Located on the shore of its namesake lake and sprawling over 138 square miles is the community of Big Lake, with a population of almost 3,000 people and lots of 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, Denali, 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. Local outfitters rent out all the equipment you need to enjoy the water - including jet skis, pontoon boats, kayaks, and more – on an hourly or daily basis. Once Big Lake freezes over in winter, the area becomes a playground for a wide range of winter activities including snowmachine competitions, dog mushing, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing.
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 Denali on a clear day. Big Lake South State Recreation Site has additional campsites and a boat launch. Also nearby is Fish Creek Park, a popular day-use area with a salmon spawning observation deck, swimming area, and picnic area,and Rocky Lake State Recreation Site with 40 campsites and a boat launch that is closed to motorized boats.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sportfishing
Fishing is popular on Big Lake and during the summer anglers target primarily charr, Dolly Varden and burbot.
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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.