The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management oversees a huge amount of federal land all across the US, including in the state of Alaska. The BLM operates camping sites, trails, boating and fishing zones, and other attractions for outdoor recreation for nominal fees. The Delta River is one of the largest rivers in Alaska, and much of its range and watershed is a BLM site with plentiful camping areas, lots of places to fish and boat, many opportunities to see exotic wildlife, hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and plenty more.
The Delta River is not just one site. It's a huge stretch of land that includes multiple places to camp and engage in other activities covering over 150,000 acres. The area is a National Conservation Land site, and it is also not far from Denali National Park, which is one of the biggest highlights of any trip to Alaska.
The Quartz Lake Loop is an easy trail that is near the Delta Junction. Delta Junction is a place where rivers meet, and there are many trails in the area, but Quartz Lake Loop is the perfect introduction point. It's a loop that's about two miles long with a bathroom and campgrounds at the start that weaves through the woods and around near the nearby lake for some great scenery. It connects to other trails as well if you want to extend the loop.
Length: 1.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Delta River area is a wonderful place to be on the water. Make sure to get an Alaska fishing license. There are many places to fish, but it does vary by season because the flow of the water changes with the snow melts. For rafting, boating, and kayaking, there are several rivers and tributaries that have everything from calm waters to rapids and falls. Make sure to plan where you are going to put out and pull in, any hazards to avoid, and how you will manage unexpected changes in water level caused by storms or melting.
You can stop almost anywhere in the Delta River watershed for wildlife, and all of the major Alaska sights are present. That includes elk, moose, bears, the Dall sheep, and plenty of smaller animals and birds. Major lakes and ponds are water sources for all animals, so they are a good spot to see animals.
With the right licenses and experience, you can do some trapping in the Delta River area. Make sure that you consult with local authorities about the regulations and rules because they vary from town to town. This is a unique alternative to hunting, and the Delta River has a lot of opportunities to engage with it.
An RV rental is a great way to explore Alaska, and the best area for RV camping in the Delta River area is the Tangle Lakes campground. It's a Bureau of Land Management campground site with plenty of room plus a launching point for boats, a trail to hike, and other attractions. Aside from that, you can set up in Fairbanks to the north for an urban base or try to find an open pull-off on the side of the road. These can be beautiful spots, but they are not maintained with hookups or other resources.
Because of the conditions and weather in Alaska, Bureau of Land Management free camping in unmarked sites or unexplored areas is not recommended unless you are extremely experienced. The temperatures, rain, wildlife, and poor logistics can result in dangerous conditions for even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiast.
The Delta River has many sights to see and different highlights. Make sure you know what you want to prioritize. For example, if you want to spend your time on the water, stay near the pull-outs. If you want to hit the trails, check to make sure that they are open. Set aside some time to see other parts of the state, too, especially Denali National Park, which is home to America's biggest mountain and some amazing hiking and camping. You can also check out the port town of Seward to the south, the quirky city of Fairbanks to the north, and Palmer, nestled in the mountains nearby on the Glenn Highway.
Keep in mind that the weather in Alaska can switch from warm and summery to life-threatening blizzards very quickly, so be prepared. Gas stations in Alaska tend to be few and far between, and sometimes, they are closed or out of gas. Always have much more food and fuel than you need, just in case.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
It is essential that you practice a "leave no trace" approach to camping on BLM land. Pack out any and all trash and waste anywhere on the site. Not only can this affect the local ecosystem, but leaving behind any trash or evidence of your stay could get you in trouble with the law and expose you to fines.
The Delta River watershed is a huge area. You can reach it from Anchorage or Palmer by taking the Glenn Highway east and then going north on the Richardson Highway. You can also get there by going south on Richardson from Fairbanks. Parts of the watershed are close to Denali National Park, which has its own hotels and facilities. If you are in Alaska and you want to find BLM camping, the Delta River is probably your nearest choice.
Ready to visit the Delta Wild and Scenic River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
