Best Camping in and near Bettles Bay State Marine Park

Discover Bettles Bay State Marine Park's natural splendor.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Bettles Bay State Marine Park

Bettles Bay Campground

3 sites In Bettles Bay State Marine Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Bettles Bay State Marine Park

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Lulu's Glamping on the Knik River

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · 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.

Booked 3 times

Historic Wharfsite at Sunrise AK

10 sites · Tents10 acres · Sunrise, AK

Learn more about this land: Sixmile Creek empties into Turnagain Arm next to this picturesque area. River rafting and fishing is nearby as well as the goldrush town of Hope just eight miles away. High tides twice a day can turn this into an island if they are over 29 feet. This property is about a half mile walk down a gold-rush era road to the wharf site of the gold rush town of Sunrise City. The buildings and tents of the approximately 10,000 miners who lived in this area are long gone. But the scenic views, peacefulness and quiet of this rugged area of south central Alaska are not soon forgotten. There are no paved trails or boardwalks. No crowds or hot dog vendors. Imagine fishing without crowds--catching pink and silver salmon or trout with awesome views of the Chugach National Forest. Don't expect amenities. This is camping outdoors in Alaska. There is a communal firepit with a portable firepit and grill that can be moved to whereever you set up your tent. Usually your group will be alone on your adventure here. There is nothing like this location anywhere else along Turnagain Arm.

Booked 1 time

BlueWater BaseCamp: Deluxe Cabins

8 sites · Lodging5 acres · Chugiak, AK

Welcome to BlueWater BaseCamp! BlueWater BaseCamp is a haven for those who seek solace and rejuvenation in nature without venturing far from the city. Nestled in the scenic Eklutna Valley, BWBC is a boutique hotel and event venue catering to independent travelers, locals, groups of up to 22 people, and events with up to 75 attendees. Accommodations: Our Deluxe Micro Cabins offer an intimate Alaskan experience, perfectly suited for two. Each cabin features a cozy living room with a petite couch, chair, and Murphy table. The kitchenette is fully equipped with silverware, pots and pans, culinary tools, basic spices, Keurig coffee maker, stove top, microwave, and mini fridge. The bathrooms include shower, toilet, sink and some have soaking tubs. The bedrooms boast queen beds with closet space and some cabins have a loft for unwinding with a good book. For those seeking a soaking tub experience, Ranger's Roost and Bashful Peak Cabins have the added luxury of a relaxing tub. Our larger cabins, designed for groups of 4-5, offer a fully handicap-accessible first floor. The spacious cabins feature a full kitchen equipped with a mid-sized fridge, stove, oven, microwave, and a dining table for 4. The bathroom is generously sized, featuring a roll-in, zero-threshold shower, roll-under sink, and appropriately placed grab bars around the shower and toilet. The main floor bedroom hosts a queen-size bed with a 4′ turning radius, while the upstairs area provides two twin beds or a queen bed for the rest of your party. An additional pullout couch is available if needed. Immersed in the tranquility of the surrounding woods, our deluxe cabins serve as the perfect retreat to rest, rejuvenate, and explore the Eklutna Valley and beyond. Book Now to reserve your private getaway!

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Hunter Creek Alluvial Fan Glamping

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Palmer, AK

Situated in the upper end of the Knik river valley. Our 10 acre property is located where Hunter Creek flows into the Knik. Surrounded by 360 degree views of 6000 + foot mountains in the Chugach Range. We are next door to the Knik Glacier tours and the face of Knik Glacier is a mere 8 miles from our house. Trails, boating, and tours abound all within a 20 minute drive from the property.

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Darell B.’s Magical Mountain

3 sites · Lodging3 acres · Anchorage, AK

Sleepy Bear cabin was built as a retreat for my father here in Alaska. Our 1st year listed on Hipcamp our cabin came in second in best places to stay in Alaska with Hipcamp. The last 2 years we were still mentioned in the top 10 with some pretty stiff competition. Eagle River South Fork trail with stunning views of Eagle and Symphony lakes is a short bike ride away. Breathtaking Barbara Falls is in our valley 10mins away. You hike up to the falls and feels its breath. Our Mountain views at 2000' elevation in the alpine forest with the 7000' snow covered peaks at the back of the valley will awe you. Morning coffee on your private deck alone is worth the trip. We know you will love our little mountain get away. I came to Alaska in the 90's with the Coast Guard. It was always my dream to come back. Alaska has a hold on you no other place possesses. Since our move back almost 6 years ago, our family has blossomed. We love living here and want to share our love of Alaska with others.

BRIDGE CABIN at Bear Creek Lodge

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Hope, AK

Welcome to The Bridge Cabin, a charming dry cabin nestled on two private acres in the historic town of Hope, Alaska. Part of the Bear Creek Lodge community, this cabin offers a serene and secluded retreat surrounded by natural beauty. The cabin itself is one of eight individual cabins within the Bear Creek Lodge property. It provides a cozy and rustic atmosphere, perfect for immersing yourself in the peaceful ambiance of the Alaskan wilderness. While the cabin does not have plumbing or electricity, there is convenient access to an old outhouse nearby. For added comfort and convenience, guests of The Bridge Cabin have access to modern indoor facilities located across Bear Creek at the main lodge. Here, you'll find shared showers, toilets, and sinks, ensuring that you can freshen up after a day of outdoor adventures. During your stay, be sure to explore the nearby amenities, including a coffee shop at the lodge and the Dirty Skillet evening dinner house. Whether you're seeking outdoor activities or simply want to relax and unwind in a tranquil setting, The Bridge Cabin offers the perfect retreat in scenic Hope, Alaska.

The best camping near Bettles Bay State Marine Park guide

Overview

About

Diverse landscapes, breathtaking views, and historic sites? Yes, please! Bettles Bay State Marine Park has excellent anchorage. The entrance into the lagoon is northeast of the island and may be difficult for deep draft vessels, like sailboats, to navigate. Visitors can hike through uplands of old growth forest and muskegs, and check out the alders in avalanche chutes. You’ll be rewarded with awesome views of scenic Bettles Glacier, so bring your camera! There are a few options for camping, though many flood on high tide cycles, so choose wisely. Many species of waterfowl nest in the marshlands south of the park—be careful not to disturb the birds, but feel free to view the area. There is also an old stamp press and goldmine southeast of the park. Jackpot!

When to go

The ideal time to visit Bettles Bay State Marine Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. Conversely, winter can be harsh, with limited access and services, making it less suitable for visits.

Know before you go

Check weather conditions and park alerts before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Be prepared for wildlife encounters by keeping a safe distance and storing food securely.
Access to certain areas may be seasonal, so verify open trails and facilities ahead of time.
Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the park's pristine condition.
For those seeking to extend their stay, explore nearby camping options for additional overnight possibilities.