Looking for some remote RV camping options in south-east Alaska? Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site may be the perfect place for you. Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site is a 160 acre park that is located near Glennallen in the Copper Valley. This is a relatively small park that will give you the opportunity to camp in nature and enjoy the world away from technology. The park is very easy to find as it is adjacent to the highway and it is bounded by Squirrel Creek on one side, Tonsina River to the east, and a small lake to the south.
Due to the location of the park near so many waterways the most popular recreational activities revolve around the creek, river and lake. You can go for a dip on a hot summers day, try your luck at catching the big one or picnic by the peaceful river.
Camping within Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site is provided via 25 large sites that have no maximum RV length imposed on them. While there are no electric, water or sewer connections available there are vault toilets and water collection points for you to use during your stay. Due to the long Alaskan winters the park is only accessible during the summer months.
The Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site is located around 35.5 miles south of Glennallen off Richardson Highway. There is only one entrance and exit to the park and this road is easily found as it is signed and located right off Richardson Highway. There aren't many towns or amenities located within close vicinity of the park besides Glennallen. The next closest town with amenities is near Nelchina, which is around 74 miles from the park. The closest city to Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site is Anchorage, which is around 216 miles to the south-west.
Like most parks in Alaska, getting to Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site can be difficult depending on the weather. During the winter time you will have no chance of accessing the park with your RV so your best bet is to plan your trip during the summer months to avoid the snow and icy roads. When the weather is good the roads in and around the park are very well kept and you should have no trouble with terrain issues or navigating them.
There is plenty of parking available at Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site.
If you are looking for some pristine off-grid RV camping than Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site has you covered. There are 25 large sites that have no maximum RV length imposed on them located within the park for you to enjoy up to 15 days in a row. The sites are lakeside and by the creek so you will have great access to the water for recreational activities. While there are no electric, water or sewer connections available the park is pet friendly and there are vault toilets and water collection points available for visitors to use during your stay.
During your stay you may be able to get cell phone service but it depends on which network you are with. Reservations are a must during the summer as the campground is popular and there are only 20 sites available. If you want more information on the camping facilities available at the park you can call ahead to the park concessionaire. Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site Campground is only open during the summer.
One of the most popular recreational activities throughout all of Alaska is to take advantage of the beautiful waterways and try catch a big one. Fishing is permitted in all of the bodies of water in and around the park, including in Squirrel Creek, Tonsina River and the small lake. If you do plan on fishing during your stay you must bring all your own fishing tackle and bait as there will be no rentals available for you to use.
Along with fishing, boating is another very popular activity within the area once all the ice melts from the previous winter. While there is no direct boat access ramp visitors are welcomed to launch there watercraft from the banks of the river or the lake and explore the water. Canoeing and kayaking are the most common boating activities due to the lack of boat ramp for larger watercraft. If you do want to go boating during your stay make sure that you bring your own as no rentals will be available for you to use.
The views in and around Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site are simply majestic and one of the best ways to take them all in is to sit down, relax and enjoy a picnic. While there is no official picnic area within Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site there are multiple picnic tables scattered throughout the park. We recommending finding one that is on the banks of the lake so you can take in the views of the glorious mountains. Remember to bring all your own food as none will be available for purchase.
Unfortunately there are no public transport options that will take you to Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site.
Love to go birding? If so, Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site will give you numerous hours of entertainment with all the birding that is on offer for you during your visit. The bodies of water located throughout the park are the perfect homes for migrating water birds, including the northern shoveler, harlequin duck, red-necked Grebe and the emperor goose. Since the summer weather is known to be so nice we recommend bringing binoculars as you will have a very nice view to the mountains when the sky is clear.
While there are no specifically named hiking trails that you will find within Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site there are plenty of small trails that you can adventure on and explore. If you do decide to go for a hike be aware that moose are regularly reported to be found near the recreation site. Take precautions and remember to back up and run if a moose is coming for you, or if it knocks you down curl up into a ball.
Along with all the beautiful birds and fish there is also some other great wildlife that you will see during your stay at the park. If you are lucky you may be able to spot bison, bears, frogs, turtles and a whole range of other animals. If you are looking to view wildlife remember to keep your distance, don't startle the animals and use caution at all times. For more information on the animals found in the area call the park office.
