The best camping near Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site adventure.

Discover the majestic Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site

Top-rated campgrounds near Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site

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Stump Creek B&B

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Eureka Roadhouse, AK

The property at this location is very special to us because my grandfather homesteaded here in the 60s and it’s still in the family. This location was his and his wife’s main home of living where they made this homestead and rented cabins and had a little store to produce extra income to raise their family.

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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!!

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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!

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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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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Pinochle Trail Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Sutton, 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.

The best camping near Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, where the thrill of glacier trekking, river rafting, and a host of winter sports await. Nestled at Mile 101 on the scenic Glenn Highway, this 229-acre wonderland offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor excitement. Whether you're pitching a tent for a 14-day camping escape or just passing through for a day of exploration, the site's facilities ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

Notable campgrounds

Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site Campground: Offering 12 campsites with fire pits and picnic tables amid stunning glacier views.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as the campground's unique glacier-side location makes it a popular choice.
Check the official website for the most up-to-date reservation openings and availability.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better chances at snagging a campsite.
Explore nearby camping options if the site is fully booked, ensuring you don't miss out on the region's beauty.

When to go

The best time to visit Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site is during the summer months when the trails are clear and the glacier's majesty is fully accessible. Winter offers a snowy paradise for skiing and snowshoeing, but be prepared for road closures due to snow and ice conditions.

Know before you go

Check weather conditions before your trip, as the glacier area can experience sudden changes.
Glacier access is not available from the recreation site; plan accordingly for guided tours.
Facilities include ADA-compliant toilets and water, ensuring comfort for all visitors.
Day use fees apply; check the fee page or contact Long Rifle Lodge for current rates.
For cabin stays, reach out to Long Rifle Lodge directly at (907) 745-5151.