Overview
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area’s South Rolly Campground is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Alaska’s vast wilderness. Located about 90 miles north of Anchorage, this campground offers a serene and picturesque setting, surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and numerous lakes. The campground’s unique features include its proximity to the Nancy Lake Canoe Trail System, which provides endless opportunities for paddling and exploration. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and wide range of outdoor activities, South Rolly Campground is an ideal destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a true Alaskan adventure.
The campground’s setting is characterized by a mix of spruce, birch, and aspen trees, with an understory of wildflowers, shrubs, and moss. The surrounding hills and lakes provide a breathtaking backdrop for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, bears, eagles, and beavers, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Location & Directions
To reach South Rolly Campground, take the Parks Highway (AK-3) from Anchorage and drive north for approximately 67 miles. Turn left onto Nancy Lake Parkway at mile marker 66.5 and continue for about 23 miles. The campground will be on your right, just past the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area entrance. The GPS coordinates for the campground are 61.6372° N, 149.9667° W.
Driving directions from Anchorage: Take the Parks Highway (AK-3) north from Anchorage and drive for approximately 67 miles. Turn left onto Nancy Lake Parkway at mile marker 66.5 and continue for about 23 miles. The road conditions are generally good, but be prepared for possible delays due to construction or maintenance.
Highway mile marker: 66.5
Nearest city: Willow, AK (about 30 miles away)
Campground Details
South Rolly Campground has a total of 90 campsites, including 60 RV sites, 20 tent sites, and 10 walk-in sites. The RV sites can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet in length, and some sites have electric hookups. The current fees for camping are $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 (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 being June 15 to August 15. During peak season, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, as the campground can fill up quickly.
Site types:
- RV sites: 60
- Tent sites: 20
- Walk-in sites: 10
Hookups available:
- Electric: Yes
- Water: No
- Sewer: No
Max RV length: 40 feet
Fees:
- RV sites: $20 per night
- Tent and walk-in sites: $15 per night
Facilities & Amenities
South Rolly Campground offers a range of facilities and amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The campground has potable water available at the hand pump, as well as vault toilets and flush toilets in the developed areas. Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table, and bear boxes are provided to store food and other attractants. The campground also has a boat launch and a dump station, and firewood is available for purchase.
Facilities:
- Potable water: Hand pump
- Restrooms: Vault and flush 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 South Rolly Campground provides easy access to Nancy Lake and the surrounding waterways. The launch is suitable for small boats and canoes, and there is a nearby parking area for vehicles and trailers. The lake is stocked with fish, including trout and grayling, and there are also plenty of opportunities for fishing in the surrounding streams and rivers.
Hiking & Activities Nearby
South Rolly Campground is surrounded by a network of hiking trails, including the popular Nancy Lake Canoe Trail System. The trails range from easy to challenging and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Some popular hiking trails in the area include:
- Nancy Lake Canoe Trail: 4.5 miles, easy to moderate
- Rolly Lake Trail: 2.5 miles, moderate
- Lone Lake Trail: 3.5 miles, moderate to challenging
Other activities in the area include fishing, boating, berry picking, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding lakes and streams are home to a variety of fish species, including trout, grayling, and salmon. The area is also known for its abundant wildlife, including moose, bears, eagles, and beavers.
Fishing Opportunities
The Nancy Lake area offers some of the best fishing in Alaska, with a variety of fish species available in the lakes and streams. The most common species include:
- Trout: Rainbow, brook, and lake trout
- Grayling: Arctic and grayling
- Salmon: Sockeye, coho, and chinook
The best techniques for fishing in the area include fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling. Be sure to check the current fishing regulations and obtain any necessary permits before heading out on the water.
Fishing regulations:
- Bag limits: Vary by species and location
- Size limits: Vary by species and location
- Permits: Required for certain species and locations
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit South Rolly Campground is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is typically warm and dry, with average highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s (°F). The peak season is from June 15 to August 15, and it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, as the campground can fill up quickly.
Season dates:
- May 15 to September 15: Campground open
- June 15 to August 15: Peak season
Weather patterns:
- Summer: Warm and dry, with average highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s (°F)
- Spring and fall: Cooler and wetter, with average highs in the mid-40s to mid-60s (°F)
- Winter: Cold and snowy, with average highs in the mid-20s to mid-40s (°F)
Mosquito season tips:
- Bring insect repellent and wear protective clothing
- Avoid peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk)
- Use screens and nets to keep mosquitoes out of your campsite
Wildlife & Bear Safety
The Nancy Lake area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, eagles, and beavers. It is essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of the wildlife. Some tips for bear safety include:
- Store food and other attractants in bear-proof containers
- Keep a clean campsite and dispose of trash properly
- Avoid hiking alone or at dawn and dusk when bears are most active
- Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears
Bear species in the area:
- Black bears
- Grizzly bears
Other wildlife in the area:
- Moose
- Eagles
- Beavers
What to Bring
When planning your trip to South Rolly Campground, be sure to pack the following essential items:
- Clothing: Layers for cool and warm weather, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots
- Food and cooking gear: Bring enough food for your stay, as well as a camp stove, cooking pot, and utensils
- Shelter and sleeping gear: Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
- First aid kit: Include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers
- Insect repellent and bear spray: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and bears
Firewood policy:
- Firewood is available for purchase at the campground
- Only burn firewood in designated fire rings
- Extinguish fires completely before leaving them unattended
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to South Rolly Campground is Willow, which is about 30 miles away. Willow has a few restaurants, gas stations, and shops, but for more extensive supplies and services, you may need to drive to Anchorage or other nearby towns.
Other campgrounds in the area:
- Nancy Lake State Recreation Area’s North Rolly Campground
- Willow Creek Campground
- Montana Creek Campground
Day trip ideas:
- Drive to Anchorage and explore the city’s attractions, such as the Anchorage Museum and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
- Visit the nearby town of Talkeetna and take a scenic flight or hike to the top of Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley)
- Explore the Nancy Lake Canoe Trail System and paddle to nearby lakes and streams
Tips from Experienced Campers
Here are some insider tips from experienced campers who have stayed at South Rolly Campground:
- Best campsites: Sites 10-20 have the best views of the surrounding landscape
- Cell service: There is limited cell service in the area, so be prepared to be offline for most of your stay
- Noise considerations: Be mindful of noise levels, especially in the evening, as sound can carry far in the quiet wilderness
- Sunrise and sunset: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the surrounding hills, and stay up late to see the stars in the night sky
Other tips:
- Bring a map and compass, as well as a GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app
- Let someone know your itinerary and expected return time
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions and bring layers and rain gear