Birch Lake State Recreation Site
00 review3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99709, United States
Birch Lake State Recreation Site
$15.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campsite fees range from $15 to $35 depending on site types. Cabin reservations are priced higher, while tent sites and ice huts are lower.
About this campground
Escape to Birch Lake SRS, where lily pads dance across pristine waters and ancient forests whisper secrets through wetland groves. This hidden gem seamlessly blends adventure with accessibility, welcoming all outdoor enthusiasts to experience its natural splendor. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, carving through crystal waters on a jet ski, or drilling through winter ice for the catch of the day, Birch Lake transforms every season into an unforgettable outdoor story.
Birch Lake State Recreation Site offers diverse camping options, including tent sites, RV parking, cabins, and reservable ice huts for winter activities.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's dramatic seasonal theater at Birch Lake, where winter arrives with a crystalline flourish, transforming the landscape into a frozen wonderland perfect for ice fishing adventures. As seasons turn, the frigid air gives way to gentle summer breezes that ripple across the water, creating ideal conditions for warm-weather recreation. Each season paints the lake in new colors, from winter's stark whites to summer's vibrant greens.
ElevationElevation details are not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself surrounded by nature's masterpiece: emerald lily pads carpet the lake's surface like nature's own welcome mat, while towering trees stand sentinel over mysterious wetlands teeming with life. Wildlife enthusiasts will discover a living gallery where herons stalk through shallow waters, songbirds orchestrate dawn choruses, and diverse vegetation creates a tapestry of colors that shifts with each passing season. Every vista offers a postcard-perfect moment waiting to be captured.
Geological RegionTucked away in the Northern region's embrace, Birch Lake SRS occupies a unique ecological crossroads where tranquil waters meet thriving wetland forests. This remarkable convergence creates a diverse habitat where lily-pad-adorned lakes blend seamlessly with verdant forested wetlands, forming a natural sanctuary that showcases the region's distinctive character.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible parking, vault toilets, and an ADA-accessible boat dock are some of the accessibility features available at the site.
Sites SizeThe maximum equipment length is 35 feet for the Birch Lake Cabin and 37 feet for ice huts.
Sites PrivacySites appear to be in close proximity, with limited privacy based on the site details provided.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCabins are ideal for family stays; ice fishing huts offer unique winter experiences. Tent sites provide proximity to the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
- Reservations for cabins and ice huts are allowed
- campsites are first-come, first-served.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 guests per cabin and 4 guests per ice hut.
Groups
Group sites are not mentioned in the authoritative content.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIncludes 17 parking spaces for motorhomes, 3 for smaller vehicles, 5 tent camping sites, and additional day-use facilities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Winter access to cabins and fishing huts may require a 4WD vehicle due to unplowed roads.
Reservation PlatformsCabin and Ice Hut reservations can be made online.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Cabin and Ice Hut reservations must be made online.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Birch Lake State Recreation Site offers a host of seasonal activities. Summer months are ideal for fishing, jet-skiing, and water skiing, while winter brings opportunities for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. Wildlife viewing and birding are year-round attractions. The site is popular among fishers due to its stocked lake.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities exist around the lake and nearby forested areas, although no specific trails or details about difficulty levels are provided.Fishing
Fishing is excellent throughout the year, with stocked species such as rainbow trout, king and silver salmon, grayling, and arctic char. Summer fishing is best done from a boat, while ice fishing huts are available in the winter.Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity during the summer, especially in the no-RV zones near the lake, as noted in user reviews.Biking
Biking is supported, with mountain biking trails mentioned as a recreational activity.Boating
The campground features a developed boat launch with a courtesy dock. Boating activities include jet-skiing and canoeing during the summer.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing, including birding, is available year-round, with the lake and forested wetlands providing ideal habitats.Beach activities
Beach-related activities like sunbathing and swimming are possible, particularly at the lakefront areas.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like canoeing and paddleboarding are supported, alongside jet-skiing and water skiing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campers must supply their own firewood. No other fire guidelines provided.
Hazards
General hazardsWinter roads are unplowed, requiring 4WD vehicles. Bugs are noted near sani-cans, causing discomfort for small children.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 24
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 85%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 1.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital (60 miles from the campground), Police and Fire Stations in Fairbanks.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are available on-site, but no recycling services are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Birch Lake, which has a developed boat launch, courtesy dock with ADA access, and excellent fishing opportunities.
Common complaints"Restrooms were a bit dirty and mostly had sani-cans," and "small camp store has little to zero supplies," according to user reviews.
HostCaretaker cabin available. User reviews mention "friendly staff."
Campground Map
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99709, United States
Driving directionsThe turnoff to Birch Lake is located at Mile 305.3 Richardson Highway, approximately 60 miles southeast of Fairbanks. Follow the access road 0.3 miles to Birch Lake State Recreation Site.
The road to the lake and cabin is not plowed during winter, requiring a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. The campground is accessible via a short 0.3-mile drive from Richardson Highway.Nearby places
Fairbanks (60 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Small camp store on-site (limited supplies)
additional groceries and essentials available in Fairbanks (60 miles away).
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Birch Lake State Recreation Site has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is generally praised for its scenic beauty, family-friendly features, and range of activities. However, some concerns about restroom cleanliness and limited camp store supplies are noted.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the friendly staff, pet-friendly policies, stunning views, and the variety of recreational options, including swimming and fishing. 'The no RV zone near the lake' was particularly...
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Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of potable water ('Ensure you bring water for drinking'), issues with restroom cleanliness (noted 'SANI-CANS' and bugs), and the limited supplies available in the camp...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own drinking water and firewood. A 4-wheel drive is recommended during winter due to unplowed roads. Reserving cabins and ice huts online is also advised.
Seasonal Insights
Summer is highlighted as ideal for fishing, swimming, and boating, while winter is preferred for snow-based activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing. Reviewers noted the need for extra...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'It was absolutely great!' 2. 'Ensure you bring water for drinking as they don’t have potable water.' 3. 'The restrooms were a bit dirty and mostly had SANI-CANS which was a problem to the little...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The no-RV zones were praised for being family-friendly and ideal for activities like fishing and swimming. Specific cabins and ice huts were generally appreciated but lacked detailed user feedback on...
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Accessibility Features
Accessible features like the boat dock and parking are noted. However, no direct user feedback on accessibility experiences is available.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pet-friendly policies were well-received, with specific mentions of bringing dogs and enjoying the facilities.
Last updated August 10, 2025