Overview
Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Located near the town of Willow, this campground is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by towering trees, rolling hills, and meandering streams. The recreation site is special due to its serene atmosphere, abundant wildlife, and access to various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. With its stunning natural scenery and plethora of recreational opportunities, Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and families alike.
The campground’s unique features include its proximity to the Susitna River, which offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities, as well as its access to several hiking trails, including the popular Squirrel Creek Trail. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, bears, and eagles, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Whether you’re looking to relax in a peaceful environment, explore the great outdoors, or experience the thrill of Alaska’s wilderness, Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site has something to offer for everyone.
Location & Directions
To reach Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site, take the Parks Highway (AK-3) to mile marker 81.5, then turn east onto Squirrel Creek Road. The campground is located at GPS coordinates 61.7667° N, 150.0333° W. From the nearest city, Willow, take the Parks Highway north for approximately 10 miles, then turn east onto Squirrel Creek Road. The road to the campground is generally well-maintained, but it’s recommended to check the current road conditions before heading out, especially during the spring and fall seasons when the road may be muddy or icy.
Driving directions from Anchorage: Take the Parks Highway (AK-3) north for approximately 60 miles, then turn east onto Squirrel Creek Road. The drive from Anchorage takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. Be sure to fill up on gas and supplies in Willow or Anchorage before heading to the campground, as services are limited in the area.
Campground Details
Squirrel Creek 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 40 feet in length, and some sites have electric hookups available. The current fees for camping are $15 per night for standard sites and $20 per night for sites with electric hookups. 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, weather permitting.
It’s recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season (June to August), as the campground can fill up quickly. Be sure to review the campground’s rules and regulations before arriving, including the quiet hours, generator use, and pet policies.
Campsite Types
- RV sites: 10 sites with electric hookups, max RV length 40 feet
- Tent sites: 3 sites, no hookups
- Walk-in sites: 2 sites, no hookups
Facilities & Amenities
Squirrel Creek 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 hand pump, as well as vault toilets and flush toilets. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table, and bear boxes are provided to store food and trash. A boat launch is available for access to the Susitna River, and a dump station is located near the campground entrance. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, but it’s recommended to bring your own supply to ensure availability.
The campground also has a day-use area with a picnic shelter, tables, and grills, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings or group events. Be sure to follow the campground’s rules and regulations regarding food storage, generator use, and quiet hours to ensure a peaceful and safe experience for all campers.
Facilities
- Potable water: hand pump
- Restrooms: vault toilets, flush toilets
- Fire rings: at each campsite
- Picnic tables: at each campsite
- Bear boxes: at each campsite
- Boat launch: access to Susitna River
- Dump station: near campground entrance
- Firewood: available for purchase
Hiking & Activities Nearby
Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site offers a range of hiking and outdoor activities to suit all interests and skill levels. The Squirrel Creek Trail is a popular hiking trail that begins at the campground and follows the creek for approximately 2 miles, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is considered moderate in difficulty and is suitable for hikers of all ages.
Other nearby trails include the Susitna River Trail, which offers scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape, and the Willow Creek Trail, which takes you through a picturesque valley surrounded by towering trees. Fishing and boating opportunities are also abundant in the area, with the Susitna River offering excellent fishing for salmon, trout, and grayling. Berry picking is also a popular activity in the area, with wild blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries available for picking in the summer months.
Nearby Trails
- Squirrel Creek Trail: 2 miles, moderate difficulty
- Susitna River Trail: 5 miles, easy to moderate difficulty
- Willow Creek Trail: 3 miles, moderate difficulty
Fishing Opportunities
The Susitna River and surrounding lakes and streams offer excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of species, including salmon, trout, grayling, and whitefish. The best time for fishing is typically from June to September, when the fish are most active. Regulations regarding fishing licenses, bag limits, and gear restrictions apply, so be sure to check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before heading out.
The most effective techniques for fishing in the area include fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling. It’s recommended to bring a variety of lures and bait, including dry flies, nymphs, and spinners, to increase your chances of catching fish. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines and regulations when fishing, including wearing a personal flotation device and being aware of your surroundings.
Fishing Species
- Salmon: king, sockeye, coho, pink
- Trout: rainbow, brook, lake
- Grayling: Arctic, mountain
- Whitefish: lake, round
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site is from May 15 to September 15, when the weather is warm and dry, and the days are long. Peak season is from June to August, when the campground is busiest and the weather is warmest. However, this is also the time when the mosquitoes and other insects are most prevalent, so be sure to bring plenty of bug repellent and protective clothing.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder season (May or September), when the weather is still mild and the campground is less crowded. Be aware that the road to the campground may be muddy or icy during the spring and fall seasons, so be sure to check the current road conditions before heading out.
Weather Patterns
- Summer: warm and dry, highs in the 70s and 80s (°F)
- Spring: cool and wet, highs in the 50s and 60s (°F)
- Fall: cool and wet, highs in the 50s and 60s (°F)
- Winter: cold and snowy, highs in the 20s and 30s (°F)
Wildlife & Bear Safety
Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site is located in an area with abundant wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. It’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of the wildlife. Be sure to store food and trash properly in the provided bear boxes, and keep a clean campsite to avoid attracting wildlife.
When hiking or walking in the area, make plenty of noise to avoid surprising bears, and stay in groups whenever possible. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for signs of wildlife, such as tracks, scat, or digging. If you encounter a bear, stay calm and follow the recommended procedures, including speaking calmly and slowly, giving the bear plenty of space, and avoiding eye contact.
It’s also recommended to carry bear spray with you at all times when hiking or walking in the area, and to know how to use it properly. Be sure to check with the campground staff or local authorities for any bear sightings or warnings in the area before heading out.
Bear Safety Tips
- Store food and trash properly in bear boxes
- Keep a clean campsite to avoid attracting wildlife
- Make plenty of noise when hiking or walking in the area
- Stay in groups whenever possible
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch for signs of wildlife
- Carry bear spray with you at all times
What to Bring
When camping at Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site, it’s essential to bring the right gear and supplies to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Be sure to pack layers of clothing for Alaska’s unpredictable weather, including a warm hat, gloves, and waterproof jacket. Rain gear is also a must, including a waterproof tent, sleeping bag, and rain pants.
Other essential items to bring include bug repellent, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. A portable stove or camping grill is also recommended, as well as a water filter or purification tablets to ensure access to safe drinking water. Don’t forget to bring plenty of food and snacks, as well as a cooler to keep perishable items fresh.
It’s also recommended to bring a map and compass, as well as a GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app, to help navigate the area. Be sure to follow the campground’s rules and regulations regarding firewood, including only using firewood that is provided by the campground or purchased from a local vendor.
Essential Gear List
- Clothing: layers, warm hat, gloves, waterproof jacket
- Rain gear: waterproof tent, sleeping bag, rain pants
- Bug repellent: DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Sunscreen: broad-spectrum, water-resistant
- First aid kit: including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers
- Portable stove or camping grill: for cooking meals
- Water filter or purification tablets: for safe drinking water
- Food and snacks: including non-perishable items and a cooler for perishables
- Map and compass: for navigating the area
- GPS device or smartphone: with a GPS app for navigation
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site is Willow, which is located approximately 10 miles from the campground. Willow has a range of amenities, including gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores, making it an ideal place to stock up on supplies before heading to the campground.
Other nearby attractions include the Susitna River, which offers scenic views and excellent fishing opportunities, and the Willow Creek Trail, which takes you through a picturesque valley surrounded by towering trees. The town of Talkeetna is also located nearby, which is known for its stunning mountain views, outdoor recreation opportunities, and quaint shops and restaurants.
Day trip ideas from the campground include visiting the Denali National Park and Preserve, which is located approximately 100 miles from the campground, or taking a scenic drive along the Parks Highway, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Nearby Towns
- Willow: 10 miles from campground, gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores
- Talkeetna: 30 miles from campground, mountain views, outdoor recreation, shops, restaurants
Tips from Experienced Campers
Experienced campers recommend arriving at the campground early to secure a spot, especially during peak season. It’s also recommended to bring a portable stove or camping grill, as well as a water filter or purification tablets, to ensure access to safe drinking water and cooking facilities.
Cell service is limited in the area, so be sure to bring a satellite phone or two-way radio to stay in touch with family and friends. Noise considerations are also important, as the campground is located in a quiet area and generators and loud music are not allowed.
Sunrise and sunset recommendations include waking up early to watch the sunrise over the surrounding mountains, and staying up late to see the stars and northern lights. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife, and to take plenty of photos to remember your trip.
Insider tips include bringing a bear spray and knowing how to use it properly, as well as being aware of the campground’s rules and regulations regarding food storage and generator use. It’s also recommended to bring a map and compass, as well as a GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app, to help navigate the area.
Best Campsites
- Site 1: located near the creek, scenic views, easy access to hiking trails
- Site 5: located near the boat launch, easy access to Susitna River, scenic views
- Site 10: located in a quiet area, scenic views, easy access to hiking trails