Big Lake North S.r.s.
Swimming hole in Big Lake, Alaska · Lake
Big Lake North S.r.s. is a lake swimming hole. It is near Big Lake, Alaska. Fee notes: $7 daily parking fee. Best season: June through August is peak season for swimming, boating, and waterskiing.
Typical season: June through August is peak season for swimming, boating, and waterskiing
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Lake
- Water body
- Big Lake
- Fee
- $7 daily parking fee
- Nearest town
- Big Lake
- State
- Alaska
- Best season
- June through August is peak season for swimming, boating, and waterskiing. In winter the lake shifts to snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing.
- Access difficulty
- Easy. From Mile 52.3 of the Parks Highway, take Big Lake Road 3.6 miles to the roundabout, then North Shore Drive 1.4 miles to the end of the road, about 13 miles west of Wasilla.
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- 60 first-come, first-served campsites at the site, including some walk-in sites.
- Land manager
- State park / recreation agency
- Activities
- Swimming, camping, fishing, boating, waterskiing
- Facilities
- A 19-acre site with 60 first-come, first-served campsites, 24 picnic sites, four picnic shelters, a boat launch, ADA-accessible toilets, and water.
- Last verified
- July 13, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit June through August is peak season for swimming, boating, and waterskiing. In winter the lake shifts to snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing.
- Access Easy. From Mile 52.3 of the Parks Highway, take Big Lake Road 3.6 miles to the roundabout, then North Shore Drive 1.4 miles to the end of the road, about 13 miles west of Wasilla.
- Facilities A 19-acre site with 60 first-come, first-served campsites, 24 picnic sites, four picnic shelters, a boat launch, ADA-accessible toilets, and water.
- Camping nearby 60 first-come, first-served campsites at the site, including some walk-in sites.
Highlights & features
- One of Southcentral Alaska’s most popular recreation lakes
- Alaska State Parks calls Big Lake "Alaska’s Year-Round Playground"
- 60 campsites and four picnic shelters on 19 lakeside acres
Access & fees
Verified against dnr.alaska.gov (Alaska State Parks) (checked July 2026). Rules and fees can change; confirm with the land manager before you go.
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What to pack for Big Lake North S.r.s.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee at Big Lake North?
Yes — Alaska State Parks charges a $7 daily parking fee at Big Lake North State Recreation Site. Camping fees are separate. Annual passes are available through Alaska DNR.
Can you swim at Big Lake North?
Yes. Swimming is an officially listed activity at this Alaska State Parks site, though there are no lifeguards and swimmers share the lake with heavy motorboat and jet-ski traffic in summer. Calm mornings are the most comfortable window.
When is the best time to swim at Big Lake?
Mid-June through August, when the shallows of Big Lake are at their warmest. Summer weekends get busy with watercraft, so early weekday visits offer the quietest water.
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Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.