The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
BLM sites refer to undeveloped public lands that provide an array of camping options to nature enthusiasts seeking solitude. Offering diverse camping and RVing sites, BLM sites can also be fully developed parks where you can get excellent dry camping and boondocking experiences. If you're looking for a free or budget-friendly spot to legally park your RV, search for "BLM camping near me."
Found on the shores of Salmon Lake in Nome, Salmon Lake Campground is a remote and secluded camping site that offers visitors a chance to explore the Arctic wilderness. With the stunning Kigluiak Mountains in the background, this campground is among Alaska's most serene and beautiful spots. Salmon Lake campground boasts a sandy beach for walking and swimming, plenty of wildlife, and more.
While there are no hiking trails around Salmon Lake Campground, the Salmon Lake/ Redoubt Lake trail is the nearest one. This is a steep trail that starts in the Salmon Lake estuary near Salmon Lake Stream, so the beginning may be submerged if the water is high. The terrain can also be muddy and slippery. This trail does fork a few times into unmapped trails, so be sure to keep going southwest.
Length: 5.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
With fishing being a popular recreational activity in the area, Salmon Lake Campground offers a world-class fishing experience. Here you can catch salmon, round whitefish, burbot, and Arctic grayling. Besides fishing, boating is also a common outdoor activity in the area. Although rentals are available, you'll have to make reservations in advance. Since there's a boat launch at the campground, you can quickly get your motorized boat or paddle boat on the water.
The Salmon Lake Campground region features plenty of local wildlife native to the area. If you're a bird watcher, you'll enjoy seeing a red-throated loon, red-necked grebe, long-tailed duck, or even spot the eye-catching bluethroat. Grizzly bears and red foxes usually feed on the salmon in the water. If you're looking forward to spotting a grizzly, twilight and early mornings are the most appropriate times to venture out.
Although there are no areas designated for picnicking, you can find several stunning picnic spots amid the wind-whipped tundra and the sandy beach. The campground has fire rings, picnic tables, trash bins, and barbeque pits at each site for your convenience.
You can hunt for deer around Salmon Lake Campground. Ensure you check the regulations and acquire the required permits before hunting around the area.
Although Salmon Lake Campground is an ideal destination for BLM RV camping because it's accessible by road, there are no hook-up options. However, there are other private RV camping sites you can check out near Salmon Lake Campground, like Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. This area offers backcountry camping options with no facilities.
You'll enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping at Salmon Lake Campground. Providing primitive camping in a nine-acre complex, Salmon Lake Campground features six campsites. The campground remains open throughout summer and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The site has basic amenities, including one vault toilet, but it has no shower facilities. Nevertheless, the single-door outhouse is well-maintained and has two trash receptacles. There's no running water at the campground, but you'll find a public-use fountain that draws clear water from a nearby stream before the turning for this site at mile 46.
When planning to visit Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in Alaska, it's crucial to prepare adequately. Since Salmon Lake Campground is a secluded and remote campsite, ensure that you carry your wilderness survival gear, including a knife, fire starter, and stove. Plus, ensure that you stock all the supplies you'll need.
Remember that you should not approach wildlife and be aware of the measures concerning bear safety. In addition, with the bears regularly searching for food in the area, it's best to use the campsite's bear-safe lockers to store your food supplies.
When hiking in the area, ensure you bring a map because there are almost no developed trails, and cell reception isn't great in this area. If you plan to visit the area during the cold winter months, the roads might be closed because of poor driving conditions. Therefore, before leaving, check the weather report and plan accordingly. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Whether you choose to stay at Salmon Lake Campground or search for another Bureau of Land Management camping site, it's crucial to observe Leave No Trace policies to ensure the next generations enjoy a positive camping experience. Always camp on durable and established campsites to reduce damage to flora and fauna and leave things untouched. Dispose of any waste responsibly.
Salmon Lake Campground is located around 40 miles north of Nome, and you can access it by a one-mile gravel road off the Nome-Kougarok Road. To get to the campground, take the Nome-Kougarok Highway and drive for approximately 38 miles. Then take a right turn at milepost 38 towards Salmon Lake.
Ready to visit Salmon Lake Campground? 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 for the night, 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.
