Birch Lake State Recreation Site
Interior Alaska Lake Recreation Site on the Richardson Highway — First-Come First-Served Campground at Milepost 305.5 Between Fairbanks and Delta Junction, Fishing for Stocked Rainbow Trout King and Silver Salmon Grayling and Arctic Char, Swimming and Boating on a Clear Interior Alaska Lake, Public-Use Cabin and Winter Ice Fishing Huts Available for Rent, Boat Launch With Accessible Courtesy Dock, Vault Toilets and Hand-Pump Drinking Water, Year-Round Access for Summer Camping and Winter Ice Fishing, Near North Pole and Delta Junction Fairbanks North Star Borough Interior Alaska
Birch Lake State Recreation Site is a state recreation site at Milepost 305.5 on the Richardson Highway in Interior Alaska, approximately 57 miles southeast of Fairbanks, managed by Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. The site features a first-come first-served campground with approximately 17 long parking spaces for RVs and several walk-in tent sites, fishing for stocked rainbow trout, king salmon, silver salmon, grayling, and arctic char, swimming and boating on the clear warm-water lake — one of the warmest swimmable lakes in Interior Alaska, a boat launch with an accessible courtesy dock, a public-use cabin available for rent year-round, winter ice fishing huts available for reservation through Alaska State Parks, vault toilets and hand-pump drinking water, fire pits and picnic tables at each site, and year-round access for summer camping, water sports, and winter ice fishing and snowmachining.
Birch Lake is one of Interior Alaska’s warmest lakes — the shallow, sun-heated water actually reaches swimmable temperatures in summer, making it a rare commodity in a state where most lakes are frigid even in July. Jet skiing, water skiing, and swimming are all possible here.
The winter transformation is equally impressive — when the lake freezes solid, Alaska State Parks sets up rentable ice fishing huts on the ice, creating a cozy Arctic fishing experience complete with heated shelters over drilled holes.
Things to Do
- Camping — FCFS, RV + tent
- Fishing — rainbow trout, salmon, grayling
- Swimming — warm Interior lake
- Boating — ramp, dock
- Ice fishing — rentable winter huts
- Cabin — public-use, year-round
Site Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | MP 305.5 Richardson Hwy, Interior AK |
| Distance | ~57 mi SE of Fairbanks |
| Camping | FCFS — ~17 RV + tent sites |
| Fishing | Rainbow trout, salmon, grayling, char |
| Winter | Ice fishing huts for rent |
| Managed By | AK Div. Parks & Outdoor Rec |
| Coordinates | 64.3167° N, 146.0833° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Birch Lake Alaska?
Yes — Birch Lake is one of Interior Alaska’s warmest lakes, with water reaching swimmable temperatures in summer. Located at Milepost 305.5 on the Richardson Highway, about 57 miles from Fairbanks, the state recreation site offers first-come first-served camping, fishing for stocked rainbow trout and salmon, a boat launch with courtesy dock, and a public-use cabin. In winter, rentable ice fishing huts are available on the frozen lake.
Last updated: May 2026
