Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

Overview

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, offering a serene and picturesque camping experience. Located about 30 miles northwest of Tok, this campground is situated on the shores of Johnson Lake, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. What makes this campground special is its tranquil atmosphere, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and easy access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and boating activities. The unique feature of this campground is its remote location, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a true Alaskan wilderness experience.

The setting of Johnson Lake State Recreation Area is characterized by a mix of spruce and aspen forests, with the lake’s shoreline offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The scenery is particularly beautiful during the summer months when the wildflowers are in bloom, and the fall season when the leaves change colors. The campground’s unique features include its proximity to the lake, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as its access to nearby hiking trails, including the popular Johnson Lake Trail.

Location & Directions

To get to Johnson Lake State Recreation Area, take the Tok Cutoff Highway (Hwy 1) from Tok, and turn left at mile marker 33.5 onto Johnson Lake Road. The campground is located at GPS coordinates 63.3333, -142.9667. From the nearest city, Tok, the driving distance is approximately 30 miles, and the road conditions are generally good, with some gravel and dirt sections. However, it’s essential to check the road conditions before heading out, especially during the spring and fall seasons when the roads can be rough.

Driving directions from Tok: Take the Tok Cutoff Highway (Hwy 1) north from Tok, and turn left at mile marker 33.5 onto Johnson Lake Road. Follow the road for approximately 10 miles, and turn right at the Johnson Lake State Recreation Area sign. The campground is located at the end of the road, near the lake’s shoreline.

Campground Details

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area has a total of 20 campsites, including 10 RV sites, 5 tent sites, and 5 walk-in sites. The RV sites have hookups for water and electricity, and the maximum RV length is 40 feet. The current fees for camping are $20 per night for RV sites, $15 per night for tent sites, and $10 per night for walk-in sites. Reservations can be made through reserveamerica.com or by calling (800) 952-8624. 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 being June 15 to August 15.

It’s essential to note that the campground has a first-come, first-served policy for walk-in sites, and reservations are recommended for RV and tent sites, especially during peak season. The campground also has a quiet time policy from 10 pm to 6 am, and generators are not allowed.

Site Types and Amenities

RV sites: 10 sites with water and electricity hookups, max RV length 40 feet
Tent sites: 5 sites with access to potable water and restrooms
Walk-in sites: 5 sites with access to potable water and restrooms, located near the lake’s shoreline
Hookups: Water and electricity available at RV sites
Fees: $20 per night for RV sites, $15 per night for tent sites, $10 per night for walk-in sites
Reservations: Can be made through reserveamerica.com or by calling (800) 952-8624

Facilities & Amenities

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area has a range of facilities and amenities to make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable. The campground has potable water available at the RV sites and a hand pump near the tent and walk-in sites. The restrooms are vault-style, and there are no flush toilets. Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table, and bear boxes are available for food storage. The campground also has a boat launch and a dump station, and firewood is available for purchase at the campground entrance.

The facilities and amenities at Johnson Lake State Recreation Area include:

Potable water: Available at RV sites and hand pump near tent and walk-in sites
Restrooms: Vault-style, no flush toilets
Fire rings: Available at each campsite
Picnic tables: Available at each campsite
Bear boxes: Available for food storage
Boat launch: Available for access to Johnson Lake
Dump station: Available for RVs and trailers
Firewood: Available for purchase at the campground entrance

Hiking & Activities Nearby

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area has a range of hiking trails and activities nearby, including the popular Johnson Lake Trail, which is a 3.5-mile loop around the lake. The trail takes you through a mix of forest and meadows, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lake. Other nearby trails include the Tok River Trail, which is a 10-mile out-and-back trail that takes you through a scenic valley along the Tok River.

Other activities nearby include fishing, boating, and berry picking. Johnson Lake is home to a range of fish species, including trout, grayling, and whitefish, and the lake’s shoreline offers plenty of opportunities for fishing. The lake is also perfect for boating, with a boat launch available at the campground. Berry picking is also a popular activity in the area, with a range of wild berries available, including blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

Nearby trails and activities include:

Johnson Lake Trail: 3.5-mile loop around the lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lake
Tok River Trail: 10-mile out-and-back trail that takes you through a scenic valley along the Tok River
Fishing: Johnson Lake is home to a range of fish species, including trout, grayling, and whitefish
Boating: The lake is perfect for boating, with a boat launch available at the campground
Berry picking: A range of wild berries are available in the area, including blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries

Fishing Opportunities

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area offers excellent fishing opportunities, with a range of fish species available, including trout, grayling, and whitefish. The lake is home to a healthy population of fish, and the surrounding waters offer plenty of opportunities for fishing. The best techniques for fishing in the area include fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling, and the best times for fishing are early morning and late evening when the fish are most active.

The nearby Tok River also offers excellent fishing opportunities, with a range of fish species available, including salmon, trout, and grayling. The river is home to a healthy population of fish, and the surrounding waters offer plenty of opportunities for fishing. The best techniques for fishing in the area include fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling, and the best times for fishing are early morning and late evening when the fish are most active.

Fishing regulations in the area include:

Fishing license: Required for all anglers, available at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website
Catch limits: Vary depending on the species and location, check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for current regulations
Size limits: Vary depending on the species and location, check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for current regulations
Seasons: Vary depending on the species and location, check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for current regulations

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Johnson Lake State Recreation Area 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, and it’s recommended to make reservations well in advance to ensure availability. The weather in the area can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and precipitation, so it’s essential to be prepared with layers and rain gear.

The area is also home to a range of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles, and it’s essential to take necessary precautions to avoid encounters. The best times to avoid crowds are during the shoulder season, from May to June and September to October, when the weather is still mild and the crowds are smaller.

Weather patterns in the area include:

Summer: Warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C)
Winter: Cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from -20-40°F (-29-4°C)
Spring: Cool and rainy, with average temperatures ranging from 30-50°F (-1-10°C)
Fall: Cool and rainy, with average temperatures ranging from 30-50°F (-1-10°C)

Wildlife & Bear Safety

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area is home to a range of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles, and it’s essential to take necessary precautions to avoid encounters. The area is home to both black and brown bears, and it’s essential to store food and trash properly to avoid attracting them. Bear spray is also recommended, and it’s essential to know how to use it properly.

Other wildlife in the area includes moose, caribou, and wolves, and it’s essential to be aware of their presence and take necessary precautions. Eagles and other birds of prey are also common in the area, and it’s essential to respect their habitat and avoid disturbing them.

Proper food storage and bear safety precautions include:

Storing food and trash in airtight containers and keeping them away from campsites
Using bear-resistant containers or hanging food and trash from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet out from the trunk
Avoiding cooking or storing food in tents
Making noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears
Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it properly

What to Bring

When visiting Johnson Lake State Recreation Area, it’s essential to bring the necessary gear and supplies to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. The essential gear list includes:

Tent or RV
Sleeping bag and pad
Backpack and camping gear
Food and cooking equipment
Water and water purification tablets or filter
First aid kit
Map and compass or GPS device
Headlamp or flashlight
Extra batteries
Bear spray and bear-resistant containers
Rain gear and layers for changing weather conditions
Insect repellent and sunscreen

It’s also essential to bring layers for Alaska’s unpredictable weather, including a warm hat, gloves, and a waterproof jacket. Rain gear is also recommended, as well as insect repellent and sunscreen to protect against bugs and the sun.

Nearby Attractions & Towns

The nearest town to Johnson Lake State Recreation Area is Tok, which is located about 30 miles southeast of the campground. Tok has a range of amenities, including gas stations, restaurants, and shops, and it’s a great place to stock up on supplies before heading to the campground. Other nearby attractions include the Tok River, which offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities, and the nearby town of Glennallen, which has a range of amenities and services.

Other campgrounds in the area include the Tok River Campground, which is located near the Tok River, and the Glennallen Campground, which is located near the town of Glennallen. Day trip ideas include visiting the nearby Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, which offers stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, and taking a scenic drive along the Tok Cutoff Highway, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Nearby attractions and towns include:

Tok: Located about 30 miles southeast of the campground, with a range of amenities, including gas stations, restaurants, and shops
Tok River: Offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities, and is located near the campground
Glennallen: Located about 60 miles south of the campground, with a range of amenities and services
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Offers stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, and is located about 100 miles south of the campground
Tok Cutoff Highway: Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests, and is a great scenic drive

Tips from Experienced Campers

Experienced campers recommend arriving early to secure a campsite, especially during peak season. It’s also essential to bring layers for Alaska’s unpredictable weather, as well as rain gear and insect repellent. The best campsites are those that are located near the lake’s shoreline, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lake.

Insider tips include bringing a portable stove or camping grill, as the campground’s fire pits can be busy during peak season. It’s also essential to bring a bear-resistant container or hang food and trash from a tree to avoid attracting bears. Cell service is limited in the area, so it’s essential to plan ahead and make any necessary calls or send messages before arriving at the campground.

Noise considerations are also essential, as the campground is located in a remote area and noise can carry far. It’s essential to be respectful of other campers and keep noise levels down, especially during quiet hours.

Sunrise and sunset recommendations include waking up early to watch the sunrise over the lake, and staying up late to watch the sunset over the surrounding mountains. The best time for wildlife viewing is during the early morning and late evening, when the animals are most active.

Tips from experienced campers include:

Arriving early to secure a campsite, especially during peak season
Bringing layers for Alaska’s unpredictable weather, as well as rain gear and insect repellent
Bringing a portable stove or camping grill, as the campground’s fire pits can be busy during peak season
Bringing a bear-resistant container or hanging food and trash from a tree to avoid attracting bears
Being respectful of other campers and keeping noise levels down, especially during quiet hours
Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the lake, and staying up late to watch the sunset over the surrounding mountains