The best campgrounds near Chickaloon, Alaska with hiking

In Chickaloon, hiking is the main event. You’ll find over 100 campsites built for trekkers—think spots tucked near trailheads, river bends, and spruce forests. The average night runs $95, but you can score sites for as little as $20. Campfires are allowed, pets are welcome, and showers come standard at many sites. After a day on the trails, watch for moose or try a late dip in the river. Top picks include Pinochle Trail Campground (144 reviews), Lulu's Glamping on the Knik River (33 reviews), and Stump Creek B&B (33 reviews). snow sports and wildlife-watching round out the action, if you want more than just hiking boots and switchbacks.

90% (251)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Chickaloon, hiking is the main event. You’ll find over 100 campsites built for trekkers—think spots tucked near trailheads, river bends, and spruce forests. The average night runs $95, but you can score sites for as little as $20. Campfires are allowed, pets are welcome, and showers come standard at many sites. After a day on the trails, watch for moose or try a late dip in the river. Top picks include Pinochle Trail Campground (144 reviews), Lulu's Glamping on the Knik River (33 reviews), and Stump Creek B&B (33 reviews). snow sports and wildlife-watching round out the action, if you want more than just hiking boots and switchbacks.

90% (251)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Stump Creek B&B

99%

(48)

43mi from Chickaloon · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Eureka Roadhouse, AK

The property at this location is very special to us because my grandfather homesteaded here in the 60s and it’s still in the family. This location was his and his wife’s main home of living where they made this homestead and rented cabins and had a little store to produce extra income to raise their family.

2. Lulu's Glamping on the Knik River

96%

(47)

34mi from Chickaloon · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Palmer, AK

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Located on the river's edge of the Knik River in Palmer, Alaska, our glamping tents offer a unique experience. Unplug, unwind and kickback in our Stout canvas style bell tents. Each tent is stylishly outfitted with a queen size bed, linens, rugs, stylish decor and other amenities. You also will have your own smokeless Solo Stove with seating for two outside your tent. Only 45 minutes north of Anchorage, our location boasts incredible views with access to all things outdoor! There are shared porta toilets with foot pump sinks with soap for hand washing on site. There is one on demand outdoor shower! We have an outdoor kitchen with a BBQ grill, pots, pans, dishes, silverware, salt, pepper and other items for guest use. Half of the property is an adult glamping experience. Half of the property allows children, as long as you understand that we are located right on the river and children should be supervised. Our property is the perfect basecamp with easy access to hiking for all abilities; Bodenburg Butte, Lazy Mountain, Pioneer Peek and Pioneer Falls. Located right on the Knik River we can help you plan a day of fishing, kayaking or riverboat touring. Other local activities include ATV rentals, glacier helicopter tours, exploring the town of Palmer, the Alaska State Fair, a trip to the Reindeer Farm, Independence Mine State Historical Park, the Musk Ox Farm, horseback riding, touring our breweries, enjoying the local golf course, sled dog tours and so much more! Although we love pets, in order to keep tents clean and odor fee, pets are not allowed without permission. No smoking 🚭 Check in 4pm Check out 11am We ask that shoes be removed before enter the tent.

3. Pinochle Trail Campground

95%

(254)

14mi from Chickaloon · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · Sutton, AK

Flat, gravel spaces at Pinochle Trailhead in Glacier View, Alaska. Great hiking, biking, ATV or snow machine on historic trail. Tents, trucks, cars, campers, RVs, dogsleds .... whatever you can fit is welcome. 8 spaces with tables and fire rings. There is also an "Open Camping Area" in back that larger groups may like. Although a number may be assigned at booking, just pick the best available camp space that works for you on arrivial. You'll need to bring your own water and keep a clean camp. Pinochle Trail goes north into the backcountry for around 12 miles and joins other trails. Pinochle trail is a section of the ancient Knik - Nelchina Trail used by natives, trappers, miners and hunters for eons. It traverses the natural route from the Matanuska Valley up and over the mountain range into Copper River country. Hicks was one of the early guides who had a cabin at Hicks Creek and served with U.S. Army Lieutenant Joseph Castner to brushwack a trail northwest for Captain Glenn in 1898. Described in his journal as at "Tale of Hardship and Suffering" they ended up eating their mules and shoes before reaching their goal far to the north. Today we use these trails with relative ease compared to the old timers but the scenery and mud holes remind us of what they went through.

4. Twin Peaks Sleeps

100%

(4)

40mi from Chickaloon · 13 sites · RVs · Chugiak, AK

Escape the hustle and bustle of crowded campgrounds and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Eklutna Valley at Twin Peaks Sleeps. With astounding mountain views, staying at TP Sleeps will take your breath away when you step out your door. Nestled on the north edge Anchorage, Alaska, our accommodations provide a perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Explore the stunning surroundings, play at Eklutna Lake and stay in quiet comfort at our 2 RV sites, large house or small apartment. Twin Peaks Sleeps are your gateway to a peaceful escape amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Eklutna Valley.

5. Clean Forest type camping

77%

(11)

51mi from Chickaloon · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · Wasilla, AK

Learn more about this land:Family friendly our campground is called houston grass station campground and is located right next to the alaska railroad watch it go by wile you camp see you here thanks

6. The Wilds

100%

(4)

35mi from Chickaloon · 3 sites · Lodging · Fishhook, AK

Our off-grid property is situated on 200 private acres of beautiful Alaskan land. We have five miles of trails right out your cabin door and beautiful views of the Susitna River throughout. The Talkeetna Mountains serve as an incredible backdrop to it all. We live on the property, as do our array of animals. We have a family of geese and chickens who will welcome you with open wings, as well as two dogs and three cats. We operate off of solar and generated power and while the cabins do have limited electricity, we ask that you We are located just 55 miles from the Anchorage Airport, 12 miles from downtown Palmer and 14 miles from downtown Wasilla. Best of all, were just 2.8 miles from Government Peak Recreation Area and 10 miles from Hatcher Pass, so if it's adventure you're looking for, you're in luck! If you’re looking for a fun day trip, we’re just an hour and a half from Talkeetna and 3.5 hours from Denali. We've named our property The Wilds because it is wild! A large portion of our land is protected by a conservation easement, so it can never be developed. We cherish that responsibility and are excited to share the rawness of this land with you!

Public campgrounds near Chickaloon

At the end of the trail and up the left mountain side is Gold Mint Hut. A perfect getaway!

100%

(2)

Gold Mint Trailhead

30mi from Chickaloon · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hatcher Pass Management Area

Government Peak Campground

33mi from Chickaloon · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hatcher Pass Management Area

You can camp at the campgrounds near the lake, but the mountain sheep herds at the top, plus this view...it's worth the effort to hike up.

100%

(2)

Eklutna Lake Campground

40mi from Chickaloon · 61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Chugach State Park

Stories from the community

F

Frederick

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Clean Forest type camping

Stayed two weeks without any issues at campsite, porta potty on site, dumpster, and picnic table.

Myriah

September 2025

7 nights at The Wilds

Everything was perfect... The hospitality, recommendations & responsiveness! I had the most wonderful time at The Wilds. It actually started to feel like home 🏡🍃❤️🏔 They have such a beautiful property! It's been one of my favorite places to stay through Airbnb, by far. Would highly recommend!

R

Rueben

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Pinochle Trail Campground

Love this place! It had a great view of the glacier. Cleanest outhouses I've ever been in.

R

Ray

August 2025

30 ft Class C

With pets

2 nights at Pinochle Trail Campground

Beautiful spot with a great view of the Matanuska glacier. The camping spots were flat and private. It was easy to maneuver the motorhome in and out. Fire pits are nice and they had dry firewood for sale. Great atv trails. Going back for sure.

R

Ray

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Pinochle Trail Campground

Great piece of Alaska’s beauty. We will be back next year. Very peaceful.

R

Ryan

August 2025

37 ft toy hauler

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pinochle Trail Campground

We met the new owners Rob and Iwona and had a great conversation with seeing what they have been doing there, and the plans they have. Last year was our first year camping there and enjoyed this trip we had this year. Highly recommended.

S

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pinochle Trail Campground

I visit this campground at least once per year. The owners have made some thoughtful changes and upgrades since I last camped there. There were more visitors this time than I have seen in the past, but the sites are laid out in a way that allows for privacy and pretending that we have the astounding view all to ourselves. The view of Matanuska Glacier from the campsite is incredible. Hosts are responsive, easygoing and seem to have thought of everything. And as always, this campground has the best outhouses in Alaska.

J

John

August 2025

35 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Pinochle Trail Campground

Nice clean and rustic. Great view, nice place to stop for the night.

z

zabdyel

August 2025

30 ft Class C

Group trip

1 night at Pinochle Trail Campground

Todo fue increíble, nuestra parte favorita fueron los baños muy limpios y bien equipados para todas necesidades :) aparte la vista está increíble

A

Alyson

August 2025

30 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pinochle Trail Campground

Amazing views and great location. This is one of our preferred campgrounds.

Rin

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Stump Creek B&B

This place is *spotless* - I didn’t see any micro trash. Bathrooms are sparkling. Shower is probably the cleanest camp shower I’ve ever seen (and the water is HOT, with fresh towels provided daily). My site has some mild road noise during the day but it was not bothersome at night at all. Firewood is inexpensive and easy to get from the shed. Host is very communicative. Definitely enjoyed my stay here.

D

Dorine

July 2025

25 ft Class C

Group trip

2 nights at Pinochle Trail Campground

One of the most beautiful and quiet campgrounds we visited in Alaska! Excellent view on the glacier. Outhouses are clean and well-kept. Recommended!

C

Celine

July 2025

30 ft fifth wheel

1 night at Pinochle Trail Campground

Nous avons été très bien accueilli et l’emplacement est parfait avec une vue sur les montagnes. WoW

W

Walter

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pinochle Trail Campground

Fantastic campground!! With beautiful views, and thoughtfully laid out + private sites.

Barron

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pinochle Trail Campground

Great views overlooking Matanuska Glacier! I’ll stay there again in the future.

m

mina

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Stump Creek B&B

Peaceful and well kept sites. Super clean outhouse and shower were so appreciated! Water was provided and WiFi worked great. I enjoyed my stay!

E

Ellika

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pinochle Trail Campground

The camping sites were well kept. A few spots had beautiful views of the glacier :) there was a little bit of road noise, but overall quiet clean place to camp

J

Jinypher

July 2025

20 ft Class A

4 nights at Clean Forest type camping

Was beautiful and clean and had a lot of fun! Would definitely come back! But if you are looking for something with WiFi they never provided that information, even after messaging the host directly.

R

Ron

July 2025

25 ft travel trailer

Group trip

2 nights at Pinochle Trail Campground

The surrounding area was absolutely beautiful. Great views from the campground. When we arrived, someone else had set up camp in our site. Iwona showed up immediately and took care of the problem. She found an alternative site for tent campers that were in our larger rv site. She was most apologetic but we only had a short wait. She checked on us several times and was a gem. I would highly recommend this campground, especially for a great place to stay if you’re attending the Glacier View car launch.

M

Marie

July 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Pinochle Trail Campground

We had a beautiful view of the glacier! Very friendly and accommodating hosts! Nice campsites. Outhouse very well maintained. Would recommend!