42mi from Hatcher Pass Management Area · 15 sites · Tents, RVsEscape to Glacier View, Alaska, and experience the rustic charm of Pinochle Trail Campground, with breathtaking views of the Matanuska Glacier. The campsites feature flat gravel pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Our cabins provide direct access to hiking and riding trails. Amenities include a coffee counter, comfortable foam mattresses, electricity, a heater, a Keurig coffee maker, and a hot water kettle. Please bring your own drinking water. A 250-gallon water tank is available for campfire use. Outhouses are located near each cabin and throughout the campground.
There are 23 flat, gravel sites situated directly across Pinochle Trailhead in Glacier View, Alaska. Perfect for hiking, biking, ATV riding, or snowmobiling on historic trails. Tents, trucks, cars, campers, RVs, dogsleds—whatever fits is welcome.
We offer sites with tables and fire rings. Additionally, there's an "Open Camping Area" at the back, suitable for larger groups. While a site may be assigned at booking, simply choose the best available spot that works for you upon arrival. Except for the 4th of July, when the site will be assigned upon your arrival. Please bring your own water and keep your camp tidy. Follow simple and common camping rules.
Pinochle Trail extends north into the backcountry for about 12 miles, connecting with other trails.
Pinochle Trail is part of the historic Knik - Nelchina Trail, used by natives, trappers, miners, and hunters for centuries. It follows the natural route from the Matanuska Valley over the mountain range into Copper River country.
Hicks was one of the early guides who had a cabin at Hicks Creek. Along with U.S. Army Lieutenant Joseph Castner, he helped blaze a trail northwest for Captain Glenn in 1898. Described in his journal as a "Tale of Hardship and Suffering," they ended up eating their mules and shoes before reaching their distant goal to the north. Today, we use these trails with relative ease compared to the early explorers, but the scenery and mud holes still remind us of what they endured.