The best camping near Bettles Bay State Marine Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bettles Bay State Marine Park adventure.

Discover Bettles Bay State Marine Park's natural splendor.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Bettles Bay State Marine Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Bettles Bay State Marine Park

Bettles Bay Campground

3 sites In Bettles Bay State Marine Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Bettles Bay State Marine Park

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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!

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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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.

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Deluxe Mtn Cabins: Anchorage, AK

9 sites · Lodging5 acres · Chugiak, AK

Welcome to BlueWater BaseCamp! BlueWater BaseCamp is a haven for those who seek solace and rejuvenation in nature without venturing far from the city. Nestled in the scenic Eklutna Valley, BWBC is a boutique hotel and event venue catering to independent travelers, locals, groups of up to 28 people, and events with up to 75 attendees. Accommodations: Our Small Deluxe Cabins (5 available) offer an intimate Alaskan experience, perfectly suited for two. Each cabin features a cozy living room with a couch, chair, and Murphy table. The kitchenette is fully equipped with dishes, silverware, pots and pans, culinary tools, basic spices, Keurig coffee maker, induction cooktop, microwave, and mini fridge. The bathrooms include shower, toilet, sink and some have soaking tubs. The bedrooms boast queen beds with closet space and some cabins have a loft for unwinding with a good book. For those seeking a soaking tub experience, Ranger's Roost and Bashful Peak Cabins have the added luxury of a relaxing tub. Our larger cabins (3 available) designed for groups up to 6, offer a fully handicap-accessible first floor. The spacious cabins feature a full kitchen equipped with a mid-sized fridge, stove, oven, microwave, and a dining table for 6. The bathroom is generously sized, featuring a roll-in, zero-threshold shower, roll-under sink, and appropriately placed grab bars around the shower and toilet. The main floor bedroom hosts a queen-size bed with room to turn mobility devices and the upstairs loft provides 2 queen beds for the rest of your party. Immersed in the tranquility of the surrounding woods, our deluxe cabins serve as the perfect retreat to rest, rejuvenate, and explore the Anchorage area and beyond. Book Now to reserve your private getaway!

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Gnome Dome & Mushroom Room Hope AK

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Hope, AK

Come stay at the Gnome Dome & Mushroom Room in Hope Alaska. Located conveniently off Resurrection Road near the Hope airport. These spacious bell tents sleep 4. Just B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own sleeping Bag) Or we have sleeping bags to rent. We have an outdoor firepit, camp chairs, and space to enjoy our neck of the woods.

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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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Portage Island Glacier

23 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Portage, AK

Alaska's city of Portage was nearly destroyed in the 1964 earthquake; only 20 cabins remain on the 90 acres, privately owned by H. Tomingas, that divides The Portage River. During high enough tides, "Portage" is totally surrounded by water making it into an island. In other words, it's the only place that actually has a tide regulated moat!Learn more about this land:Private property overlooking Potter's Marsh just outside of Anchorage with a view that's unreal. Two separate cabins to choose from (our other listing), or pack in and pitch your own tent -- this listing!

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Historic Wharfsite at Sunrise AK

10 sites · Tents10 acres · Sunrise, AK

Learn more about this land: Sixmile Creek empties into Turnagain Arm next to this picturesque area. River rafting and fishing is nearby as well as the goldrush town of Hope just eight miles away. High tides twice a day can turn this into an island if they are over 29 feet. This property is about a half mile walk down a gold-rush era road to the wharf site of the gold rush town of Sunrise City. The buildings and tents of the approximately 10,000 miners who lived in this area are long gone. But the scenic views, peacefulness and quiet of this rugged area of south central Alaska are not soon forgotten. There are no paved trails or boardwalks. No crowds or hot dog vendors. Imagine fishing without crowds--catching pink and silver salmon or trout with awesome views of the Chugach National Forest. Don't expect amenities. This is camping outdoors in Alaska. There is a communal firepit with a portable firepit and grill that can be moved to whereever you set up your tent. Usually your group will be alone on your adventure here. There is nothing like this location anywhere else along Turnagain Arm.

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Hunter Creek Alluvial Fan Glamping

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Palmer, AK

Situated in the upper end of the Knik river valley. Our 10 acre property is located where Hunter Creek flows into the Knik. Surrounded by 360 degree views of 6000 + foot mountains in the Chugach Range. We are next door to the Knik Glacier tours and the face of Knik Glacier is a mere 8 miles from our house. Trails, boating, and tours abound all within a 20 minute drive from the property.

The best camping near Bettles Bay State Marine Park guide

Overview

About

Diverse landscapes, breathtaking views, and historic sites? Yes, please! Bettles Bay State Marine Park has excellent anchorage. The entrance into the lagoon is northeast of the island and may be difficult for deep draft vessels, like sailboats, to navigate. Visitors can hike through uplands of old growth forest and muskegs, and check out the alders in avalanche chutes. You’ll be rewarded with awesome views of scenic Bettles Glacier, so bring your camera! There are a few options for camping, though many flood on high tide cycles, so choose wisely. Many species of waterfowl nest in the marshlands south of the park—be careful not to disturb the birds, but feel free to view the area. There is also an old stamp press and goldmine southeast of the park. Jackpot!

When to go

The ideal time to visit Bettles Bay State Marine Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. Conversely, winter can be harsh, with limited access and services, making it less suitable for visits.

Know before you go

Check weather conditions and park alerts before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Be prepared for wildlife encounters by keeping a safe distance and storing food securely.
Access to certain areas may be seasonal, so verify open trails and facilities ahead of time.
Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the park's pristine condition.
For those seeking to extend their stay, explore nearby camping options for additional overnight possibilities.