Tangle Lakes Campground | Alaska
Overview
Tangle Lakes Campground, located at MP 21.5 of the north side of the Denali Highway, is situated within the Delta Wild and Scenic River corridor and the Tangle Lakes Archaeological District boundary where over 10,000 years of human use have been documented. The campground provides 45 accessible campsites and 4 walk-in sites and is equipped with water pumps, toilets and a boat launch.
The campground rests amid a series of long, narrow lakes known as the Tangle Lakes that are connected by the Tangle River and form the headwaters of the Delta River. The boat launch provides access to the lakes and is also the designated put-in for the popular 30-mile Delta Wild & Scenic River float trip.
The Tangle Ridge Hiking Trail (for non-motorized use only) extends out of the campground and provides a 360 degree view of the stunning landscape.
Recreation
https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/alaska
Facilities
This recreation site provides 45 campsites (which includes a host site, 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, accessible trails, picnic area, and interpretive panels dispersed throughout the site.
Lower Tangle Lakes and Upper Delta River trip: Put-in is at Tangle Lakes Campground (MP 21 Denali Highway) and take out is north of Phelan Creek (MP 212 Righardson Highway). If continuing on to Lower Delta River past MP 212 of the Richardson highway there is no designated take-out point but the Richardson Highway parallels the river in many places.
Natural Features
This BLM-maintained campground sits amid the Tangle Lakes, a series of long, narrow lakes. This is a designated put-in for the 30-mile-long Delta National Wild and Scenic River float trip. There are moose and caribou in the area, many hunters use this as a base camp during the fall hunting season.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (907) 822-3217.Nearby Attractions
The campground rests amid a series of long, narrow lakes known as the Tangle Lakes that are connected by the Tangle River and form the headwaters of the Delta River. The boat launch provides access to the lakes and is also the designated put-in for the popular 30-mile Delta Wild & Scenic River float trip.
The Tangle Ridge Hiking Trail (for non-motorized use only) extends out of the campground and provides a 360 degree view of the stunning landscape.https://www.blm.gov/visit/denali-highway
https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2021-08/PublicRoom_Alaska_Denali-Hwy-Brochure.pdf
Photos
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
A compacted-gravel parking lot with room for about a dozen vehicles is located near the boat launch in the northern part of the site. There is also a smaller lot, due west from the boat-launch parking, with room for several vehicles. Although none of the spaces are designated as accessible, both parking areas should be suitable for people with mobility devices.
The iron ranger fee-payment box and Scan & Pay station sit on packed gravel near the entrance. Cell phone reception is poor at this site.
The site has 4 accessible double vault toilets, 1 near the boat launch, 1 in each of the 2 camping loops, and 1 by the host site near the middle of the Campground. Drinking water can be obtained from 2 hand pumps, 1 in the center of the site and 1 on the southern edge of the east loop. The pumps were not designed with accessibility in mind.
The camping loops are flat, compacted gravel, with many pull-through campsites in both loops. The 4 walk-in sites, located in the northwestern part of the Campground, are 25-30 yards from the smaller parking area and reached via wide, compacted-gravel paths. They have raised tent pads, also of compacted gravel. All campsites have accessible picnic tables that can accommodate wheelchair users and standard, single-walled fire rings with grill attachments.
To the north of the walk-in sites are 2 larger group campsites, with accessible tables and pedestal grills sitting on compacted gravel. In addition, there is a shared picnic area near the parking lot for the boat launch, from which mobility device users can fish. This area has several accessible picnic tables and grills.
East of this parking area is a scenic overlook affording views of Round Tangle Lake. It can be reached via an accessible hiking trail.
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
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Fees
FEE DESCRIPTION:
- $20 per site
- All sites are on a first come first serve basis.
- The Tangle Lakes Campground opening and closing dates are weather dependent and may vary from season to season. May 30th Memorial Day through the first week in September (Labor Day) is typically when the site is accessible and open to the public.
- No fee for Delta Wild and Scenic River use.