Birch Lake State Recreation Site Campground

The feel

The campground sits at the end of the road at Mile 305.5 of the Richardson Highway, between a lake covered in lily pads and forested wetlands. Follow the Birch Lake State Recreational Site sign from the highway. It is a closer-in day trip from Fairbanks and North Pole.

Summer brings anglers, jet skiers and water skiers. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, king and silver salmon, grayling and arctic char, and fishing is excellent all year, with open-water fishing best from a boat.

What to expect

Layout and setting

19 campsites, one of them accessible, plus 5 walk-in campsites, on 48 acres at the lake. A swimming beach and undeveloped picnic sites. No hookups.

Check-in and stay

First come, first served. The camping limit is 15 days.

Crowds and best time

A popular day trip from Fairbanks and North Pole.

Parking and rig size

17 long parking spaces and no RV size limit. A daily parking fee applies.

Fees and reservations

$20 per site. Campsites cannot be reserved.

Bathrooms and water

Vault toilets and water are on site.

Season and access

Roughly mid May to mid September, weather dependent. Fishing is excellent all year, and winter visitors include snowmobilers and ice fishers. The boat launch has an accessible courtesy dock with no long-term docking, about 20 minutes at most.

Mingo says

Come in the open summer season for camping. Bring a boat to use the launch and its courtesy dock.

Before you go

• Bring $20 per site and expect a separate daily parking fee.
• Bring your own firewood; little can be gathered in the surrounding forest.
• Call the DNR Public Information Center at (907) 269-8400 with questions.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.