Finger Lake

The feel

Finger Lake sits 0.7 mile west of the Trunk Road and Bogard Road intersection, on a 69-acre state recreation site between Palmer and Wasilla. A gravel road runs 0.2 mile to the lake and campground, which has picnic tables, toilets and a developed boat launch. The water holds rainbow trout, Arctic char, Arctic grayling and landlocked salmon, and it is open for ice fishing in winter.

Most of the lake shoreline is privately owned, so public access is limited to the recreation site. Boaters and sport fishermen share the water, with a no-wake zone within 100 feet of the shoreline.

What to expect

Water and access

A gravel road runs 0.2 mile from Bogard Road to the lake, campground and developed boat launch. Public access is limited to Finger Lake State Recreation Site, and the rest of the shoreline is private property.

Species and timing

Rainbow trout, Arctic char, Arctic grayling and landlocked salmon, with winter ice fishing access.

License and rules

Boat motors must have mufflers, cowlings and exhaust systems. No motors may be operated from 11:00pm to 8:00am, and a no-wake zone covers the area within 100 feet of the shoreline.

Parking

A daily parking fee applies.

Bathrooms and water

Toilets, including accessible toilets, and water are on site.

Season and access

Open all year round.

Mingo says

Fish it in any month, and come in winter if you want ice fishing. Plan a camping stay between mid-May and mid-September, when the campsites are typically open.

Before you go

• Bring your own firewood; none is provided.
• Reserve a campsite online (park ID 21) between June 1 and August 31, depending on camp host and staff availability. Several sites are first-come, first-served.
• Expect fees for camping, boat launching and daily parking. Call (907) 745-8950 with questions.
• RV limit is 35 ft on the RV camp loop and 20 ft on the tent camp loop, with a 7 day camping limit.

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