Tippecanoe- Canoe, Kayak, & SUP Rentals

Tippecanoe- Canoe, Kayak, & SUP Rentals Canoe, Kayak, & SUP rentals in Nancy Lake State Recreational Area in Willow, Alaska

1999: In 1999, the state announced major upgrades to the Parks Highway — and the Tippecanoe office sat right in the path...
09/30/2026

1999: In 1999, the state announced major upgrades to the Parks Highway — and the Tippecanoe office sat right in the path of it. The state purchased the property, and the building itself was donated to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, where it was moved to become part of the park's own offices. It's still there today.
In exchange, Parks agreed to let Tippecanoe put up a larger building at the South Rolly boat launch. One door closed; a bigger one opened.

1992: By 1992, Tippecanoe had grown to over 60 canoes — far more than the little South Rolly shed could store for the wi...
09/29/2026

1992: By 1992, Tippecanoe had grown to over 60 canoes — far more than the little South Rolly shed could store for the winter. The fix: a lot on the Parks Highway with room for winter storage racks and a real main office, with the kind of highway visibility the business had never had before.

Growing pains: Growth wasn't free. As demand outpaced what one family could manage, something had to give: float trips w...
09/29/2026

Growing pains: Growth wasn't free. As demand outpaced what one family could manage, something had to give: float trips were cut, firewood sales at South Rolly stopped, and Redshirt's 8-hour rentals became full-day only. Even the daily hike to Redshirt got a little easier once Parks allowed a four-wheeler on the trail.
Ray tried a couple of catarafts for local river trips too, but quickly decided the drop-offs and pick-ups took more time than they were worth — that business stayed with the rafting outfitters, mostly out of Talkeetna. Tubes and sit-on-top kayaks made more sense and stuck around. Stand-up paddleboards weren't even a thing yet back then.
Every "we're too busy" moment meant the business was working.

The White's Crossing OfficeA second office: As the little South Rolly building ran out of room, Tippecanoe opened a seco...
09/28/2026

The White's Crossing Office
A second office: As the little South Rolly building ran out of room, Tippecanoe opened a second, temporary office at White's Crossing on the Parks Highway — complete with customer-accessible two-way radios so folks out on the lakes could stay in touch with the office.

09/27/2026

End-of-Season Update – Canoes Coming Out at Nancy Lake State Recreation Area
We’ve started pulling canoes for the season! Here’s what’s still available and how to get out on the water before we close.
📅 Key Dates
• South Rolly Campground gate closes September 30
• Tippecanoe closes for the season October 12
🛶 Still Available
• Red Shirt Lake – canoes available
• Lynx Lake Canoe Trail – 2 canoes still out
• Nancy Lake (the lake itself) – 2 canoes still out
Planning a public-use cabin trip? The Lynx Lake Canoe Trail and Nancy Lake canoes are still great options.
❌ Closed
• Bald Lake – closed for the season
🔑 Best Way to Rent Right Now
Use our self-checkout locker system. Book online, and you’ll get your locker number and combination to pick up your paddles, life jackets, and canoe key. Find locker details in the tabs at the top of our website.
Our website is updated with what’s currently available.
👉 Reserve here: https://tippecanoealaska.com

A family business: As the business grew, it stopped being a one-person operation. Ray and Linda's daughter, Heather, sta...
09/26/2026

A family business: As the business grew, it stopped being a one-person operation. Ray and Linda's daughter, Heather, started working alongside her dad as soon as she was old enough — and when she turned 18, it became official: Ray and Heather formed a real partnership. Linda pitched in on weekends and kept everyone fed, driving sandwiches and snacks out to South Rolly.
Forty years later, that family-run spirit is still what Tippecanoe runs on.

09/26/2026

The first load of Tippecanoe canoes just left South Rolly Campground, headed for winter storage! 🛶🍂
And they rode out on our brand-new canoe trailer, custom built by my husband. His design, his handiwork, and it made loading up so much easier. 💪
The season isn’t over yet, though! We’re open through October 12, so there’s still time for a fall paddle in Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. Get your reservation in before the rest of the canoes are pulled. Once a lake’s canoes go into storage, they’re done until spring.
📅 Reserve now: https://tippecanoealaska.com
Thank you to everyone who paddled, fished, and explored with us this year! ❤️

09/25/2026

🍂 Fall sunrise on South Rolly Lake 🌅
Pink skies, glassy water, and birds waking up all around the lake. 🔊 Turn the sound up.
Mornings like this are one of my favorite times to be on the water. Quiet, calm, and so beautiful.
🛶 Fall canoe and kayak rentals are still available! Reserve ahead and paddle on your own schedule. Link in bio.
Fall is short in Alaska, so come enjoy it while you can.
📍 Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, Willow, Alaska

09/25/2026

🏕️ LAST WEEKEND TO CAMP AT SOUTH ROLLY CAMPGROUND! 🍂

South Rolly Campground closes for the season September 30, so this is your last weekend to camp here!

🎣 It’s also a great time to get in some fall fishing. We may see a few sprinkles this weekend, but Saturday is showing less than 1/10 of an inch of rain — and I’m still planning to go fishing!

🛶 www.Tippecanoealaska.com

🍁 The fall colors are beautiful, the fish are still biting, and there’s still time to get out on the water!

09/24/2026

Meet Tippecanoe’s unofficial pest-control department. 🐾😂

This little weasel has been hanging around the paddle shack for several years, and apparently he’s been earning his keep!

Dave came in to open one day and discovered our little friend had been VERY busy—he’d taken care of a whole bunch of mice and left his collection tucked inside one of our chairs. 😳

As unpleasant as that surprise was, I’d much rather have this little guy around than a building full of mice!

Since he’s basically part of the Tippecanoe crew now, I think it’s time he had a name.

What should we call him? Drop your best name in the comments! 👇

Address

South Rolly Campgrounds
Willow, AK
99688

Telephone

+19073556687

Website

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