Overview
Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, offering a tranquil and scenic getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. Located near the town of Chitina, this campground is surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The recreation site is situated at an elevation of 1,200 feet, providing a unique blend of boreal forest and tundra landscapes. With its picturesque setting, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities, Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site is an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Alaskan experience.
The campground is set amidst a lush forest of spruce and aspen trees, with the crystal-clear waters of Blueberry Lake serving as the centerpiece. The lake is stocked with trout, making it a popular spot for anglers. The surrounding mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking, berry picking, and wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of moose, bears, and eagles. Whether you’re looking to relax in a peaceful environment or embark on an adventure-filled journey, Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site has something for everyone.
Location & Directions
To reach Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site, take the Edgerton Highway (AK-10) from the town of Chitina, located at mile marker 33. The campground is situated at mile marker 24, approximately 9 miles from Chitina. The GPS coordinates for the campground are 61.4333° N, 144.4333° W. From Chitina, head east on the Edgerton Highway and follow the signs to Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site.
The road to the campground is paved and well-maintained, making it accessible for RVs and trailers. However, be aware that the road can be narrow and winding in some areas, so exercise caution when driving. The nearest city is Copper Center, which is approximately 45 miles from the campground and offers basic amenities such as gas, food, and lodging.
It’s essential to check the road conditions before embarking on your journey, especially during the spring and fall months when weather can be unpredictable. You can check the Alaska Department of Transportation’s website for up-to-date road conditions and closures.
Campground Details
Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site features 25 campsites, including 15 RV sites, 5 tent sites, and 5 walk-in sites. The RV sites can accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet in length, and some sites offer electrical hookups. The current fee for camping is $15 per night, with a maximum stay of 7 nights. Reservations can be made through reserveamerica.com or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Check-in time is 2 pm, and check-out time is 12 pm. The campground is open from May 15 to September 15, with peak season running from June 15 to August 15. During peak season, it’s recommended to make reservations in advance, as the campground can fill up quickly.
The campground also offers a day-use area, which includes a picnic shelter, restrooms, and a boat launch. The day-use fee is $5 per vehicle, and the area is open from 6 am to 10 pm.
Site Types and Amenities
- RV sites: 15 sites with electrical hookups, max RV length 35 feet
- Tent sites: 5 sites, no hookups
- Walk-in sites: 5 sites, no hookups
- Day-use area: picnic shelter, restrooms, boat launch
Facilities & Amenities
Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site offers a range of facilities and amenities to enhance your camping experience. The campground features potable water, which is available at the campground’s water station. Restrooms are equipped with flush toilets and sinks, and are maintained regularly by the campground staff.
Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, making it easy to enjoy the scenic surroundings while cooking and dining. Bear boxes are also provided at each site to ensure safe food storage. The campground’s boat launch provides access to Blueberry Lake, which is perfect for fishing, boating, or simply taking in the views.
A dump station is available near the campground entrance, and firewood can be purchased from the campground host. It’s essential to follow the campground’s firewood policy, which prohibits the collection of firewood from the surrounding area to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Facility Details
- Potable water: available at the water station
- Restrooms: flush toilets, sinks, maintained regularly
- Fire rings: at each campsite
- Picnic tables: at each campsite
- Bear boxes: at each campsite
- Boat launch: access to Blueberry Lake
- Dump station: near the campground entrance
- Firewood: available for purchase from the campground host
Hiking & Activities Nearby
Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site is surrounded by endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. The nearby trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes, and are perfect for hiking, backpacking, or simply taking a leisurely walk. Some of the nearby trails include:
- Blueberry Lake Trail: 2.5 miles, moderate difficulty, scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains
- Long Lake Trail: 4.5 miles, challenging difficulty, stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes
- Chitina River Trail: 6 miles, moderate difficulty, scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape
The area is also renowned for its fishing, with Blueberry Lake and the nearby Chitina River offering excellent opportunities for catching trout, salmon, and grayling. Boating and kayaking are also popular activities, with the lake and river providing a serene and scenic environment for paddling.
Berry picking is another popular activity in the area, with the surrounding hills and forests offering an abundance of wild berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries. Wildlife viewing is also a highlight of the area, with frequent sightings of moose, bears, eagles, and other wildlife.
Fishing Opportunities
Blueberry Lake and the nearby Chitina River offer excellent fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers. The lake is stocked with trout, and the river is home to a variety of fish species including salmon, grayling, and char. The best time for fishing is during the summer months when the water is warm and the fish are active.
It’s essential to follow the local fishing regulations, which include catch limits, size restrictions, and gear restrictions. A valid Alaska fishing license is required, and can be purchased online or at the nearest licensing vendor.
Some of the best techniques for fishing in the area include:
- Spin casting: using lures such as spinners and spoons to catch trout and grayling
- Fly fishing: using dry flies and nymphs to catch trout and salmon
- Bait fishing: using bait such as salmon eggs and worms to catch trout and grayling
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site is during the summer months from June to August, when the weather is warm and the days are long. The peak season is from June 15 to August 15, when the campground is busiest and the area is bustling with outdoor enthusiasts.
However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season from May to June or September to October, when the weather is still mild and the area is less crowded. The spring and fall months offer excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, and the scenery is particularly stunning during these times.
It’s essential to be aware of the mosquito season, which typically runs from June to August. Bring insect repellent and take necessary precautions to prevent bug bites.
Wildlife & Bear Safety
Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site is located in an area with abundant wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. It’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of the wildlife.
Bears are common in the area, and it’s essential to store food and trash properly to avoid attracting them. Use bear-resistant containers or hang food and trash bags from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet out from the trunk. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears, and carry bear spray as a precaution.
Moose are also present in the area, and can be aggressive if they feel threatened. Keep a safe distance from moose, and avoid approaching them. Eagles and other birds of prey are common in the area, and can be seen soaring overhead or perched in trees.
It’s essential to follow proper food storage and disposal procedures to avoid attracting wildlife to the campground. Keep a clean campsite, and dispose of trash and food waste in the designated receptacles.
What to Bring
When visiting Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site, it’s essential to bring the necessary gear and supplies to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Some of the essentials include:
- Camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp stove, cooking pot
- Clothing: layers for cool weather, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots
- Food and water: non-perishable food, water, water purification tablets or filter
- First aid kit: bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, any personal medications
- Insect repellent: bug spray, insect netting
- Bear spray: as a precaution against bears
- Firewood: for campfires, available for purchase from the campground host
It’s also essential to bring a map and compass, and to let someone know your itinerary and expected return time. Cell service is limited in the area, so it’s essential to be prepared for emergencies.
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site is Chitina, which is approximately 9 miles from the campground. Chitina offers basic amenities such as gas, food, and lodging, and is a great place to stock up on supplies before heading to the campground.
Other nearby attractions include the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, which is the largest national park in the United States. The park offers stunning mountain vistas, glaciers, and abundant wildlife, and is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast.
The town of Copper Center is also nearby, and offers a range of amenities including restaurants, shops, and lodging. The town is located near the confluence of the Copper and Chitina rivers, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rivers.
Tips from Experienced Campers
Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and experienced campers have shared some valuable tips and insights to help you make the most of your stay.
Some of the best campsites are located near the lake, and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and water. However, these sites can be popular, so it’s essential to make reservations in advance.
Insider tips include bringing a portable stove or camping grill, as the campfires can be restricted during dry weather. It’s also essential to bring bear spray and to know how to use it, as bears are common in the area.
Cell service is limited in the area, so it’s essential to be prepared for emergencies. Let someone know your itinerary and expected return time, and bring a map and compass to navigate the area.
Noise considerations are also important, as the campground is located in a peaceful and serene environment. Be respectful of other campers, and keep noise levels down after 10 pm.
Sunrise and sunset are particularly stunning at Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site, and are a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast. Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, and stay up late to see the stars twinkling overhead.