Big Lake South State Recreation Site

🏆🏆🏆🏆 Alaska Wilderness — Big Lake south shore — boat launch and camping on Big Lake, the recreational heart of the Mat-Su Valley with 300+ days of ice-free boating.

Visitor Information

About Big Lake South

Big Lake South State Recreation Site provides boat launch access to the south shore of Big Lake — one of the Mat-Su Valley’s premier recreation lakes. The site offers day-use facilities and serves as a primary access point for fishing, boating, and watercraft recreation on the lake.

Things to Do

Boat launching, fishing for rainbow trout and landlocked salmon, waterskiing, jet skiing, picnicking, and accessing the lake for summer recreation. Winter brings ice fishing and snowmobile access.

About Big Lake South

Big Lake South State Recreation Site on the southern shore of Big Lake provides camping and boat launch access to the lake’s warmer, more sheltered waters. The Mat-Su Valley is Alaska’s fastest-growing region — former farmland (this was a 1930s agricultural colony) now supports a suburban population serving Anchorage. Despite growth, the area retains Alaska’s wild character: moose regularly wander through campgrounds.

Things to Do

Camping (27 sites), fishing, boating, swimming (the south shore warms faster), wildlife watching for moose, and using as a base for Mat-Su Valley exploration.

Plan Your Visit

Big Lake South is 60 miles north of Anchorage via the Parks Highway — making it one of the most accessible recreation sites near Alaska’s largest city. Big Lake itself is a major float plane base and fishing destination. Rainbow trout, arctic char, and landlocked salmon are caught year-round. Ice fishing in winter attracts thousands. The Mat-Su Valley (surrounding area) is Alaska’s fastest-growing region. Fire danger is high in summer; check conditions.

Insider Tips

South shore advantage: The south shore tends to be less crowded than the north side. Pro tip: The Mat-Su Valley surrounding Big Lake is Alaska’s fastest-growing region — services and restaurants are expanding rapidly. Fire awareness: The area has experienced major wildfires — check fire conditions before visiting in summer.

Best Time to Visit

June-July: Peak fishing and longest daylight (20+ hours). August: Silver salmon runs begin. Winter: Ice fishing and aurora viewing — Big Lake’s dark skies produce excellent Northern Lights displays. September: Fall colors and moose rutting season (keep distance!).

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can I catch in Big Lake?

Rainbow trout, Arctic char, landlocked silver salmon, and Dolly Varden. The lake is stocked annually. Ice fishing in winter produces excellent catches of rainbow trout and burbot.

Are there bears?

Yes — black bears and occasionally brown bears frequent the area. Store food in bear-proof containers, never leave food unattended, and make noise on trails.