The best camping near Independence Mine State Historical Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Independence Mine State Historical Park adventure.

Experience the Gold Rush at this well-preserved mine site in the Talkeetna Mountains.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Independence Mine State Historical Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Independence Mine State Historical Park

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North 40 Stays

7 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Sutton, AK

Camp right on the banks of the Matanuska river while staring at the magnificent King Mountain, Pinnacle mountain, and Craig Mountain! Over 10 acres with only 5 camp sites! Close to Kings river and some of the best ATV trails in the State! The Matanuska river offers some of the best rock hounding in the area and when the river is low, kids love playing in the shallow river streams and sandbars! This is an adult, kids and dogs dream play area! Come relax and get away from the busyness of life!!

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Pinochle Trail Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Sutton Alpine, AK

Flat, gravel spaces at Pinochle Trailhead in Glacier View, Alaska. Great hiking, biking, ATV or snow machine on historic trail. Tents, trucks, cars, campers, RVs, dogsleds .... whatever you can fit is welcome. 8 spaces with tables and fire rings. There is also an "Open Camping Area" in back that larger groups may like. Although a number may be assigned at booking, just pick the best available camp space that works for you on arrivial. You'll need to bring your own water and keep a clean camp. Pinochle Trail goes north into the backcountry for around 12 miles and joins other trails. Pinochle trail is a section of the ancient Knik - Nelchina Trail used by natives, trappers, miners and hunters for eons. It traverses the natural route from the Matanuska Valley up and over the mountain range into Copper River country. Hicks was one of the early guides who had a cabin at Hicks Creek and served with U.S. Army Lieutenant Joseph Castner to brushwack a trail northwest for Captain Glenn in 1898. Described in his journal as at "Tale of Hardship and Suffering" they ended up eating their mules and shoes before reaching their goal far to the north. Today we use these trails with relative ease compared to the old timers but the scenery and mud holes remind us of what they went through.

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Lulu's Glamping on the Knik River

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Palmer, AK

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Located on the river's edge of the Knik River in Palmer, Alaska, our glamping tents offer a unique experience. Unplug, unwind and kickback in our Stout canvas style bell tents. Each tent is stylishly outfitted with a queen size bed, linens, rugs, stylish decor and other amenities. You also will have your own smokeless Solo Stove with seating for two outside your tent. Only 45 minutes north of Anchorage, our location boasts incredible views with access to all things outdoor! There are shared porta toilets with foot pump sinks with soap for hand washing on site. There is one on demand outdoor shower! We have an outdoor kitchen with a BBQ grill, pots, pans, dishes, silverware, salt, pepper and other items for guest use. Half of the property is an adult glamping experience. Half of the property allows children, as long as you understand that we are located right on the river and children should be supervised. Our property is the perfect basecamp with easy access to hiking for all abilities; Bodenburg Butte, Lazy Mountain, Pioneer Peek and Pioneer Falls. Located right on the Knik River we can help you plan a day of fishing, kayaking or riverboat touring. Other local activities include ATV rentals, glacier helicopter tours, exploring the town of Palmer, the Alaska State Fair, a trip to the Reindeer Farm, Independence Mine State Historical Park, the Musk Ox Farm, horseback riding, touring our breweries, enjoying the local golf course, sled dog tours and so much more! Although we love pets, in order to keep tents clean and odor fee, pets are not allowed without permission. No smoking 🚭 Check in 4pm Check out 11am We ask that shoes be removed before enter the tent.

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Opted Out Acre

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acres · Willow, AK

Our property offers privacy for campers with a nice stream running through. We are near the Willow airport and the tracks for the Alaska scenic train, we do experience 2-3 short bursts of train noise (30 seconds- 3 minutes) a couple times a day. Overall, it's a very relaxing spot to enjoy nature My wife Kacie and I purchased this land in 2021 with the goal of creating a place where our family and others could enjoy nature while traveling through Alaska.

Booked 3 times

Talkeetna Lake Retreat

13 sites · Lodging, RVs15 acres · Talkeetna, AK

Escape the daily grind and indulge in a delightful retreat with us. Welcome to our evolving Alaskan campground and cabin rental – a work in progress that promises a unique experience. Situated on 15 acres, our property offers boat rentals and scenic cross-country walking paths. With 11 dry RV pads complemented by picnic tables, you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort. Additionally, there's a grocery store, Subway, ice cream parlor, and coffee shop within walking distance, ensuring convenience and variety during your stay. Discover more amenities that await you!

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Tent camping, kayaking, Alaskan fun

1 site · Tent5 acres · Big Lake, AK

This 5 acre parcel started off as raw land cover in downed spruce. The hosts have cleared and continue to clear, establishing easy to walk on trails to get from point a to point b so you can explore:) every year adding more edible vegetation with the hopes of a full blown food forest in the near future. Learn more about this land: Welcome to our Alaskan getaway! Come pitch a tent and enjoy the midnight sunsets and sunrises with a beautiful backdrop of the Alaskan sky. Our ideal location by the lake allows for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. We have seasonal gardens that you can pick fresh produce from - check with the host for seasonal vegetation. Feed the birds, get dirt under your fingernails, sleep in a tent, drive to the mountains (about an hour away!) and take a hike. . Enjoy Alaska, that's what this getaway is all about - we look forward to your stay! You cannot drive to the tent sites it’s park and walk but they aren’t far, 500ft at most. There’s no water on site but we can grab you a few gallons if you need. You will need to have contact with the host before coming as the neighborhood is gated!

Jim Creek Blank Land

30 sites · RVs13 acres · Palmer, AK

This is blank land in the Buette area of Palmer, Alaska. No signs except for the address sign. Make your own spot. No amenities. Please take your own trash out. Enjoy your stay for just $10 a night. Near Jim Creek. Great fishing. A lot of trails for 4X4s and riding ATVs. Come park your car, camper, RV etc and enjoy Alaskan life at Jim Creek Blank land.

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Ninety Niner RV camp

1 site · RV, Tent25 acres · Sutton, AK

Surrounded by Mountain View’s Ride the zip line Eat some mouth watering Brisket Hand dipped hard ice cream Try the Moose Tracks Or Caribou Caramel This is the place of the 4th of July Car Launch. Google it if not aware of it yet in your adventurous life Hand made pizza is available How about a Brisket Taco

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Adventure Lodge at Caswell Lakes

7 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Talkeetna, AK

Quiet camping close to Parks Highway. Located off mile post 88 at Caswell Lakes/Sheep Creek. Perfect location- far enough away from the world but close to spectacular activities and sites. Just one hour and forty-five minutes north of Anchorage and thirty minutes south of world-famous Talkeetna. We offer RV and Tent camping. Choose a spot on level and compact gravel or plush grass(tents). We provide water to fill your rv tanks or water containers and electric. Gravel area can support up to 3 class B and smaller rv’s while grass area can support many tents. Plenty of parking. Great for large parties. We are still expanding and updating services. Amenities: Fire pit Pet friendly ATV friendly Picnic table 110v plug in Charcoal grill Folding chairs Fire extinguisher 30amp rv plug in Locking driveway gate Lots of free cut firewood Minutes to Montana creek freshwater fishing Close to several lakes for fishing and kayaking Close to several lakes for fishing and kayaking Minutes to Kashwitna Landing boat launch and fishing

Booked 1 time

Willow AK Glamp & Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Willow, AK

You can cozy up to a nice camp fire and enjoy the peace and quiet of the woods. The property is surrounded by trees with a large gravelled area for lots of parking. We have playground equipment for kids and spaces for dogs to explore. There are lots of nice areas to go walking/exploring on site or you can get to many fantastic rivers and lakes within a few miles. The northern lights are amazing out here in the Fall.

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Little Bear Wilderness Retreat

2 sites · Lodging13 acres · Susitna North, AK

Here at Little Bear Cabins 30 minutes from Talkeetna, Alaska and Willow youll find a working off grid homestead with privacy and nature everywhere. Offering guided Alaskan plant walks and more! Private cabins with a wandering creek to explore with kayaks or skis as well as bikes all included ! Late fall its filled with salmon and trout. World class fly fishing all around you! Winter time the Northern lights will dance over you! With many trails to wander along and a bridge to view or swim. Summer or winter .. The birds here are like no other located in the migrating route of the predatory birds. You'll find nests all along the creek of rare birds.. Each cabin is private and has a firepit fridge and potable water provided . There are groomed ski trails and walking trails for guests with kayaks and bike to use during your stay .I offer guided walks of the garden and In the forest to learn about the edible and medicinal plants of Alaska. You will find stillness and nature all around you..

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Sunderland Ranch Farm Stay

2 sites · LodgingPalmer, AK

Legacy family land! Learn more about this land:Pitch a tent here at the Sunderland Ranch. We often have guests staying here or playing here for other events, but are happy to have you too! This will be as quiet or as experiential as you would like. You can schedule a trail ride or farm tour with our staff/family, or get out and walk the trails or around the ranch and enjoy Alaska at its best.

The best camping near Independence Mine State Historical Park guide

Overview

About

At 761 acres in a high elevation area, Independence Mine is reached by visitors who travel up Hatcher Pass in the famous Mat-Su Valley. Once here, campers can discover the park's huge gold mine and remnants of the great Alaskan Gold Rush. An extensive visitor center and museum are set along trails that follow a self-guided or guided tour through restored structures in the mining camp. The extensive camp actually once merged two gold mines where miles of tunnels were blasted by hundreds of miners who extracted millions in gold. The once mining-rich surrounding region is filled with trails and opportunities to hike, backpack, and watch wildlife.

Notable campgrounds

Although Independence Mine State Historical Park offers no overnight camping within its boundaries, visitors can stay the night at Hipcamps in the region.

Best for park access: Tomodachi has RV and tent sites near Hatcher Pass and the Independence Mine.
Best for RVing families: The Dutch Hideaway is a family-friendly RV site near Palmer.
Best for backpackers: Camping near Hatcher Pass is possible at a number of US Forest Service areas. Trailheads for the Gold Mint and Fishhook trails also have basic first-come, first-served tent camping sites frequently used by backpackers and hikers.

When to go

Hatcher Pass is a seasonal road on the Willow connecting side, but the trailheads and mine area remain open from the Glenn Highway. Winter conditions can create difficult driving conditions, meaning the pass is most popular during summer when the state park is open: from mid-June to Labor Day. A parking fee is required. The remote nature of this park means it rarely is overrun, but the mine is popular with visitors in the area—arrive early to beat any crowds.

Know before you go

Pets are allowed at Independence Mine but must remain on leash near developed areas.
While the visitor center is closed in winter, the park remains open for recreation. Snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding are allowed outside of developed areas.
After completing a self-guided tour, feel free to explore the park's open space. Be cautious of boundaries, however, as private land borders the area.
Palmer and Wasilla are the closest communities for primary services like groceries and gas. You can find meals at the lodge near the park entrance, but it’s a good idea to arrive prepared.