Mat-Su Under the Stars
Camping & RV Parks
Room with a view takes on a whole new meaning in The Mat-Su. Our campgrounds and RV parks are the primary gateways to the landscape, offering a chance to fall asleep to the rush of the Little Susitna River or wake up to the sun hitting the Matanuska Glacier. From bustling, family-friendly hubs to quiet, remote pullouts, camping here is an invitation to live in rhythm with the Alaskan wild.
Whether you are navigating the Parks Highway in a luxury motorhome or trekking into the high-alpine tundra with a backpack, our region provides a diverse range of facilities. You’ll find world-class RV resorts with full hookups and amenities as well as pristine, primitive sites in places like Denali State Park that offer nothing but silence and scenery.
Planning Your Stay
To help ensure your adventure is seamless, we recommend a safety-first approach to planning.
Reservations
During the peak summer season (June – August), popular spots like Byers Lake or Talkeetna fill up quickly. Book your site well in advance through Alaska State Parks or directly with our partners.
Permits
If your journey takes you into the backcountry, check with the Department of Natural Resources regarding land use permits for stays exceeding 14 days or for specific restricted areas.
Fees
Always carry a mix of payment methods and amounts. While many private parks accept cards, many public first-come, first-served sites may require exact cash for self-pay kiosks.
Food Storage
Always use bear-resistant containers or the lockers provided at many campgrounds. Never keep food, trash, or scented items inside your tent.
Respect Wildlife
Maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife. If an animal changes its behavior because of your presence, you are too close.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Alaska State Parks in the Mat-Su with camping facilities include Denali State Park and Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. There are also a number of smaller sites around the Mat-Su Valley that offer tent camping or spots for RVs without full hook-ups. For a complete list of Alaska State Parks facilities that offer camping, here is a handy PDF.
Absolutely! There are three public use cabins located at Byers Lake in Denali State Park; one at Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site and thirteen cabins at Nancy Lake State Recreation Area.
Public use cabins require advanced reservations, RV parks can take reservations, but most campgrounds fill up on a first come first served basis. A good rule of thumb is if making reservations is an option, do so. For details and online reservations, click here.
Services vary across RV campgrounds in The Mat-Su, but you’ll find several beautiful locations with popular amenities like pull-through campsites with plumbed water and electricity. Browse our RV park and campground listings above for more details on recommended locations.
Generally, pets are welcome in Mat-Su Valley campgrounds but must be kept on a leash.
If you’re hoping to witness the magical Northern Lights, late August into October is the ideal date range to camp in The Mat-Su. Warmer clothing and camping gear is important at that time of year.
Though you may find one or two primitive camp sites along the highway near the Matanuska Glacier, your best bet is to reserve an awesome glamping experience there!
Yes, camping is available in Hatcher Pass, offering both developed campgrounds like Government Peak Campground and extensive backcountry camping opportunities. Several backpacking routes have perfectly situated mountain huts in their network.
Near Talkeetna, excellent camping options include Byers Lake Campground in Denali State Park, known for its scenic views. Another popular choice is Talkeetna RV & Boat Launch, conveniently close to town.
BUILD YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Our multi-day itineraries are filled with helpful suggestions as you sculpt your own Alaska journey. If you’re staying in nearby Anchorage, check out our day-trip ideas.
