Best Campgrounds near Palmer, AK

Palmer is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Palmer is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Palmer and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Palmer, Alaska (84)

    1. Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park

    39 Reviews
    Chugiak, AK
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 345-5014

    $5 - $100 / night

    "Water is available at spigots located throughout the campground loop."

    "Trails to hike or play on the lake! This campground is situated with access to Eklunta Lake and boy is that perfect. Tons of campsites to choose from both double, single and handicapped."

    2. Matanuska River Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Palmer, AK
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (907) 861-8578

    $30 / night

    "This is a wonderful campground in the town of Palmer. We have a 26’ travel trailer and are connected to 30 amp electrical. Sites have plenty of trees and grass."

    "Saw a few with overlapping awnings

    72 is a great site, our 30 ft 5er and f250 fitted in fine, but some caution needs to be exercised when driving. Trees made Starlink coverage a bit spotty."

    3. Finger Lake State Recreation Site Campground

    9 Reviews
    Palmer, AK
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 745-3975

    $25 - $100 / night

    "Only down side is that there is a lot of private property around the lake so one would need to be aware of docking kayak/boat to go off trail hiking."

    "The lake is just a short walk from the campgrounds and has a nice spot to fish from the shore with little ones. we went on a non-holiday weekend and it was nice and peaceful."

    4. Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground

    8 Reviews
    Palmer, AK
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 745-6120

    "Friendly people, cute and quaint place, beautiful views of the lake, safe atmosphere, warm showers, right next to a state park. Definitely recommend!"

    "A bit wide open and highway noise but on lake with laundry, showers, full hookups, firewood for sale, restaurant, matanuska lake access, long term parking too. Some sites have gorgeous lake views."

    5. Anchorage N KOA Journey

    6 Reviews
    Wasilla, AK
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 745-7445

    "Favorite place we stayed at out of all locations on our trip. Cleanliest, coziest, well-taken care of place. Bathrooms and showers were 10/10."

    "There was a bit of road noise from the nearby highway but our family wasn't bothered at all by it as we are used to living on a base with lots of jet noise."

    6. Hatcher Pass Backcountry Sites

    6 Reviews
    Palmer, AK
    10 miles
    Website

    "Harchers pass is a very remote area with camping opportunities along the route from Palmer Alaska to the road to Denali. There are no amenities and few people in tge area."

    "Explore mountains, glaciers and rivers and some of the most beautiful backcountry the state of Alaska has to offer"

    7. Kepler Bradley Lake

    3 Reviews
    Palmer, AK
    4 miles
    Website

    "Vrey nice facility, clean, shallow lake great for kayaking swimming and fishing. Downside is that you cannot use this lake without paying, even if you walk in."

    "We rented a canoe and fished on the lake. The kids also went swimming on a super hot day with life vests available to borrow."

    8. Jim Creek Recreational Campground

    3 Reviews
    Palmer, AK
    6 miles
    Website

    "This campground is on the edge of an ATV playground. With 26 campsites that are mostly pull through‘s there’s plenty of room for RVs pulling a TV trailers."

    "New campground adjacent to Jim Creek ATV parking lot. Nice long, flat RV sites with great fire pits and picnic tables. $17 a night for Boondocking only; there are no sites with amenities."

    9. Lake Lucile Campground

    6 Reviews
    Wasilla, AK
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 373-9010

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Minutes away from the amenities of a small city. Not much privacy between spots but there are some trees. There’s a lake with some small walking trails which are nice in the morning."

    "Great all around, Great Lake. Good trees."

    10. Eagle River Campground — Chugach State Park

    33 Reviews
    Eagle River, AK
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 694-7982

    "Multiple trails travel along the campground and the river. Beautiful Alaskan experience right next to Alaska's largest city."

    "Bring your fishing pole as you're close to the river. Enjoy what Alaska has to offer!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 84 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Palmer, AK

324 Reviews of 84 Palmer Campgrounds



Guide to Palmer

Camping near Palmer, Alaska, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax in nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Eklutna - Chugach State Park. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiking on the Twin Peak trailhead is just around the corner," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing: The lakes in the area are perfect for fishing. A camper at South Rolly Lake Campground said, "The campground is great if you like fishing or canoeing."
  • Canoeing: If you enjoy paddling, check out Finger Lake State Rec Area. One visitor noted, "7 miles of canoe trails, a swimming beach, and nice campsites make this a weekend getaway!"

What campers like

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for King Mountain State Rec Area highlights, "This is a very nice and quiet campground with amazing views."
  • Wildlife: Many campers appreciate the chance to see local wildlife. One camper at Eagle River Campground - Chugach State Park mentioned, "We also had a moose and calf hanging around."
  • Clean facilities: Clean bathrooms are a big plus. A visitor at Matanuska River Park Campground said, "The toilets are clean but smell awful," indicating that while they may not be perfect, they are maintained.

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Nancy Lake State Recreation Site, lack drinking water and electric hookups. A camper noted, "This is not a motorized sport lake... you can paddle out without worrying about other people's wakes."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A review for Centennial Camper Park mentioned, "The mosquito problem... proper maintenance is a necessity."
  • First-come, first-served sites: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at Finger Lake State Rec Area advised, "I would try to show up closer to noon after people are leaving those sites."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with easy access to water and trails. One parent at South Rolly Lake Campground said, "If you have kids, bring their bikes!"
  • Safety: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Nancy Lake State Recreation Site mentioned, "This is a great spot to take your younger kids to teach them the basics."
  • Pack snacks: Having food on hand can make outings easier. A visitor at Eagle River Campground - Chugach State Park enjoyed a local ice cream shop nearby, perfect for a treat after a day of exploring.

Tips from RVers

  • Space considerations: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A reviewer at Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground noted, "The only bad we could think of was spots are close together."
  • Check for hookups: Make sure to confirm if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Matanuska River Park Campground mentioned, "There are also some sites with electricity."
  • Plan for trash disposal: Some campgrounds require you to take your trash to a designated area. A visitor at Eagle River Campground - Chugach State Park found the dumpster location a bit inconvenient.

Camping near Palmer, Alaska, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for families and outdoor lovers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Palmer, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, Palmer, AK offers a wide range of camping options, with 84 campgrounds and RV parks near Palmer, AK and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Palmer, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Palmer, AK is Eklutna Lake Campground — Chugach State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 39 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Palmer, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Palmer, AK.

What parks are near Palmer, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Palmer, AK that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.