty, recreational options, and cabin quality, but also raise concerns about noise and safety during certain times.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the Canoe Trail System, activities like skiing and camping, and the accessibility of facilities. Cabins receive high praise for their spaciousness and warmth. User Cybele LeClare...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise disturbances (e.g., loud parties) and perceived lack of camp host intervention, as detailed in M Myrter's review.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Pack light if using the Canoe Trail System to minimize strain during portages. Renting canoes is recommended as they come with carrying handles, per Mobile Notary St Louis' tip.

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight excellent skiing conditions and cozy cabins, while summer reviews focus on boating and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Users like Alan Smith noted winter activities such as...

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Nancy Lakes Recreation is Matanuska Susitna Gold.' - Cybele LeClare - 'Nice clean campsites. Lots of wildlife. Such a pretty place.' - Dana G - 'Rain set in pretty heavy all night... All in all,...

Based on 14 reviews