Skip to main content
FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

Paxson Lake Campground

Glennallen, Alaska · Valdez-Cordova County · Campground

Overview Paxson Lake Campground MP 175 Richardson Hwy Large boat launch and parking area for 70 vehicles, toilet, boater registration stand and information panels. RV Dump station – $10 fee for non-campers. 50 campsites First Loop: 20 camp sites, universally accessible toilets, one hand pump well, rules/map panels and …

Advertisement
62.88346, -145.52482
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Paxson Lake Campground

Overview Paxson Lake Campground MP 175 Richardson Hwy Large boat launch and parking area for 70 vehicles, toilet, boater registration stand and information panels. RV Dump station – $10 fee for non-campers. 50 campsites First Loop: 20 camp sites, universally accessible toilets, one hand pump well, rules/map panels and bulletin boards, and boardwalk to lake. Second Loop: 20 camp sites, 10 walk in sites, toilets (1 universally accessible), rules/map panels and bulletin boards. Trail and bridge across the creek between the two loops. Fee Station: Per night = $20 all sites; Federal Senior Pass half price. Recreation BLM Alaska Recreation Guide Facilities This recreation site provides 50 campsites (which includes a host site, two accessible campsites and ten walk-in camping sites), picnic tables and fire rings. Other amenities within the facility include six double vaulted toilets (three accessible), numerous bear-proof trash receptacles and food lockers, parking for vehicles and trailers, a paved boat launch, potable water, a sanitary dump station, accessible trails, picnic area, boater information cabin, and interpretive panels dispersed throughout the site. Natural Features Paxson Lake Campground is located at MP 175 of the Richardson Highway near the shore of Paxson Lake. The campground has 50 camp sites, including 2 accessible sites and 10 walk-in sites. All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and have access to water, picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. Fees: $15/night for regular, $6/night for walk-in site. The campground's boat launch is the starting point for those floating the main branch of the Gulkana Wild and Scenic River. Located in the 1st loop of Paxson Campground is a foot trail shore access to the lake and boat mooring area. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 822-3217. Nearby Attractions Denali Highway Info Gulkana Wild and Scenic River Denali H

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to Paxson Lake Campground

Heading to Paxson Lake Campground? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Paxson Lake Campground?

No central reservation system listed for Paxson Lake Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/14549) for the latest entry policy and availability.