The best camping near Hatcher Pass Management Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hatcher Pass Management Area adventure.

100% (2 reviews)

Discover Hatcher Pass's scenic vistas and outdoor adventures.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Hatcher Pass Management Area

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Hatcher Pass Management Area

At the end of the trail and up the left mountain side is Gold Mint Hut. A perfect getaway!

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Gold Mint Trailhead

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Hatcher Pass Management Area

from

$15

/ night

Government Peak Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents In Hatcher Pass Management Area

from

$15

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Hatcher Pass Management Area

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(182)

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.

93%

(21)

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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(35)

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.

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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(4)

Hideaway Camp

1 site · RV3 acres · Anchorage, AK

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.

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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!

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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

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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.

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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!

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(6)

Kashwitna Kush Wilderness Hangout

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Willow, AK

Learn more about this land:7 acres close to Kashwitna river and Susitna Landing boat launch. Private Cleared lots great for camping. Thick forest wilderness, Alaskan wildlife and ATV Trails are seconds away. We are building our homestead here and would love any and all visitors! You can choose to go out and camp in the private lot or stay close to our house and enjoy the ammenities!

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(5)

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..

The best camping near Hatcher Pass Management Area guide

Overview

About

What is a “management area,” exactly? Well, it’s a mix of a whole bunch of stuff, like privately owned land and state land. So, Hatcher Pass isn’t a full-fledged state park, but there’s so much to do out here regardless of the area’s “official” status. The mountainous terrain has more than 30 lofty summits and glaciers, and it allows for all of the usual outdoor fun: hiking, camping, mountain biking, and horseback riding. But, there’s so much more to this beautiful place. You can go prospecting for gold or venture out for some blueberry picking in August and fill your bucket to the brim…and those are only two examples of what awaits you! The best part just might be the location, though—it’s less than an hour and a half away from Anchorage.

When to go

The best time to visit Hatcher Pass Management Area is during the summer months, from June to early September, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the trails are most accessible. Winter brings a snowy wonderland, ideal for skiing and snowboarding, but be prepared for road closures and extreme weather conditions.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and road conditions before your trip, as Hatcher Pass can experience sudden changes in weather.
Be aware of wildlife in the area and store food securely to avoid attracting bears.
Some trails may be challenging; ensure you have the proper gear and are aware of your limits.
Cell service can be limited, so plan accordingly and inform someone of your travel plans.
Respect the natural environment by following Leave No Trace principles and disposing of waste properly.