Harding Lake State Recreation Area

General Information

Harding Lake State Recreation Area, 45 miles south of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway, is one of the longest standing park facilities in the Alaska State Park system, having been established in 1967. All together there are over 90 campsites, including five walk-in group campsites. The park also has numerous picnic sites and two picnic shelters. In addition, areas have been set aside for activities such as baseball, volleyball and horseshoes with equipment available at the ranger station. Hiking along nature trails is another activity available at Harding Lake SRA.

A boat launch facility gives access to the lake for those having canoes, motorized boats, jet skis or other watercraft. A straight canal leads from the boat launch toward the center of the lake. There is fishing for lake trout, arctic char and burbot. Pike fishing is closed.

Please be sure to check the sport fishing limits and regulations for the season. These are determined by the Department of Fish and Game.

State Park fee information at Harding Lake SRA.

Camping

The main campground, consisting of 78 vehicle and five walk-in sites, is located in a spruce/birch forest. Many vehicle sites are large enough to accommodate large motorhomes or trailers. There is a limit of six people and two vehicles per campsite. Some sites are adjacent to others, allowing groups to park together. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Firewood can also be purchased at the campground. Please use existing fire rings and picnic tables. Sanitary dump station, free if camping at Harding, $5 fee if dumping without camping.

Additional camping space is now also available for self-contained units week days at the Lakefront day use area and additional camping for up to 10 camp units is available in the Camp Lot camping area, which is located close to the lake. Also, the game field parking lot can hold a maximum of 12 camping units.

Boat Launch

Boat Launch parking is for vehicles and attached trailers, or any vehicle using the launch to load or unload a watercraft. There are 25 parking spaces for boat trailers and vehicles, with additional parking at the overflow parking lot or in front of the ranger station. The boat launch fee covers one launch and retrieve.

DO NOT leave unattached boat trailers in the boat launch parking lot. Please park your trailer in the overflow parking lot or at your campsite if space permits. Any questions you have can be answered by the campground ranger or volunteer hosts.