Overview
Moon Lake State Recreation Site is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, offering a serene and tranquil camping experience. Located in a picturesque setting surrounded by lush forests and towering trees, this campground is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The recreation site is situated on the shores of Moon Lake, a pristine lake filled with crystal-clear water and teeming with aquatic life. The unique features of this campground include its remote location, stunning scenery, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you’re looking to hike, fish, or simply relax in nature, Moon Lake State Recreation Site has something for everyone.
The campground is surrounded by a mix of spruce, birch, and aspen trees, providing a colorful display of foliage during the fall season. The lake’s shoreline is dotted with rocky outcroppings, sandy beaches, and marshy wetlands, creating a diverse habitat for a wide range of wildlife. With its stunning natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities, Moon Lake State Recreation Site is an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Alaskan experience.
Location & Directions
To reach Moon Lake State Recreation Site, take the Glenn Highway (AK-1) to mile marker 133.5, then turn onto the Moon Lake Road. The campground is located approximately 10 miles down this road, at GPS coordinates 61.7833° N, 146.2333° W. The driving distance from Anchorage is approximately 120 miles, and the journey takes around 2-3 hours depending on road conditions.
The road to the campground is generally well-maintained, but it can be rough in some areas, especially after heavy rainfall. It’s recommended to drive a vehicle with high clearance, and to exercise caution when navigating the road. During the winter months, the road may be closed due to snow and ice, so it’s essential to check the current road conditions before embarking on your journey.
Campground Details
Moon Lake State Recreation Site has a total of 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 $15 per night, and reservations can be made through reserveamerica.com or by calling (907) 269-8400. The campground is open from May 15th to September 15th, and the check-in time is 1:00 PM, while the check-out time is 12:00 PM.
The campground has a self-registration station, where you can pay for your campsite and obtain a permit. It’s essential to follow the rules and regulations of the campground, including keeping a clean site, storing food and trash properly, and respecting other campers.
- Number of sites: 15
- Site types: RV, tent, walk-in
- Hookups available: Electric
- Max RV length: 35 feet
- Fees: $15 per night
- Reservation info: reserveamerica.com or (907) 269-8400
- Check-in/check-out times: 1:00 PM / 12:00 PM
- Season open dates: May 15th – September 15th
Facilities & Amenities
Moon Lake State Recreation Site has a range of facilities and amenities to make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable. The campground has a hand pump for water, as well as vault toilets and a dump station. Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table, and there are bear boxes available for storing food and trash.
The campground also has a boat launch, allowing you to access the lake and enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, and there are also picnic areas and a day-use parking lot.
- Water: Hand pump
- Restrooms: Vault toilets
- Fire rings: Yes
- Picnic tables: Yes
- Bear boxes: Yes
- Boat launch: Yes
- Dump station: Yes
- Firewood availability: Yes
Boat Launch and Fishing Access
The boat launch at Moon Lake State Recreation Site provides easy access to the lake, allowing you to launch your boat and enjoy a day of fishing or exploring. The lake is stocked with species such as rainbow trout, lake trout, and grayling, making it a popular destination for anglers.
Hiking & Activities Nearby
Moon Lake State Recreation Site is surrounded by a range of hiking trails, offering something for every skill level and interest. The Moon Lake Trail is a 2-mile loop that takes you around the lake, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The Granite Creek Trail is a more challenging 4-mile hike that takes you through a scenic valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
In addition to hiking, the area around Moon Lake State Recreation Site offers a range of other activities, including fishing, boating, berry picking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is home to a range of wildlife, including moose, bears, and eagles, making it a great destination for nature lovers and photographers.
- Moon Lake Trail: 2-mile loop
- Granite Creek Trail: 4-mile hike
- Fishing: Yes
- Boating: Yes
- Berry picking: Yes
- Wildlife viewing: Yes
Fishing Opportunities
Moon Lake State Recreation Site is a popular destination for anglers, with a range of fish species available in the lake. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, lake trout, and grayling, making it a great destination for both beginner and experienced anglers.
The best techniques for fishing in the lake include trolling, casting, and fly fishing. 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.
It’s essential to follow the local fishing regulations, including obtaining any necessary permits and following catch limits. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game provides information on fishing regulations and permits, and it’s recommended to check their website before your trip.
- Fish species: Rainbow trout, lake trout, grayling, char, whitefish
- Fishing techniques: Trolling, casting, fly fishing
- Regulations: Check with Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Permits: Required for some species
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Moon Lake State Recreation Site is during the summer months, from May to September. The weather is generally warm and sunny during this time, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.
The peak tourist season is during the months of June and July, when the weather is warmest and the days are longest. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and the campground may be fully booked. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season, in May or September.
It’s also essential to be aware of the mosquito season, which typically runs from June to August. Bring insect repellent and take necessary precautions to avoid bug bites.
- Best time to visit: May – September
- Peak tourist season: June – July
- Shoulder season: May, September
- Mosquito season: June – August
Wildlife & Bear Safety
Moon Lake State Recreation Site is located in a area with a high concentration of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. It’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, including storing food and trash properly and making noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals.
The area is home to both black and brown bears, and it’s essential to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions. Bring bear spray and know how to use it, and be prepared for encounters with wildlife.
It’s also essential to follow the guidelines for food storage and disposal, including keeping a clean campsite and storing food and trash in airtight containers. Never feed wildlife, and keep a safe distance from animals at all times.
- Wildlife species: Bears, moose, eagles
- Bear safety: Store food and trash properly, make noise while hiking, bring bear spray
- Food storage: Keep a clean campsite, store food and trash in airtight containers
- Wildlife viewing: Keep a safe distance, never feed wildlife
What to Bring
When visiting Moon Lake State Recreation Site, it’s essential to bring the necessary gear and supplies to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. This includes:
- Tent and camping gear
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Backpack and hiking boots
- Fishing gear and license
- Food and cooking equipment
- Water and water purification tablets
- First aid kit and bear spray
- Layers for Alaska weather, including rain gear and warm clothing
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
It’s also essential to check the weather forecast before your trip and be prepared for changing conditions. Bring a map and compass, and know how to use them, and be prepared for emergencies with a first aid kit and emergency shelter.
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to Moon Lake State Recreation Site is Glennallen, which is located approximately 20 miles away. Glennallen has a range of amenities, including gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores, making it a great place to stock up on supplies before your trip.
Other nearby attractions include the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, which is located approximately 60 miles away. This park is home to a range of hiking trails, glaciers, and wildlife, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are also several other campgrounds in the area, including the Liberty Falls Campground and the Blueberry Lake Campground. These campgrounds offer a range of amenities and activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating.
- Nearest town: Glennallen
- Distance to Glennallen: 20 miles
- Nearby attractions: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Liberty Falls Campground, Blueberry Lake Campground
Tips from Experienced Campers
Moon Lake State Recreation Site is a popular destination for campers, and those who have visited the area before have some valuable tips to share. These include:
- Arrive early to secure a campsite, as the campground can fill up quickly during peak season
- Bring bug repellent and take necessary precautions to avoid bug bites
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including rain and wind
- Bring a map and compass, and know how to use them, to navigate the area
- Take necessary precautions to avoid encounters with wildlife, including making noise while hiking and storing food and trash properly
- Enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, and take time to appreciate the natural beauty of the area
Cell service is limited in the area, so it’s essential to be prepared and have a plan in place in case of an emergency. The campground has a noise curfew, so be respectful of other campers and keep noise levels down after 10:00 PM.
The best campsites are those that are located near the lake, offering stunning views and easy access to the water. However, these sites can fill up quickly, so it’s essential to arrive early to secure a spot.
The sunrise and sunset times vary depending on the time of year, but the area is known for its stunning displays of the aurora borealis, or northern lights. Be sure to bring a camera and take time to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.