Long Lake State Recreation Site

Overview

Long Lake State Recreation Site is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, offering a serene and picturesque camping experience. Located about 30 miles north of Anchorage, this campground boasts stunning views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains and easy access to Long Lake, a pristine and tranquil body of water. The campground’s unique features include its secluded setting, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and a variety of outdoor activities to suit all interests. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Long Lake State Recreation Site is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The campground is situated in a lush forest of spruce and birch trees, with the sound of birdsong and gentle lapping of the lake’s waters against the shore creating a soothing ambiance. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, vast wetlands, and towering mountains, making it a paradise for hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and wide range of outdoor activities, Long Lake State Recreation Site is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Alaska’s great outdoors.

Location & Directions

To get to Long Lake State Recreation Site, take the Glenn Highway (AK-1) north from Anchorage. The campground is located at mile marker 45, approximately 30 miles north of Anchorage. The GPS coordinates for the campground are 61.4333° N, 149.2333° W. From the highway, turn onto the Long Lake Road and follow the signs to the campground. The road is paved and well-maintained, making it accessible to all types of vehicles, including RVs and trailers.

Driving from Anchorage, take the Glenn Highway north and continue for approximately 30 miles. Turn left onto the Long Lake Road and follow the signs to the campground. The drive should take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. Be sure to check the road conditions before heading out, especially during the winter months when the road may be snow-covered or icy.

Driving Directions from Nearest City

Anchorage is the nearest city to Long Lake State Recreation Site, and it offers a range of amenities, including grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants. To get to the campground from Anchorage, follow these directions:

  • Take the Glenn Highway (AK-1) north from Anchorage
  • Continue for approximately 30 miles
  • Turn left onto the Long Lake Road
  • Follow the signs to the campground

Campground Details

Long Lake State Recreation Site has a total of 20 campsites, including 10 RV sites, 5 tent sites, and 5 walk-in sites. The RV sites have electric hookups, and the maximum RV length is 30 feet. The tent sites are located in a secluded area of the campground, surrounded by trees and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The walk-in sites are perfect for those looking for a more primitive camping experience, with access to a nearby vault toilet and potable water.

The campground fees are currently $20 per night for RV sites and $15 per night for tent and walk-in sites. Reservations can be made through reserveamerica.com or by calling (907) 269-8400. The campground is open from May 15 to September 15, and the check-in time is 2 pm, while the check-out time is 12 pm. Be sure to check the campground’s website for up-to-date information on fees, reservations, and operating hours.

Site Types and Amenities

The campground offers a range of site types to suit all needs, including:

  • RV sites with electric hookups
  • Tent sites with access to potable water and vault toilets
  • Walk-in sites with access to a nearby vault toilet and potable water

The campground also offers a range of amenities, including:

  • Potable water
  • Vault toilets
  • Fire rings
  • Picnic tables
  • Bear boxes

Facilities & Amenities

Long Lake State Recreation Site offers a range of facilities and amenities to make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable. The campground has potable water available at the entrance, as well as a hand pump for those who prefer to fetch their own water. The restrooms are vault toilets, which are clean and well-maintained. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table, perfect for cooking and enjoying meals in the great outdoors. The campground also has bear boxes available for storing food and other scented items, to keep bears and other wildlife away.

The campground has a boat launch, making it easy to access Long Lake and enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. There is also a dump station available for RVs, and firewood is available for purchase at the campground. The campground’s facilities and amenities make it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to experience the best of Alaska’s great outdoors.

Facilities and Amenities

The campground offers the following facilities and amenities:

  • Potable water
  • Hand pump
  • Vault toilets
  • Fire rings
  • Picnic tables
  • Bear boxes
  • Boat launch
  • Dump station
  • Firewood availability

Hiking & Activities Nearby

Long Lake State Recreation Site is surrounded by a range of hiking trails, offering something for all skill levels and interests. The nearby trails include:

  • Long Lake Trail: a 2-mile trail that takes you around the lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape
  • Chugach Mountains Trail: a 10-mile trail that takes you through the Chugach Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness
  • Wildlife Viewing Trail: a 1-mile trail that takes you through a variety of habitats and offers the opportunity to see a range of wildlife, including moose, bears, and birds

The campground is also close to a range of other activities, including fishing, boating, and berry picking. Long Lake is home to a range of fish species, including salmon, trout, and grayling, making it a popular destination for anglers. The lake is also perfect for boating, kayaking, and canoeing, with a range of rental options available at the campground. The surrounding landscape is also home to a range of berry species, including blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries, making it a great destination for berry pickers.

Activities and Trails

The campground offers a range of activities and trails, including:

  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Berry picking
  • Wildlife viewing

Fishing Opportunities

Long Lake is home to a range of fish species, including salmon, trout, and grayling, making it a popular destination for anglers. The lake is stocked with fish regularly, and the fishing is excellent, with many anglers catching their limit. The best techniques for fishing in Long Lake include:

  • Spin casting
  • Fly fishing
  • Trolling

The lake is also home to a range of other fish species, including char and whitefish, making it a great destination for those looking to try their hand at catching a variety of species. Be sure to check the local fishing regulations before heading out, as they can change regularly.

Fishing Regulations

The fishing regulations for Long Lake include:

  • Bag limit: 5 fish per person per day
  • Size limit: 12 inches minimum
  • Season: May 15 to September 15

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Long Lake State Recreation Site is during the summer months, from May to September. The weather is warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The peak season is June to August, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the wildlife is most active. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and the campground can get crowded. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in May or September, when the weather is still mild and the campground is less busy.

Mosquito season typically runs from June to August, and can be quite intense. Be sure to bring insect repellent and take necessary precautions to avoid getting bitten. The summer solstice, which falls on June 21, is also a great time to visit, as the days are long and the sun doesn’t set until late at night.

Weather Patterns

The weather in Long Lake State Recreation Site can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and precipitation. Be sure to check the forecast before heading out, and pack accordingly. The average temperatures and precipitation levels for the area are:

  • May: 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, 2-3 inches of precipitation
  • June: 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, 3-4 inches of precipitation
  • July: 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit, 4-5 inches of precipitation
  • August: 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, 3-4 inches of precipitation
  • September: 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, 2-3 inches of precipitation

Wildlife & Bear Safety

Long Lake State Recreation Site is home to a range of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. It’s essential to take necessary precautions to avoid encounters with wildlife, especially bears. The campground has bear boxes available for storing food and other scented items, and it’s essential to use them to keep bears away. Be sure to store all food and trash in airtight containers and keep them away from your campsite.

If you encounter a bear, stay calm and follow these steps:

  • Remain calm and speak in a calm voice
  • Avoid eye contact
  • Give the bear plenty of space
  • Back away slowly and do not run

It’s also essential to carry bear spray with you when hiking or walking in the area, and to know how to use it properly. Moose and eagles are also common in the area, and it’s essential to keep a safe distance and not approach them.

Bear Safety Tips

Here are some bear safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Store all food and trash in airtight containers
  • Keep food and trash away from your campsite
  • Use bear boxes to store food and other scented items
  • Carry bear spray with you when hiking or walking in the area
  • Know how to use bear spray properly

What to Bring

When packing for your trip to Long Lake State Recreation Site, be sure to bring the following essential items:

  • Camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
  • Cooking gear, including a stove, pot, and utensils
  • Clothing, including layers for cold weather and rain gear
  • Insect repellent and bear spray
  • First aid kit and emergency supplies
  • Food and water, including a water filter or purification tablets

It’s also a good idea to bring a map and compass, as well as a GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out and pack accordingly. The campground has a strict firewood policy, and only allows firewood that has been certified as pest-free.

Essential Gear List

Here is a list of essential gear to bring to Long Lake State Recreation Site:

  • Camping gear
  • Cooking gear
  • Clothing
  • Insect repellent and bear spray
  • First aid kit and emergency supplies
  • Food and water
  • Map and compass
  • GPS device or smartphone with GPS app

Nearby Attractions & Towns

The nearest town to Long Lake State Recreation Site is Anchorage, which is located about 30 miles south of the campground. Anchorage offers a range of amenities, including grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants. Other nearby attractions include:

  • Chugach National Forest
  • Kenai Fjords National Park
  • Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

There are also several other campgrounds in the area, including:

  • Willow Creek Campground
  • Montana Creek Campground
  • Kenai Lake Campground

Nearby Towns and Attractions

Here are some nearby towns and attractions to consider visiting:

  • Anchorage
  • Chugach National Forest
  • Kenai Fjords National Park
  • Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Tips from Experienced Campers

Here are some tips from experienced campers to help you make the most of your trip to Long Lake State Recreation Site:

  • Arrive early to secure a campsite, especially during peak season
  • Bring layers, as the weather can be unpredictable
  • Be prepared for mosquitoes and other insects
  • Bring bear spray and know how to use it properly
  • Keep a safe distance from wildlife, including bears and moose

It’s also a good idea to check the campground’s website for up-to-date information on fees, reservations, and operating hours. The campground has limited cell service, so be sure to plan ahead and make any necessary calls or send messages before arriving. The best time to see the sunrise is around 5 am, and the sunset is around 10 pm, so be sure to plan your day accordingly.

Insider Tips

Here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your trip to Long Lake State Recreation Site:

  • Arrive early to secure a campsite
  • Bring layers
  • Be prepared for mosquitoes and other insects
  • Bring bear spray and know how to use it properly
  • Keep a safe distance from wildlife
Scroll to Top