Nancy Lake State Recreation Site
Alaska’s Canoe Country Campground — 30 Lakeside Sites, 14 Public-Use Cabins, Lynx Lake Loop Canoe Trail, Rainbow Trout & Pike Fishing Near Willow
Nancy Lake State Recreation Site is a 30-site lakeside campground on Nancy Lake, near Willow, Alaska, at Mile 67.3 of the Parks Highway. The site is part of the larger Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, which features 14 public-use cabins, the 8-mile Lynx Lake Loop canoe trail, fishing for rainbow trout, lake trout, Dolly Varden, and northern pike, canoe rentals, boat ramps, accessible fishing docks, and multi-season recreation in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
Nancy Lake SRS is the gateway to Alaska’s premier canoe country — a lake-studded wilderness 90 minutes north of Anchorage. The site offers 30 campsites on the northeast shore of Nancy Lake with tent and RV access. The broader Nancy Lake State Recreation Area surrounding the site is a paddler’s paradise: the 8-mile Lynx Lake Loop canoe trail links multiple lakes via portages, while 14 public-use cabins provide backcountry shelter. Rainbow trout, lake trout, Dolly Varden, whitefish, and northern pike inhabit the area’s lakes. Canoe rentals are available at the South Rolly Lake Campground (98 sites, 6.5 mi from Parks Hwy). Red Shirt Lake offers backcountry camping accessible via a 3-mile hike. Facilities include boat ramps, fishing docks, picnic shelters, drinking water, and cell service. A parking fee applies.
Things to Do
Canoeing & Kayaking
- Lynx Lake Loop: 8-mile canoe trail with portages
- Canoe rentals at South Rolly Lake
- Motorized boating on Nancy, Lynx, Butterfly, Red Shirt Lakes
- Electric trolling on South Rolly Lake
Fishing
- Rainbow trout
- Lake trout
- Dolly Varden
- Northern pike (Red Shirt, Lynx, Tanaina Lakes)
- Whitefish
- Alaska fishing license required
Camping
- Nancy Lake SRS: 30 campsites
- South Rolly Lake: 98 campsites
- Red Shirt Lake: Backcountry camping (3-mi hike)
- 14 public-use cabins (reservable)
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Parks Highway Mile 67.3, near Willow, AK (Mat-Su Borough) |
| Campsites | 30 (Nancy Lake) + 98 (South Rolly) = 128 total |
| Cabins | 14 public-use lakeside cabins (reservable) |
| Canoe Trail | Lynx Lake Loop — 8 miles with portages |
| Fishing | Rainbow trout, lake trout, Dolly Varden, pike, whitefish |
| Boat Ramps | Available — accessible docks and ramps |
| Rentals | Canoe rentals at South Rolly Lake |
| Facilities | Drinking water, picnic shelters, fire rings, cell service |
| Accessibility | Accessible boat docks, ramps, campsites, fishing docks, toilets |
| Fees | Parking fee required |
| ATVs | Prohibited |
| Coordinates | 61.7038° N, 150.0030° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Midnight sun; peak fishing; Lynx Lake Loop paddling; cabin stays; wildflowers; moose | Mosquitoes heavy; reserve cabins early; parking fee; popular weekends |
| Fall (Sep) | Northern lights; fall colors; late fishing; reduced bugs; quiet lakes; berry season | Cold nights; some facilities may close; shorter days |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Ice fishing; cross-country skiing; snowshoeing; aurora viewing; cabin stays | Extreme cold; limited access; cabin reservations essential; short daylight |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Ice-out; migrating birds; bears; cabin stays; emerging green | Lakes may still be frozen early spring; muddy trails |
Visitor Tips
- Lynx Lake Loop: The 8-mile canoe trail with portages between lakes is the signature experience — plan a full day or overnight with a cabin reservation.
- Public-use cabins: 14 lakeside cabins are available by reservation — extremely popular in summer, book well in advance.
- Canoe rentals: Rent canoes at the South Rolly Lake Campground entrance station.
- Red Shirt Lake: For solitude, hike the 3-mile Red Shirt Lake Trail to a backcountry campsite with northern pike fishing.
- Accessible: Many facilities are ADA accessible — boat docks, ramps, fishing docks, campsites, and toilets.
- ATVs: ATVs are prohibited within the recreation site.
- Willow: The nearby community of Willow (2 mi north) provides traveler services, gas, and supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you rent a cabin at Nancy Lake in Alaska?
Yes — Nancy Lake State Recreation Area near Willow, Alaska, offers 14 public-use lakeside cabins available for reservation. The cabins are located throughout the recreation area and are accessible by canoe, hike, or road depending on the specific cabin. The area also features the 8-mile Lynx Lake Loop canoe trail, 30 campsites at Nancy Lake and 98 at South Rolly Lake, fishing for rainbow trout, lake trout, Dolly Varden, and northern pike, and canoe rentals. A parking fee is required. The area is approximately 90 minutes north of Anchorage at Mile 67.3 of the Parks Highway.
Last updated: May 2026
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