Copper River Valley’s Wrangell Mountain Basecamp — Richardson Highway Mile 79.5, 25 Wooded Sites, Creek Fishing, Gateway to Wrangell-St. Elias
Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site is a state recreation site at Mile 79.5 of the Richardson Highway, Copper River Valley, Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska. The site features 25 wooded campsites in the Copper River Valley, creek fishing for grayling and Dolly Varden, Wrangell Mountain views, and a strategic position as a basecamp for exploring the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park region.
Squirrel Creek is a quiet, wooded campground in the heart of the Copper River Valley — one of Alaska’s most spectacular yet least-visited regions. The 25 campsites are nestled among spruce and birch trees along Squirrel Creek, which offers grayling and Dolly Varden fishing right from camp.
The site’s real magic is its location — on the Richardson Highway between Glennallen and Valdez, with Wrangell Mountain panoramas dominating the eastern horizon. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park — America’s largest national park (13.2 million acres) — is accessible via the Chitina-McCarthy Road to the southeast. The Tonsina River and Copper River offer additional fishing within a short drive.
Things to Do
- Creek fishing — Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden
- Camping — 25 wooded sites, tents + RVs
- Wrangell Mountain views
- Wildlife viewing — moose, bears, eagles
- Gateway to Wrangell-St. Elias NP — America’s largest national park
- Copper River fishing — short drive
- Richardson Highway scenic drive
Nearby Destinations
| Destination | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Wrangell-St. Elias NP | ~60 mi via Chitina | 13.2 million acres — largest US NP |
| Valdez | ~45 mi south | Glacier viewing, fishing charters |
| Glennallen | ~35 mi north | Services, fuel, Trans-Alaska Pipeline viewpoint |
| Copper River | Nearby | World-famous salmon fishing |
| Tonsina River | Nearby | Fishing access |
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mile 79.5, Richardson Hwy, Copper River Valley, AK |
| Sites | 25 wooded campsites — tents + RVs |
| Fishing | Squirrel Creek — grayling, Dolly Varden |
| Facilities | Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings |
| Views | Wrangell Mountains — eastern horizon |
| Managed By | Alaska State Parks (DNR) |
| Coordinates | 61.7580° N, 145.2500° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I camp near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site at Mile 79.5 of the Richardson Highway is an excellent basecamp for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. 25 wooded campsites in the Copper River Valley with Wrangell Mountain views. Fish for grayling and Dolly Varden in Squirrel Creek right from camp. Wrangell-St. Elias (13.2 million acres, America’s largest national park) is accessible via Chitina-McCarthy Road. Valdez is ~45 miles south.
Can you fish at Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site?
Yes — Squirrel Creek runs through the campground and offers fishing for Arctic grayling and Dolly Varden directly from camp. The nearby Copper River (world-famous for salmon) and Tonsina River provide additional fishing opportunities within a short drive. Located at Mile 79.5 of the Richardson Highway in the Copper River Valley.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Old Sitka State Historical Park (a short drive away) and Baranof Castle Hill State Historic Site (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alaska state parks online at alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
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