Paxson Lake BLM Campground — Richardson Highway Gateway
Paxson Lake Campground sits right off the Richardson Highway just south of the Denali Highway junction — it’s the natural staging camp for anyone starting the Denali Highway run from the east. The BLM manages the site and it shows: this is a proper campground with toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and direct access to Paxson Lake. The lake is a known fishing hole for lake trout and grayling. Sites are spread through spruce forest with views down to the water. It gets use from highway travelers but rarely feels slammed.
From here you’re about a mile to the Denali Highway junction at Paxson. Stock up on fuel and water before leaving — the next reliable services are nearly 130 miles of gravel away. The campground is accessible to any vehicle. Season runs roughly May through September, though the Richardson is open year-round and early/late shoulder season use is possible.
BLM lakeside staging at the east trailhead.
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Richardson Highway, Paxson, Alaska Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 2690 ft |
| Nearest town | Paxson, Alaska |
| Miles from pavement | 0.5 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 40 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $10.00 / night |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | May-September |
| Land manager | BLM |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |