Birch Lake State Recreation Site

Open — Open year-round for camping and recreation. Ice fishing huts are available for rent during winter months, typically November through April. The access road to the recreation site is maintained, but the road to the lake and cabin is not plowed in winter, so four-wheel drive is advisable. Limited to 15 consecutive days of camping.

About

Birch Lake State Recreation Site is a 191-acre Alaska State Park situated between Fairbanks and Delta Junction along the Richardson Highway at Mile 305.3. The campground is nestled between a lily pad-covered lake and forested wetlands, offering diverse recreational opportunities throughout the year. The facility provides 19 developed campsites with 17 long parking spaces designed for motorhomes and 3 shorter spaces for smaller vehicles or tent camping, plus 5 walk-in tent sites. There is no RV size limit, making it accessible for large rigs. The lake is a major draw for anglers year-round, stocked with rainbow trout, king and silver salmon, grayling, and arctic char. Summer activities include fishing from boats, jet skiing, and water skiing on the lake's open waters. The site features an ADA-accessible boat launch and courtesy dock with a 20-minute time limit for docking. Winter transforms the area into an ice fishing destination with rentable ice fishing huts typically available from November through April, along with snowmobile trails. The surrounding forested wetlands provide excellent habitat for waterfowl, and moose and caribou are frequently spotted in the area. Visitors should bring their own firewood as the surrounding forest has been well-scavenged, especially important for winter cabin stays.

Directions

Located at Mile 305.3 Richardson Highway, approximately 59 miles southeast of Fairbanks. Turn at the Birch Lake State Recreation Site sign and follow the access road 0.3 miles to the campground entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds