Clearwater State Recreation Site
Crystal-Clear Subarctic River Campground Near Delta Junction — 17 Campsites on the Delta Clearwater River, Arctic Grayling and Salmon Fishing, Year-Round Spring-Fed Clear Water, Boat Launch for Floating and Canoeing, Wildlife Viewing for Moose and Waterfowl, Vault Toilets, Alaska State Parks, Delta Junction Interior Alaska
Clearwater State Recreation Site is a state-managed recreation site approximately 10 miles east of Delta Junction in interior Alaska, situated on the Delta Clearwater River. The site features 17 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, a boat launch for floating, canoeing, and kayaking the Delta Clearwater River, fishing for Arctic grayling, whitefish, and seasonal salmon runs, year-round spring-fed water that stays remarkably clear even during seasonal glacial runoff, wildlife viewing opportunities for moose, beaver, muskrat, and migrating waterfowl, vault toilet facilities, and a quiet interior Alaska setting far from tourist crowds.
The Delta Clearwater River is one of interior Alaska’s hidden gems — a spring-fed stream that maintains crystal-clear water year-round even when surrounding glacial rivers run opaque with silt. The springs that feed it emerge at a constant temperature, creating open water even in winter and providing critical habitat for overwintering waterfowl.
The float from the recreation site downstream to the confluence with the Tanana River is a popular half-day canoe or kayak trip through boreal forest and wetland, with excellent chances of spotting moose along the riverbanks.
Things to Do
- Fishing — Arctic grayling, whitefish, seasonal salmon
- Floating/Canoeing — spring-fed clear river
- Camping — 17 sites with fire rings
- Wildlife viewing — moose, beaver, waterfowl
- Winter access — open water year-round from springs
Site Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | ~10 mi E of Delta Junction, AK |
| River | Delta Clearwater River — spring-fed |
| Campsites | 17 — tables, fire rings |
| Boat Launch | Yes — canoe, kayak, float trips |
| Fishing | Arctic grayling, whitefish, salmon |
| Facilities | Vault toilets — no water |
| Managed By | Alaska State Parks (DPOR) |
| Coordinates | 64.0500° N, 145.5000° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in the Delta Clearwater River?
The Delta Clearwater River at the Clearwater State Recreation Site near Delta Junction, Alaska supports Arctic grayling, whitefish, and seasonal salmon runs. The river is spring-fed and remains crystal-clear year-round, even when surrounding glacial rivers are silty. The recreation site offers 17 campsites, a boat launch for floating and canoeing downstream to the Tanana River, and wildlife viewing for moose, beaver, and waterfowl. Vault toilets are available but no drinking water — bring your own supplies.
Last updated: May 2026
