South Rolly Lake Campground
Overview: Part of the Nancy Lake State Recreational Area, South Rolly Campground is about 90 minutes north of Anchorage. To enter the recreation area, turn west onto Nancy Lake Parkway at Mile 67.3 of the Parks Highway. From there, the Nancy Lake Parkway is a paved road 6.5 miles in length, ending at South Rolly Lake Campground and the entrance to the Red Shirt Lake Trail. During the winter the parkway is not plowed beyond the Winter Trailhead at mile 2.2. South Rolly Lake Campground has 99 campsites and is the largest in the state system. It is spread over beautiful forested hills with approximately 10 lakeside sites and many more within close distance to the boat launch. Many of the sites are pull-throughs, including several that are directly on the lake. This is a very quiet campground with each site having enough space and vegetation that you aren’t too aware of your neighbors (unless they are very noisy). The camping limit is 15 days and there is no limit on vehicle size, although only 2 vehicles are permitted in each site. There is a fee for campsite rentals, and sites may not be reserved.
Facilities: There are no hookups for electricity, water, or sewers, and no shower facilities. There are outhouses within easy walking distance of all sites, and water is available at a water pump (not recommended for drinking unless treated first). There is no dump station at the campground. All of the sites have picnic tables and fire pits. Bear-proof trash receptacles are well-placed and easy to access.
Wildlife: There are black bears in the area, and they do come near/into the campground, so you need to be careful with your trash and food storage. Occasionally a brown bear might make an appearance, although this is rare. Other animals in the area are moose, red fox, porcupines, beavers, loons, arctic terns, and other waterfowl, and a variety of other small mammals, birds, and insects (including the famous Alaska mosquito). The mosquitoes aren’t always bad at this site, in fact on our last trip we didn’t have any problems with mosquitoes.
Lake Activities: South Rolly Lake is restricted to electric trolling motors and non-powered boats only. Canoe rentals are available from Tippecanoe Rentals. The water isn’t too cold in the summer, and it is safe for swimming. The lake is stocked with Northern Pike and Rainbow Trout
Hiking: The popular Red Shirt Lake Trail is located at the entrance to the campground. There is a well-defined 3 mile trail that goes to the lake. This trail is of moderate intensity, and takes about 90 minutes to hike, longer if you are bringing kids. Red Shirt Lake is about 3 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and is a popular site for pike fishing.
Interpretive Walk with Naturalist: Every Saturday there is an interesting 60-90 minute interpretive walk with a naturalist. The walk itself isn’t very long and you spend most of the time in a few different locations. The naturalist brings examples of animal tracks and skulls to identify, also explains the fauna in the area. Lots of fun, even in the rain!
Public Use Cabins: There are 4 public use cabins available for rental (through Alaska State Parks) in the area. Occupants need to bring all personal items, including drinking water, and leave the site neat and clean when they leave. It is best to bring firewood, as finding firewood my be difficult. Only wood that is down and dead may be gathered. Use of the cabins is by reservation only.
