The best camping near Moon Lake State Recreation Site

Western Alaska is a giant playground with moose, caribou herds, bears, salmon runs, and remote rivers and lakes to explore. The woods are thick, and the area around Moon Lake is among the few road-accessible places in this region—getting here is not easy, as this section of the Alaska Highway is adjacent to Tok and close to the Canada border. Moon Lake is one of the few places around with developed campsites, facilities, and RV sites without size limitations. It's an excellent destination for locals and travelers driving the Alaska Highway and looking for an overnight stop along the way.

• Best for RVs: Moon Lake State Recreation Site has 15 campsites with room for tents.
• Best for border crossings: Tok River State Campground offers 27 tent and RV campsites near the Canada border.
• Best for hiking: Eagle Trail State Recreation Site camping is south of Tok with access to trails.

1. Moon Lake Camping is limited to 15 campsites. Although this area is quiet, arriving early or choosing weekdays is a good strategy to ensure the campground has availability.
2. Campsites are first-come, first-served, and frequented by both locals and visitors passing through.
3. Several state recreation sites are available in the area. If Moon Lake is full, look to nearby campgrounds with similar facilities and access.
4. Private campgrounds and RV parks are prolific in Tok, as they serve border-crossing visitors. Make reservations in advance or at least call ahead to ensure you have a site waiting.

July and August are the busiest times at Moon Lake, as the days are long and temperatures are optimal for water skiing, paddling, and water play. During fall, hunters use Moon Lake as a basecamp while chasing game. Float planes also land and take off here while transporting hunters and anglers to more remote areas. The fall colors, cooler weather, and starry nights makes this a nice time to visit—so long as the weather holds up. Winter and late spring are also surprisingly happening for dog sledding and mushing culture—if you enjoy the quiet, winter landscape, the region is renowned for events like the Race of Champions. At more than 300 miles from Anchorage, don't expect any big crowds unless you arrive for a big event like a sled dog race.

• Float planes occasionally land on Moon Lake, so if you are boating and see a plane circling, give them space for a landing.
• The Moon Lake campground has ADA accessible toilets and water available.
• A boat launch is available, primarily for small to midsized watercraft. 
• Tok is the closest town for services, groceries, and supplies, about 20 minutes’ drive away.