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BLM Camping

Sourdough Creek Campground

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Sourdough Creek Campground

BLM camping sites are underdeveloped public lands that provide recreation enthusiasts with open spaces where they can camp and enjoy the great outdoors. They offer several camping options, ranging from throwing a sleeping bag on the ground in an underdeveloped site to staying in an RV at a developed campsite. No matter the kind of experience you want when you search for "BLM camping near me," you can get it on BLM-managed sites.

If you're searching for a memorable destination near the shores of the Gulkana River, search no further than Sourdough Creek Campground. This campground sits between the Richardson Highway and Gulkana River with the Sourdough Creek running through the campgrounds. Sourdough Creek Campground is heavily forested with spruce trees, and the region boasts many rivers and lakes and plenty of wildlife. The campground provides some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state and is an ideal place to go hiking, fishing, boating, and floating. Sourdough Creek Campground is a fee site reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Gulkana Glacier Trail

This out-and-back trail has a lot to offer, including day-hiking options, mountaineering or backpacking possibilities, and a stunning view of the glacier on the drive between Fairbanks and Valdez.

Length: 6 miles

Intensity: Easy to moderate

Fishing and Boating

Sourdough Creek Campground has two watercourses — the Gulkana River and Sourdough Creek — which run on the west and east sides of the campground, respectively. These watercourses provide outstanding sports fishing opportunities. The creek and river are ice-free between June and September. Species commonly found here include steelhead trout, rainbow trout, king salmon, Arctic grayling, whitefish, red salmon, and longnose suckers. Fishing for king salmon is usually popular from June to July when these fish run in the river. However, ensure you have a valid fishing license when fishing in Alaska rivers and creeks.

Wildlife Viewing

While enjoying Bureau of Land Management camping at Sourdough Creek Campground, you may encounter an array of wildlife that inhabit this area. Some commonly seen types of wildlife include wolf packs, deer, moose, black and brown bears, and beavers. Creeks and rivers in the region are the best sites to spot salmon during their annual runs, and the Gulkana River and nearby lakes are known as the habitats for trumpeter swans.

Picnicking

The views in and around Sourdough Creek Campground are breathtaking, and one of the best ways to enjoy them is to go for a picnic. You’ll find many picnic tables dispersed throughout the campground. We recommend finding a spot near the shores of the Gulkana River so you can walk along the tunnel of trees along the river while listening to its running water.

Skiing and Snowshoeing

Alaska experiences long winters, so if you want to go and enjoy the outdoors, you can embrace activities like skiing and snowshoeing. Hiking trails within the Sourdough Creek Campground are perfect for Nordic winter sports when the snow falls.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Sourdough Creek Campground offers an array of BLM RV camping options. There are 42 campsites that can accommodate RVs and tents, and four of them are ADA accessible. Most sites have fire pits, picnic tables, a hand water pump, vault toilets, and a boat launch site on the Gulkana River. You'll also find pull-through and back-in sites for bigger RV units. There are no RV dump stations and hookups on the site, but the nearest fuel and amenities are in Gakona, which is approximately 20 miles south of the campground.

Free Camping

Although there are no Bureau of Land Management free camping options at Sourdough Creek Campground, you can visit the Paxson Lake Campground for more camping, recreational, and wilderness experiences. There are also numerous primitive sites available for free camping north of Sourdough Creek Campground.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Sourdough Creek Campground BLM trip

Whenever you take your RV to explore Alaska, remember that the weather can change quickly. When traveling to Sourdough Creek Campground during the cold winter months, always check the weather reports and bring along warm clothes. Heavy snow can prevent you from accessing the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in Alaska. The Richardson Highway might have treacherous conditions that you must avoid. In addition, cellphone service is fairly limited across the Alaskan wilderness, so plan accordingly. Since the nearest amenities are found in Gakona, it's crucial to pack everything you'll need throughout the trip.

BLM fee sites vary in price, so ensure you check the campsite's website, or contact the local office for more information. Before you head out on your trip, check our blog for all you need to know about BLM Camping.

Leave No Trace

Whenever you visit Bureau of Land Management free camping sites, it's crucial to observe Leave No Trace policies to ensure the outdoors will thrive for other generations to enjoy for years to come. Begin by planning your trip and identifying where you'll stay before leaving. Always travel and camp on natural and established surfaces while avoiding damage to waterways or land. Dispose of any waste safely and bury human waste away from water sources and trails. Always maintain courtesy toward other visitors and treat them with respect.