Paxson Lake Campground | Alaska
Overview
Paxson Lake Campground
MP 175 Richardson Hwy
Large boat launch and parking area for 70 vehicles, toilet, boater registration stand and information panels.
RV Dump station – $10 fee for non-campers.
50 campsites
First Loop: 20 camp sites, universally accessible toilets, one hand pump well, rules/map panels and bulletin boards, and boardwalk to lake.
Second Loop: 20 camp sites, 10 walk in sites, toilets (1 universally accessible), rules/map panels and bulletin boards. Trail and bridge across the creek between the two loops.
Fee Station: Per night = $20 all sites; Federal Senior Pass half price.
Recreation
Facilities
This recreation site provides 50 campsites (which includes a host site, two accessible campsites and ten walk-in camping sites), picnic tables and fire rings. Other amenities within the facility include six double vaulted toilets (three accessible), numerous bear-proof trash receptacles and food lockers, parking for vehicles and trailers, a paved boat launch, potable water, a sanitary dump station, accessible trails, picnic area, boater information cabin, and interpretive panels dispersed throughout the site.
Natural Features
Paxson Lake Campground is located at MP 175 of the Richardson Highway near the shore of Paxson Lake. The campground has 50 camp sites, including 2 accessible sites and 10 walk-in sites. All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and have access to water, picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. Fees: $15/night for regular, $6/night for walk-in site. The campground's boat launch is the starting point for those floating the main branch of the Gulkana Wild and Scenic River. Located in the 1st loop of Paxson Campground is a foot trail shore access to the lake and boat mooring area.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 822-3217.Nearby Attractions
Denali Highway Info Gulkana Wild and Scenic River Denali Highway
Photos
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
General parking for this site is in the large compacted-gravel lot near the boat launch. There are also 4 parking spots near the walk-in campsites, which are close to the lake. Although none of the parking is designated as accessible, it should be suitable for people with mobility devices.
An iron ranger fee-payment box and Scan & Pay station sit on concrete near the entrance to the Campground, at a height appropriate for wheelchair users. Some cell phone reception is available at this site.
There is 1 accessible double vault toilet in each of the 2 camping loops, as well as 3 other double vault toilets not designated as accessible. Campers can access potable water using a hand pump with a long lever, though the pump may be challenging to use from a sitting position.
The Campground’s 50 sites are on loops of compacted gravel. None of the 10 walk-in sites were designed with accessibility in mind. Of the other 40 sites, several have pull-through parking. All the sites have picnic tables and fire rings with grill attachments, and some campsites have tables and grills that meet accessibility requirements. In addition, 2 campsites, 1 in each loop, have raised tent pads.
The concrete ramp for the boat launch is wide with a gentle grade. There is 1 bench with arms near the ramp. Although the boat launch is not designated as an accessible fishing pier, visitors in wheelchairs can fish from the launch area, which can be accessed using a packed-gravel path from the parking lot.
Descriptions and photos uploaded December 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
Contact Us
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Fees
- All sites are on a first come first serve basis. Fee's Per night = $20 for overnight use.
- The Paxson Lake Campground opening and closing dates are weather dependent and may vary from season to season. May 30th Mermorial Day through the first week in September (Labor Day) is typically when the site is accessible and open to the public.
The campground has accessible sites, toilet facilities, interpretive panels, an accessible boat launch, and trails.