Paxson Lake Campground
Campground · Alaska · 2 bookable sites ·
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Glennallen Field Office · Open Access
- 2
- Bookable sites
- 2
- Accessible sites
- 2,589 ft
- Elevation
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
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 Highway
The facts
- 2 bookable sites
- 2 accessible sites
- Loops: Paxson Lake Campground
Site types
- 1 Standard Nonelectric
- 1 Walk To
2 campsites at Paxson Lake Campground
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Site | Paxson Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | ♿ |
| Walk To | Paxson Lake Campground | Walk To | — | — | — | — | ♿ |
Getting there
62.88346, -145.52482 · 62°53'0.5"N 145°31'29.4"W
Typical weather
Typically 66°F in Jul, down to 7°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 7 | 15 | 22 | 37 | 51 | 63 | 66 | 60 | 51 | 33 | 15 | 11 |
| Low °F | -10 | -7 | -3 | 15 | 30 | 39 | 43 | 40 | 31 | 16 | -4 | -9 |
| Precip in | 0.9 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 2.5 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.2 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
All sites are on a first come first serve basis. Fee's Per night = $20 for overnight use. The Paxson Lake Campground opening and closing dates are weather dependent and may vary from season to season. May 30th Mermorial Day through the first week in September (Labor Day) is typically when the site is accessible and open to the public.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Paxson Lake Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Paxson Lake Campground?
- Yes, Paxson Lake Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Paxson Lake Campground have?
- 2 sites.
Camping near Paxson Lake Campground
- Tangle Lakes Campground 19.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Sourdough Creek Campground 24.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Paxson Lake Campground 0.3 mi · Campground
- Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center in Copper Center 59.9 mi · Facility
Contact
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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