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Big Lake

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Located on the shore of its namesake lake and sprawling over 138 square miles is the community of Big Lake, with a population of 3,191 people and many, many more sled dogs, including the kennel of four-time Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race champion Martin Buser.

About Big Lake

Many residents of Big Lake commute to work in Anchorage, 60 miles to the south, but choose to live in Big Lake for its limitless recreation opportunities and the views of Mount Susitna, Mount McKinley and the Talkeetna Mountains.

Things to do

Not surprisingly, recreation in the area centers around the lake, and it is indeed big, with 67 miles of shoreline. Popular activities include swimming, camping, boating, fishing, jet skiing and tour boat rides in the summer; in the winter, snowmobile competitions, dog mushing, ice fishing and cross-country skiing dominate the lake’s frozen surface.

Big Lake North State Recreation Site is located on the lake and has overnight parking spaces, walk-in tent sites, picnic area, shelters and an outstanding view of Mount McKinley on a clear day. Also nearby is Fish Creek Park, a popular day-use area with a salmon spawning observation deck; Big Lake South State Recreation Site with campsites and a boat launch on the lake; and Rocky Lake State Recreation Site with camping on a lake closed to jet skis, jet boats and air boats.

Big Lake

The community of Big Lake is located on the shores of Big Lake, 13 miles southwest of Wasilla, and is accessible by road via Big Lake Road, which branches west at Mile 52.3 of the George Parks Highway.

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Big Lake

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Attractions

Big Lake North State Recreation Site +

Big Lake North State Recreation Site is located on the northeast corner of the lake and is a 19-acre park that includes overnight parking spaces, walk-in tent sites, picnic area, shelters and a boat launch.
Boating +

Boating is the most popular activity at Big Lake during the summer. Visitors and residents alike use the lake for water skiing, jet skiing, fishing and leisurely cruises late in the evening under the midnight sun. Public access is provided by two state recreation sites.
Fish Creek Park +

Fish Creek Park is a popular day-use area managed by the Mat-Su Borough. The park features a salmon spawning observation deck to watch spawning salmon during the summer along with a picnic area, swimming area, shelters and play equipment for children.
Rocky Lake State Recreation Site +

Rocky Lake State Recreation Site is a 48-acre unit located east of Big Lake. The state recreation site offers 48 campsites and a boat launch on the small lake that is closed to jet skis, jet boats and air boats.
Sportfishing +

Fishing is popular on Big Lake and during the summer anglers target primarily charr, Dolly Varden and burbot.
Winter Activities +

Once Big Lake freezes over, the area becomes a playground for a wide range of winter activities. Events include snowmachine competitions, dog mushing, ice fishing and cross-country skiing.