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BLM Camping

Tangle Lakes 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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Tangle Lakes Campground

Tangle Lakes Campground is located south of Fairbanks in the Tangle Lakes Archeological District and the Delta Wild and Scenic River corridor. The campground offers spectacular views and easy access to a range of recreational activities, including hiking, boating, and fishing. The Tangle Ridge Hiking Trail, for example, starts at the campground, and there's also a boat launch nearby on the Delta River. The campground itself offers 45 campsites, as well as four walk-in sites.

Sites like Tangle Lakes Campground are overseen by the Bureau of Land Management and offer easy camping options. To find other areas maintained by this government agency, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Tangle Ridge Hiking Trail

Starting right at the campsite, this trail offers beautiful views of the area’s scenery.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Wolf Point Trail

Offering gorgeous views of the distant mountains, this trail can sometimes be a bit muddy but is otherwise easy enough for even beginner hikers.

Length: 2.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Triple Lakes Trail

Located in nearby Denali National Park, this amazing trail offers some challenging hiking but provides stunning views. It's also great for spotting wildlife.

Length: 18.5 miles

Intensity: Hard

Glacier Gap Lake and Seven Mile Lake Trails

These joined trails cross a creek and offer incredible views of the area.

Length: 7.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Quartz Lake Loop Trail

Located in the nearby Quartz Lake State Recreation Area, this trail is gentle enough for beginner hikers and is a great way to take in the scenery or spot some wildlife.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

There are dozens of fishing options in the Tangle Lakes area. Anglers can head to nearby Glacier Gap Lake to catch grayling and some lake trout. Round Tangle Lake also offers excellent fishing and is perfect for boating. Visitors to the campground can even float down the Delta River.

Wildlife Viewing

The entire Tangle Lakes Archeological Area is perfect for spotting wildlife, but Denali National Park and the Quartz Lake State Recreation Area also offer excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. Visitors can often spot moose, elk, deer, marmots, porcupines, reindeer, and beavers, and they may be lucky enough to see a wolverine, black or brown bear, lynx, or fox. Birds are also very common, particularly around water sources.

Picnicking

Round Tangle Lake is an excellent picnic spot. The lake has a small picnic area that offers gorgeous views, and there's easy access for fishing nearby. The Tangle Lakes Campground itself also offers picnic tables and grills.

Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, and Cross-Country Skiing

As might be expected, winter activities are popular in the Tangle Lakes area. Visitors can ice fish on many of the lakes, and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing are common along many of the area’s trails. Snowmobiling is also popular, and trails like the South Landmark Gap Trail are specifically designed for snowmobile use during the winter months.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available right at the Tangle Lakes Campground. The area is small and has few amenities, but water and toilets are available. The Paxson Lake Campground is also a good option; although camping here is rugged, there are toilets, water, and picnic areas available. Sourdough Creek Campground also offers similar amenities.

Free Camping

Although there's no Bureau of Land Management free camping available at the Tangle Lakes Campground, there are several other local options. Brushkana Campground is remote and a bit rugged, but the area is beautiful, and the campsites offer fire pits. There are also several nearby hiking trails. The Clearwater Creek Wayside also offers free dispersed camping with beautiful views. The campground offers restrooms, picnic areas, and fire pits. Visitors can also camp for free during the winter months at the Riley Creek Campground in Denali National Park.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Tangle Lakes Campground BLM trip

The area around the Tangle Lakes Campground is peaceful and quiet thanks to its remote location, but this can also pose some risks. Always be sure to tell somewhere where you’ll be going and when you plan to be back. If you do any hiking, take a map and compass or a GPS with you to keep track of your whereabouts. It’s important to carry first aid supplies and a water bottle. In addition, because the area is so remote, there are few amenities, so bring everything you might need with you.

Tangle Lakes Campground and the surrounding area are most frequently visited in the mild summer months, but the winters offer activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you plan to camp during the winter, prepare for below-freezing temperatures and sudden weather changes. Dress and pack warmly and stay up to date on policies regarding camping in winter weather.

Usually, you can stay at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds for up to two weeks, but this does vary from site to site, so check ahead for each site you plan to visit. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace policies, such as keeping your campsite clean and picking up any trash at each BLM site you visit, can help to preserve these areas for future visitors. Be cautious when building a fire, and ensure that the embers are cold before you leave. If you spot any animals, observe them from a distance. Spooked or threatened animals can pose a danger, so maintain a safe distance and attempt to disturb them as little as possible. Don’t take any plants home, and stay on trails or within campground bounds in order to protect the area and the local plants.

Tangle Lakes Campground Location

From Fairbanks, head south on the Denali Highway to milepost 21.5. The campground is on the north side of the road.

Ready to visit Tangle Lakes 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.