With 26 pull-through sites laid out on open, flat terrain, Jim Creek Recreational Campground is built around ATV access. Sites run $17 a night, paid on-site via iron ranger. No reservations are taken, and sites are first come, first served. Cell service is reportedly decent, though WiFi runs spotty. Mountains frame three sides of the campground, and the layout gives RVs and trailers room to maneuver. Those camping near Palmer will find this a functional base for the Jim Creek OHV area, with fire pits, picnic tables, and ADA access on-site. Knik River Upstream Dispersed — Old Knik River Bridge is a nearby alternative for campers wanting dispersed access closer to the water.
Description
The Knik River Public Use Area offers hundreds of miles of trails for exploring. The most prominent land features around here include the Knik Glacier, Knik River, Pioneer Peak, Jim Creek, Bodenburg Creek, Friday Creek, Metal Creek, and Hunter Creek. The high elevation Chugach Mountains—which form the Knik River Valley—make for a dramatic backdrop to the alluvial gravel bars and winding braids of the Knik River. Overall, the area feels rugged and remote, which is what makes it such a popular destination for campers, off-road enthusiasts, fixed-wing aviators, horseback riders, and boaters. If you’re a bird-watcher, boater, angler, or hunter, you’ll particularly love the sprawling lakes and wetlands complex on the north side of the river.
The area as a whole, though, offers a wide range of outdoor recreational pursuits, for all ages and interests. Park at the Sullivan trail head, for instance, and you can head south into the woods. Once you hit the main wide trail (you’ll recognize it!), just follow it east. That trail opens up into the Knik River gravel bed, with views of the Knik Glacier, and Chugach Mountains. For a quieter experience, explore the dozens of side-trails. You can’t go wrong: the views from any of them will lay your heart wide open.
Map & DirectionsJim Creek Recreational Campground is located in Alaska near Palmer
Coordinates
61.52563998 N
149.00911318 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GGood CoverageLast on 6/2/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageLast on 6/2/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- WiFi
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
