Harding Lake State Recreation Area
Interior Alaska’s Largest Campground Near Fairbanks — 169 Campsites on 1,600-Acre Harding Lake, Electric Hookup and Tent Sites, Swimming Beach, Fishing for Lake Trout Burbot and Arctic Grayling, Boat Launch, Cross-Country Skiing and Ice Fishing in Winter, 50 Miles South of Fairbanks Off Richardson Highway, Interior Alaska
Harding Lake State Recreation Area is a state recreation area on 1,600-acre Harding Lake, about 50 miles south of Fairbanks off the Richardson Highway in interior Alaska, managed by Alaska State Parks (DPOR). The area features 169 campsites — Interior Alaska’s largest public campground — including electric hookup sites and non-electric tent sites, a sandy swimming beach (one of few in Alaska’s interior), fishing for lake trout, burbot, and Arctic grayling, a boat launch for motorized and non-motorized watercraft, a day-use picnic area, a reservable public-use shelter, cross-country ski trails in winter, ice fishing on the frozen lake, and midnight sun views during June and July.
Harding Lake is one of Interior Alaska’s only sandy beach swimming destinations — a rarity in a region dominated by glacial rivers and cold lakes. On summer days the shallow end of the lake warms surprisingly well, making it genuinely swimmable.
With 169 sites, it’s the largest campground in Interior Alaska — yet during the midnight sun season (June–July) it fills up fast. The lake trout fishing is excellent, and burbot (a freshwater cod) adds an unusual species to the catch.
Things to Do
- Camping — 169 sites (electric + tent)
- Swimming — sandy beach, warm shallows
- Fishing — lake trout, burbot, Arctic grayling
- Boating — boat launch
- Winter — ice fishing, XC skiing
- Midnight sun — June/July viewing
Site Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | ~50 mi S of Fairbanks, Richardson Hwy, AK |
| Lake | Harding Lake — 1,600 acres |
| Campsites | 169 — electric + tent (largest in Interior AK) |
| Swimming | Sandy beach — warm shallows |
| Fishing | Lake trout, burbot, Arctic grayling |
| Winter | Ice fishing, XC skiing |
| Managed By | Alaska State Parks (DPOR) |
| Coordinates | 64.4167° N, 146.8500° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Harding Lake SRA — on Harding Lake — one of Interior Alaska’s most popular lakes. The area’s boreal forest, lake, and wetlands support moose, loons, and bald eagles. Northern Lights are spectacular in autumn and winter.
Nearby Attractions
Salcha — nearby. Fairbanks — 45 miles north. Richardson Highway — at the park.
Can you swim at Harding Lake Alaska?
Yes — Harding Lake State Recreation Area has one of Interior Alaska’s only sandy swimming beaches, with warm shallow waters during summer months. The 1,600-acre lake about 50 miles south of Fairbanks also offers Interior Alaska’s largest campground (169 sites with electric and tent options), fishing for lake trout, burbot, and Arctic grayling, a boat launch, and cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter. Midnight sun views in June and July. Managed by Alaska State Parks.
Last updated: May 2026
