Lake Louise

The feel

Lake Louise State Recreation Area is 511 acres near Glennallen in the Copper Valley. The lake offers year-round fishing for four species: lake trout, whitefish, burbot and arctic grayling. Lake trout run from 8 to 12 pounds, and 20 pounders are not uncommon.

Trumpeter swans, loons and other waterfowl spend the summer here, and Bird Island is the only known recorded freshwater nesting site for cormorants. Moose, wolf, bear, fox, sheep and lynx live in the area, and the Nelchina caribou herd migrates through each October through November.

What to expect

What it is

A state recreation area on a lake with two campgrounds, a boat launch, 10 picnic sites and 1 picnic shelter. Activities include camping, fishing, boating, bird watching, hiking, biking, berry picking, snow machining, skiing, skating, hunting and Northern Lights viewing.

Crowds and best time

The caribou migration passes each October through November.

Parking

Parking is $7 per day, and long-term parking is $10 per night.

Fees and passes

Camping is $20 to $25 per site, and the boat launch is $15 to $20.

Bathrooms and water

Toilets and water are on site. Firewood is not provided, so bring your own.

Season and access

From Mile 158 of the Glenn Highway, take Lake Louise Road 0.4 miles to a T, then turn left for Lake Louise Campground or right for Army Point Campground. Campsites are first come, first served, with no online reservations, a 14-day camping limit and no RV size limit.

Mingo says

Fish here any season, since the lake stays open to anglers all year. Come in October or November if you want the caribou migration.

Before you go

• Call Lake Louise Lodge at 907-822-3311, which operates the campground.
• Bring your own firewood.
• Plan on first come, first served sites, since there are no online reservations.

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