The Birch Lake State Recreational Site is nicely located between a beautiful, lilypad covered lake and picturesque natural wetlands. This beautiful, natural site is located just 35 miles south of Eielson Air Force Base off of Richardson Hwy. This is an excellent, isolated setting to spend some time camping and exploring the area. Many amenities are available to park visitors. Both tent camping and RV camping are available at the site. 17, RV length parking spaces are available along with 3 shorter parking spaces for smaller vehicles. 5 tent camping sites are available as well. Firepits, benches and picnic tables are scattered throughout the area for day usage. Visitors are asked to bring their own firewood, as not much is available to gather in the surrounding woods.
For those seeking a longer stay, a cabin is available for up to 15 days. The cabin is a rustic setting and offers a wood stove and sleeps up to 6. As with the rest of the park’s accommodations, visitors are asked to supply their own firewood. A reservation is required. For more information about the cabin, view their site here,Birch Lake State Recreational Area Cabin.
Birch Lake State Recreational Site also offers popular lake activities. A boat ramp and dock are available. Be aware, however that long term docking is not allowed. Public facilities on site also include drinking water, walking trails, and bathrooms. Because the lake is so popular for skiers, jetskies, and high-powered fishing boats, this may not be the best location to travel for someone interested in kayaking, as a busy day on the lake will mean some choppy waters, especially for someone in a hand-powered craft.
Water skiing, boating, jet-skiing, and fishing fills the lake activities in the warm months. The park tends to attract snow machines and ice fisherman in the winter. Rainbow trout, salmon, and arctic char are just some of this fish to be found in the lake. Great fishing is to be had year-round and is probably the most popular activity in the winter months.
Ice fishing huts are available for rent during the winter. Constructed by the Department of Fish and Game, the huts contain no sleeping quarters and are intended only for use to fish from. The fishing huts do contain a wood-burning stove and four pre-drilled fishing holes, any additional equipment and supplies must be supplied by the park visitor including: firewood, fishing rods, ice augers, and tackle. Ice huts are available for a midnight check-in and available for a twenty-four hour period. For the visitor seeking more exciting winter activities, the recreation site offers snow machine trails to explore.
For more information about the site, or to make a reservation:
Phone Number: Reservations (907)-377-1317/Information (907)-377-1232
Mailing Address: 354 SVS/SVRO, 3112 Broadway Street, U-6, Eielson AFB, AK 99702-187