The best camping near Willow Creek State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Willow Creek State Recreation Area adventure.

Discover the scenic beauty of Willow Creek State Recreation Area.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Willow Creek State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Willow Creek State Recreation Area

96%

(41)

North 40 Stays

8 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!!

83%

(3)

Grizzly Annie’s, bunk beds

9 sites · Lodging11 acres · Talkeetna, AK

Grizzly Annie’s Cabin, has an arctic entry, small sitting and eating area, gallery kitchen with stove, microwave, air fryer, refrigerator. The bathroom has toilet, sink, shower. On demand hot water. There is a washer and a dryer (fee). The bunk beds are in a tiny nook. There is one other room, staff quarters. There are many back country trails, promising a true wilderness experience to off roaders whether on foot, on a bike, or atv. Our dock is a good place to launch small craft. A paved bike trail connects to Talkeetna or the Parks Highway. Monday - Thursday, available for one night stays. Friday - Sunday, minimum two night stay

100%

(2)

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.

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!

100%

(13)

Hideaway Camp (Single Camp Spot!)

1 site · RV3 acres · Anchorage, AK

**NOW BOOKING FOR THE 2025 SEASON ** My wife and I have a single quiet spot on our peaceful wooded property on the Anchorage hillside on 3 acres. We can accommodate short duration stays of 1-4 days. We have household power and potable water available. We do NOT have an RV dump, although you can dump for free at the Holiday gas station about 10 minutes from the site. We have bear spray and bells available to loan at no charge! We have four dogs, and your quiet well behaved dogs are welcome. Depending on where you park you'll be able to access 1gb wifi from our house.

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.

80%

(5)

Clean Forest type camping

40 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Wasilla, AK

Learn more about this land:Family friendly our campground is called houston grass station campground and is located right next to the alaska railroad watch it go by wile you camp see you here thanks

96%

(14)

Creekside Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Willow, AK

We are a small, family-run campground in the heart of Willow, AK just off the Parks Highway FEATURING 🔌Electric - 30 and 50 amp 💧 Water fill up available from our well 🌳 Gravel and natural forest sites both suitable for RVs or tents 🔥 Picnic tables and fire pits at each site 🚿 Shower house with toilet and hot water shower 🏞️ A relaxing, babbling creek 🐾 Minutes away from downtown Willow, including the start of the Iditarod and the entrance to Hatcher Pass. We have fresh cut firewood available and offer a common gazebo area with a table, camp chairs, and large charcoal grill. Our family lives on site and is available for anything you may need during your stay.

HiJo's Alaska Riverside Retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Houston, AK

👀- You must be at least 21 years or older and no children allowed. 👀- Smoking is allowed in the designated smoking areas 👀- This is a very quiet residential neighborhood, no partying or loud music.👀- Respect others If you've read this far, continue reading👌 Pack your Kayak, canoes, paddle boards! Hey there! Check out our cozy 1.0-acre property right on the banks of the Little Susitna River in Houston, Alaska. We have 3 dry camping pads, perfect for campervans, Class B RVs, truck campers, Overlanders/Rooftop tents and small Class C. If you are passing through on the Parks Highway and need a place for the night, (If you are traveling in a Group please call us ahead of time we might have some space), on your way to Denali or Fairbanks, this is your spot! We are conveniently located just 2 miles off the Parks Highway, Anchorage 70 miles Wasilla- 20 miles Big Lake 9 miles Willow 18 miles Hatchers Pass (Willow Side, Summit Lake State Recreation Site ) 40 Miles Talkeetna 60 Miles Denali National Park 190 miles Fairbanks 300 miles The property is seriously charming and comfortable, with free WiFi, 2 fire ring areas and a handy porta-john. It really gives you the best of both worlds - the peaceful tranquility of a rural setting, but with the convenience of nearby towns. We even have free mosquitoes for everyone (mosquito repellent not included, but mosquito magnet is on site, just FYI). This is a perfect place for an easy 1-2 hour float in your kayak or canoe (take out near Miller’s Market – Ice Cream). We’d love to share our little piece of Alaska with you today!

100%

(3)

The Wilds

3 sites · Lodging200 acres · Fishhook, AK

Our off-grid property is situated on 200 private acres of beautiful Alaskan land. We have five miles of trails right out your cabin door and beautiful views of the Susitna River throughout. The Talkeetna Mountains serve as an incredible backdrop to it all. We live on the property, as do our array of animals. We have a family of geese and chickens who will welcome you with open wings, as well as two dogs and three cats. We operate off of solar and generated power and while the cabins do have limited electricity, we ask that you We are located just 55 miles from the Anchorage Airport, 12 miles from downtown Palmer and 14 miles from downtown Wasilla. Best of all, were just 2.8 miles from Government Peak Recreation Area and 10 miles from Hatcher Pass, so if it's adventure you're looking for, you're in luck! If you’re looking for a fun day trip, we’re just an hour and a half from Talkeetna and 3.5 hours from Denali. We've named our property The Wilds because it is wild! A large portion of our land is protected by a conservation easement, so it can never be developed. We cherish that responsibility and are excited to share the rawness of this land with you!

100%

(2)

The Glacier Breeze

2 sites · Lodging, RVs4 acres · Palmer, AK

The Glacier Breeze is located in Alaska’s beautiful Knik River Valley surrounded by breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains. With the numerous adventures that you can take in the Knik River and Matsu areas, it makes for a perfect base camp. The property also makes for a great beginning or ending of your Alaskan trip with it being conveniently located a short hour drive from Anchorage. Why be in the city when you can be emersed in Alaska!

100%

(4)

Sunderland Ranch Farm Stay

2 sites · RVs, TentsPalmer, 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 Willow Creek State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at Willow Creek State Recreation Area, where the great Alaskan wilderness beckons. With 3,583 acres of pristine landscapes, this park offers a plethora of activities including camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Set up camp at one of the 140 campsites and immerse yourself in nature's splendor, with no RV size limit and a range of camping durations to suit your travel plans.

Notable campgrounds

Willow Creek Campground - A favorite among anglers and families for its proximity to fishing spots and spacious sites.
River's Edge Campground - Perfect for those seeking the sounds of flowing water and serene views.
Lakeside Retreat - Ideal for campers who enjoy water activities and picturesque sunsets over the lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak summer months, to ensure your spot amid the wilderness.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Check for cancellations regularly as plans change and spots may open up unexpectedly.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of securing a reservation.

When to go

The best time to visit Willow Creek State Recreation Area is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, for those seeking solitude and a chance to witness the northern lights, late fall and early spring offer a unique experience, albeit with cooler temperatures.

Know before you go

Always check the park's website for the latest information on campground open status and trail conditions.
Remember that wildlife is abundant; store food securely and maintain a safe distance from animals.
Accessibility is a priority, with ADA facilities available for those with disabilities.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack accordingly for your outdoor adventures.
Respect the natural habitat by not disturbing beaver dams and lodges, crucial for the ecosystem.