- Palmer
- |
- Things to Do
Best Places to Camp in Palmer Alaska
Plan your trip with our off-road reports. You’ll find articles about everything from the best trail food to activities in Alaska that are worthy of the 49th State.
Camping is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors and have an adventurous road trip. We love pairing our camping trips with some ATV riding! Palmer should be on your road trip itinerary whether you are visiting Alaska, or are a local coming to see the Knik Valley.
We are lucky enough to call this valley home and love all the views that it offers. Palmer has great access to adventurous experiences like our ATV tours, hikes for all ages, and great food and shops in a walkable downtown. Camping is a great way to further enjoy the outdoors while you explore this scenic town.
There are lots of ways to camp whether you rent an RV, explore by camper van, or plan to pitch a tent. Find which site is best for you based on location and amenities. Here are some of the best places to camp around Palmer!
Looking for a fun way to enjoy 3 adventurous activities in a day in Palmer? See how to pack three adventures, including an ATV ride, into your day!
RV Parks & Campsites in Palmer
Jim Creek Recreation Area
The Jim Creek Recreation Area is a no frills site in Butte, just outside Palmer, is perfect for those wanting mountain views and trail accessibility. This is a popular spot for riders alike!
There are no hookups at these sites and they can accommodate vehicles up to 70 feet long. Bring your pets and enjoy the firepit and picnic tables. Restrooms are available on site.
Bonus: you’ll be parking at the same lot our trailhead is located. All you’ll have to do is walk over from your campsite with your gear and you’ll be ready for your tour!
Matanuska River Park
The Matanuska River Park, just outside downtown Palmer, is perfect for tent camping and RVs. Enjoy the picnic table and firepit during your stay. The Park has flush toilets and hot showers, an RV dump station, and hookups. What more could a camper ask for!
You can find trail access from the park and walk along the Matanuska River. The Park also has a playground and sand volleyball court. This spot is full of amenities and would be great for the whole family.
The Springer RV and Campground
The Springer is located just a few miles from downtown Palmer. This spot has scenic views of Pioneer Peak and is great for RVs, campers, and tents. Enjoy a site with full hookups or just water.
The campground also offers laundry, hot showers, restrooms, and a community fire pit and bbq area. Bring your family and pets along for your stay!
Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass offers many campsites with easy access to trails and historic mines. Just 30 minutes outside of Palmer, these mountains are worth exploring! All sites include a picnic table, firepit, and access to pit toilet restrooms.
You can opt to stay at the Government Peak Campground with river and waterfall views, the Gold Mint Trailhead for mountain views and trail access, or opt to hike your tent and gear down the trail a ways and go camping.
Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground
Fox Run is further from Palmer and our ATV trailhead, but is perfect for those driving north to see Denali. This campground sits on Matanuska Lake and has beautiful views.
There is an array of RV sites depending on what hookups you need and tent sites. All sites have picnic tables, firepits, and access to laundry and showers. You can hike around lakes right from the campground, visit a fine art gallery, and grab dinner at May Asian Cuisine.
Glamping in Palmer
Want to enjoy camping without renting a van or RV? You would enjoy glamping at Lulu’s! Stay in a well furnished canvas tent along the Knik River. These tents offer beautiful views, a great space to unplug, and a comfy stay with queen beds. There is even a tiny camper on the property you can rent out too!
Enjoy the outdoor shower, communal firepit, and an outdoor lounge area with a kitchen. It’s a great place to unwind and get to know fellow travelers while having a camping experience.
Free Camping in Palmer
For those who enjoy dispersed camping or boondocking this is a great option close to our ATV trailhead. The Knik River Public Use Area is a great option for camping. This camping spot offers beautiful mountain and river views, and plenty of space.
For those with more adventurous rigs, you can cross shallow, braided parts of the river to reach more secluded banks. The easiest access is right off the Knik River Road. On a nice weekend you may be joined by many others out camping in their RVs, vans, and tents. You can also expect to hear lots of 4 wheelers driving around!
Be sure to pick up all your trash and have a bathroom plan. This area can be fun to explore around the river banks. You really can’t beat the views – we love the trails near the Knik River for a good reason! That water sure is cold and can move fast so watch the little ones as they play.
Camp then Come Ride With Us!
We think that off roading and camping go really well together! Join us for a quick 90 Minute River Adventure or a Full Day Glacier Adventure so that you can get to know the Knik Valley. We’ll point out wildlife and enjoy beautiful vistas. Those on the Full Day tour will enjoy a more rugged ride, amazing glacier views, and a hot lunch!
We can’t wait for you to experience camping out in Alaska! Don’t forget to add an ATV tour to your itinerary to get out and explore the backcountry like a local.
