Overview
Located in the heart of Alaska’s vast wilderness, Brushkana Creek Campground is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to some of the state’s most spectacular hiking trails. Nestled along the banks of Brushkana Creek, this campground is surrounded by towering spruce trees, lush greenery, and vibrant wildflowers. The unique feature of this campground is its remote location, which provides an immersive experience in the Alaskan wilderness. With its serene atmosphere, picturesque setting, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, Brushkana Creek Campground is an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The campground’s setting is characterized by rolling hills, scenic valleys, and majestic mountain peaks. The nearby creek provides a soothing background noise, and the surrounding forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. Whether you’re looking to hike, fish, or simply relax in the great outdoors, Brushkana Creek Campground has something for everyone.
Location & Directions
To get to Brushkana Creek Campground, take the Glenn Highway (AK-1) from Anchorage, which is approximately 120 miles away. The campground is located at mile marker 110, near the town of Glennallen. The GPS coordinates for the campground are 61.7453° N, 145.5514° W. From Glennallen, take the scenic Edgerton Highway (AK-10) eastbound for approximately 10 miles, then turn left onto the Brushkana Creek Road. The road is well-maintained and accessible by most vehicles, but be prepared for potential delays due to road construction or inclement weather.
The driving distance from Anchorage to Brushkana Creek Campground is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on road conditions. It’s essential to check the road conditions before embarking on your journey, especially during the spring and fall seasons when weather can be unpredictable. You can check the road conditions on the Alaska Department of Transportation’s website or by calling their hotline.
Campground Details
Brushkana Creek Campground has 15 campsites, including 10 RV sites, 3 tent sites, and 2 walk-in sites. The RV sites can accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet in length, and some sites have electric hookups. The current fee for camping is $20 per night, and reservations can be made through reserve.gov or on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is open from May 15th to September 15th, and the check-in time is 2 pm, while the check-out time is 12 pm.
The campground has a self-service pay station, and visitors can pay with cash or credit cards. It’s essential to note that the campground does not have a dump station or Wi-Fi, but potable water is available at the hand pump. The campground also has a strict noise policy, and generators are only allowed during certain hours.
The following are the campground’s details:
- Number of sites: 15
- Site types: RV, tent, walk-in
- Hookups available: Electric
- Max RV length: 35 feet
- Fees: $20 per night
- Reservation info: reserve.gov or first-come, first-served
- Check-in/check-out times: 2 pm/12 pm
- Season open dates: May 15th to September 15th
Facilities & Amenities
Brushkana Creek Campground has a range of facilities and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The campground has:
- Potable water available at the hand pump
- Vault restrooms
- Fire rings and picnic tables at each site
- Bear boxes for food storage
- A boat launch for accessing the nearby lake
- Firewood available for purchase at the campground
The campground also has a day-use area with a picnic shelter, and a short trail that leads to a scenic overlook with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The facilities are well-maintained, and the campground hosts are available to assist with any questions or concerns.
Boat Launch and Fishing Access
The boat launch at Brushkana Creek Campground provides access to the nearby lake, which is stocked with trout and other fish species. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including beavers, otters, and birds. The boat launch is suitable for small boats and kayaks, and visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, or simply exploring the lake.
Hiking & Activities Nearby
Brushkana Creek Campground is surrounded by some of Alaska’s most spectacular hiking trails, including the:
- Brushkana Creek Trail: A 3-mile trail that follows the creek and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Glacier Trail: A 5-mile trail that leads to a scenic glacier and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Lake Trail: A 2-mile trail that leads to the nearby lake and offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Visitors can also enjoy berry picking, wildlife viewing, and photography in the surrounding area. The campground is a great base for exploring the nearby wilderness, and the staff can provide information and guidance on the best trails and activities.
Fishing Opportunities
Brushkana Creek Campground is a fisherman’s paradise, with access to the nearby lake and creek, which are stocked with a variety of fish species, including:
- Trout
- Salmon
- Grayling
The best techniques for fishing in the area include fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling. Visitors can also try their luck at ice fishing during the winter months. It’s essential to note that fishing regulations apply, and visitors must obtain a valid Alaska fishing license before fishing.
The nearby lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including beavers, otters, and birds, which can be seen while fishing or boating. The scenic surroundings and abundant wildlife make fishing at Brushkana Creek Campground a truly unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Brushkana Creek Campground is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is warm and sunny, and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, the peak season can be busy, and visitors may want to consider visiting during the shoulder season (May to June or September to October) to avoid the crowds.
The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, and visitors should be prepared for rain, wind, and cool temperatures, even during the summer months. Mosquito season typically runs from June to August, and visitors should bring insect repellent and take necessary precautions to avoid bug bites.
The following are some tips for visiting during the different seasons:
- Summer (June to August): Warm weather, wildflowers in bloom, peak tourist season
- Shoulder season (May to June or September to October): Cooler weather, fewer crowds, scenic foliage
- Winter (December to March): Cold weather, snow, ice fishing, winter sports
Wildlife & Bear Safety
Brushkana Creek Campground is located in bear country, and visitors should be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to avoid encounters with bears and other wildlife. The area is home to:
- Black bears
- Brown bears
- Grizzly bears
- Moose
- Eagles
Visitors should store food and trash properly, using bear-resistant containers or hanging them from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet out from the trunk. It’s also essential to keep a clean campsite, avoid cooking or storing food in tents, and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears.
In the event of a bear encounter, visitors should remain calm, speak in a calm voice, and give the bear a clear path to leave. Bear spray should be carried at all times, and visitors should know how to use it properly.
What to Bring
Visitors to Brushkana Creek Campground should be prepared for the Alaskan wilderness and bring the following essential gear:
- Tent or RV
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Cooking gear and utensils
- Food and water
- First aid kit
- Bear spray and bear-resistant containers
- Insect repellent
- Rain gear and warm clothing
- Map and compass or GPS device
- Camera and binoculars
It’s also essential to bring layers for Alaska’s unpredictable weather, including a warm hat, gloves, and waterproof jacket. Visitors should check the weather forecast before arriving and be prepared for changing conditions.
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to Brushkana Creek Campground is Glennallen, which is approximately 10 miles away. Glennallen has a range of amenities, including:
- Gas stations
- Restaurants
- Grocery stores
- Outdoor gear shops
Visitors can also explore the nearby town of Copper Center, which has a range of attractions, including the:
- Copper Center Museum
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
- Chitistone River
Other campgrounds in the area include the:
- Liberty Falls Campground
- Squirrel Creek Campground
- Upper Tonsina River Campground
Visitors can also take day trips to explore the surrounding wilderness, including the:
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
- Chugach National Forest
- Kenai Fjords National Park
Tips from Experienced Campers
Experienced campers recommend the following tips for visiting Brushkana Creek Campground:
- Arrive early to secure a campsite, especially during peak season
- Bring bear spray and know how to use it properly
- Store food and trash properly to avoid attracting bears and other wildlife
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions and bring layers
- Bring insect repellent and take necessary precautions to avoid bug bites
- Take advantage of the scenic hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities
- Be respectful of other campers and keep noise levels down
Cell service is limited in the area, and visitors should be prepared to be disconnected from the outside world. The best campsites are those that are located near the creek, which offers scenic views and easy access to the hiking trails. Visitors should also be aware of the sunrise and sunset times, which can be as early as 4 am and as late as 12 am during the summer months.
Overall, Brushkana Creek Campground is a unique and unforgettable destination that offers breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to some of Alaska’s most spectacular hiking trails. With its serene atmosphere, picturesque setting, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, Brushkana Creek Campground is an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.