Dispersed camping areas near Sutton, Alaska dot the landscape along riverbanks and in backcountry wilderness. The region sits at approximately 500 feet elevation in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, with the Chugach Mountains creating a dramatic backdrop. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-70°F, while winter camping requires preparation for sub-zero conditions. Most campsites near Sutton are accessible from May through mid-September when snow and ice don't restrict access.
What to do
River activities: access: Kings River offers multiple camping areas where the Matanuska and King rivers meet. "There are actually at least 4 separate camping areas here at the confluence of the Matanuska and King rivers. The largest is on the more southwesterly corner and could accommodate at least a dozen rigs of any size," notes RVandJeepLife. The area provides excellent spots for fishing and water activities.
Hiking trails: varied terrain: Eklutna Lake Campground features extensive hiking options with different difficulty levels. "Twin peaks is a fun hike but pretty steep for kids. The view is worth the hike but be prepared," explains Samantha M. The campground provides approximately 50 campsites with basic amenities like toilets and water.
Wildlife viewing: bear country: The region offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "This is a great place to see bears! Moose.... Foxes. The waters are clear and the landscape is so lush," shares Carly S. about Eklutna Lake. Pack bear spray and store food properly in designated lockers at established sites.
What campers like
Mountain views: panoramic settings: Mountain View RV Park lives up to its name with exceptional scenery. "This is a surprising RV park in the valley. With amazing views, Showers, laundry, and picnic tables at each site there's nothing missing from this RV park," writes Tanya B. The best sites are positioned away from the tree line to maximize mountain visibility.
Water features: riverside camping: Camping along Kings River provides natural sound barriers from road noise. "Road noise is shockingly light considering how close you are to the road. The river drowns out a lot of it, and being significantly below the road helps too," notes RVandJeepLife. Most riverside sites sit on river gravel or dirt, with some directly on the riverfront.
Clean facilities: maintained sites: Matanuska River Park Campground receives praise for its cleanliness and maintenance. "Nicely arranged with well looked after grass, so you don't soil your RV," comments Andrea W. The campground includes both wooded areas and more open sites with electric hookups.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: winter closures: Most campsites operate from May through September. King Mountain State Recreation Area closes September 15. One reviewer notes, "This is a very nice and quiet campground with amazing views. This is a pretty primitive campground, so don't expect much for amenities."
Bug protection: summer insects: Finger Lake State Recreation Site campers warn about mosquitoes. "This campsite has showers and really nice, quiet spots in the woods. The only downside was the mosquitos which were terrible," reports Erica C. Bring insect repellent, particularly for evening camping from June through August.
Noise considerations: aircraft traffic: Several campgrounds experience air traffic noise. "This is a nice little spot but there's two drawbacks; The campground lies just at the end of a small plane airport so there's almost constant noise," reports Scott T. about Matanuska River Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: recreation areas: Big Bear Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "The park had helpful and friendly staff, clean bathrooms, a nice laundry facility, and even a playground with a communal pavilion for people to gather round together," writes Courtney H. The campground includes fire pits and full hookup sites with grassy areas.
Swimming spots: lake access: Finger Lake provides swimming opportunities during summer months. "We didn't have a reservation but there are a number of first come first served sites. I would try to show up closer to noon after people are leaving those sites," advises Erik J., noting that non-reserved sites fill by 3 p.m.
Winter alternatives: snow activities: Hatcher Pass offers winter camping for adventurous families. "This is a great place to build a snow cave or do some winter camping. It gets cold so dress warm in the -20--40 range," advises Brad B., adding that the area offers excellent snowboarding opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: size considerations: King Mountain State Rec Area works best for smaller rigs. "We have a 18ft travel trailer and getting around was easy," shares Makayla O. However, another reviewer cautions, "We have a 28-foot camper. There were only about three spots worth a darn that would have fit us."
Hookup options: electrical access: The Springer RV Park provides full hookups with strategically placed utilities. "We were assigned one of their longer pull-throughs, as we could center our rig on the pad for the utilities—well-placed near the middle—while still dropping our patio and parking our truck on either side," notes MickandKarla W.
Satellite connectivity: tree coverage: Kings River camping areas vary in satellite reception potential. "Most of these would offer excellent Starlink and solar. On the northwesterly side are a half dozen sites mixed among the trees... Heavy trees mean little solar and obstructed Starlink," explains RVandJeepLife, helping RVers choose sites based on their connectivity needs.
