The best camping in Willow Creek State Recreation Area, AK

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Discover the scenic beauty of Willow Creek State Recreation Area.  

The best camping near Willow Creek State Recreation Area, AK

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Lulu's Glamping on the Knik River

3. Lulu's Glamping on the Knik River

96%
(47)
39mi from Willow Creek State Recreation Area · 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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
The Farmhouse atTaiga Tooth

4. The Farmhouse atTaiga Tooth

83%
(3)
37mi from Willow Creek State Recreation Area · 10 sites · Lodging · Talkeetna, AK
TALKEETNA, ALASKA Overlooking Christiansen Lake. 7K (4.4 miles) from Talkeetna shops and dining. Upstairs suite with spacious balcony. This room contains a king bed. The private bath boasts large glass shower stall and deep bathtub. His n hers vanity. Walk in closet. Ground floor; large suite with private entrance onto porch and fields. There is one queen bed. Private bath with shower. The sitting room has a glass front wood burning stove for a cosy evening by the fire. Either suite is accessed from the main floor. On this floor, the kitchen, sitting room, dining area and balcony are available to our guests 24/7. Parking is available by the entrance. We also have two primitive cabins. Wood stoves. No plumbing. Guests must come fully equipped. We also have a one bedroom cabin, with all services. All cabins have adjacent parking. Two cabins have pull thru parking for pickup/trailer combinations. Our semi remote properties have camping options available in season. Adults only, preferred. No pets. We have dogs and farm animals on the property. Our shorefront and small float serve for swimming, fishing, or launching a canoe. Fly in guests may tie up at the float. Christiansen’s crystal clear waters provide wonderful fishing for rainbow and steelhead all summer, and through the ice in winter. Additional fishing, swimming and hiking is just down the road at our chain of lakes park - a good place for birding and berry picking. Cross country skiing possibilities are endless in winter. There are many back country trails, promising a true wilderness experience to off roaders whether on foot, on a bike, or atv. Unlimited camping is pemitted backpackers on Alaska State Lands. In season, guests may also reserve walk in camping on our semi remote properties. Tents, camp supplies and firewood may be set up for your adventure. Always be aware of fire danger. All fire danger warnings and restrictions are posted regularly and are mandatory!
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$44
 / night
Darell B.’s Magical Mountain

8. Darell B.’s Magical Mountain

100%
(15)
43mi from Willow Creek State Recreation Area · 3 sites · Lodging · 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.
Pets
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from 
$130
 / night
Camp DeVo

9. Camp DeVo

100%
(11)
15mi from Willow Creek State Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · Houston, AK
This camp is your own private, secluded 6-acre getaway on the Little Susitna River, featuring over 800 feet of river frontage. Pull in, shut and lock the gate, and enjoy a peaceful slice of Alaskan paradise all to yourself—no neighbors, just pure privacy and nature. Amenities include: • Fire pit with firewood provided • Covered gazebo • Tables, benches, and a kitchen table • Private outhouse (please bring your own toilet paper) • Private boat launch • ATV/walking trails throughout the property (Please don't ride off trail. This is for cruising around only and not meant to be ridden hard and torn up.) • Horseshoe pit • Plenty of parking and camping areas for tents, RVs, or trailers Good to Know: You may occasionally see floaters passing by on the Little Su — it’s a popular float route. If you're planning to float yourself, you can drop off an extra vehicle at the Parks Highway bridge where it crosses the Little Susitna River near the confluence. Nearby Lakes - • Bear Paw Lake (1 mile away) is non-motorized and perfect for paddle boards, kayaks, or relaxing on a raft. • Prator Lake (2 miles away) is motorized and great for smaller boats or jet skis. Please Note: There are no trash cans on site—please pack out everything you bring in and leave the space clean for the next guest to enjoy. 🐾 Pet Policy Dogs are welcome, but please clean up after your pets and pack out their waste. Help us keep Camp DeVo clean, safe, and enjoyable for the next guests.
Pets
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from 
$125
 / night
Alaskan wilderness campsite

10. Alaskan wilderness campsite

100%
(10)
17mi from Willow Creek State Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent · Big Lake, AK
This 5 acre parcel started off as raw land cover in downed spruce. The hosts have cleared and continue to clear, establishing easy to walk on trails to get from point a to point b so you can explore:) every year adding more edible vegetation with the hopes of a full blown food forest in the near future. Learn more about this land: Welcome to our Alaskan getaway! Come pitch a tent and enjoy the midnight sunsets and sunrises with a beautiful backdrop of the Alaskan sky. Our ideal location by the lake allows for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. We have seasonal gardens that you can pick fresh produce from - check with the host for seasonal vegetation. Feed the birds, get dirt under your fingernails, sleep in a tent, drive to the mountains (about an hour away!) and take a hike. . Enjoy Alaska, that's what this getaway is all about - we look forward to your stay! You cannot drive to the tent sites it’s park and walk but they aren’t far, 500ft at most. There’s no water on site but we can grab you a few gallons if you need. You will need to have contact with the host before coming as the neighborhood is gated!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Little Bear Wilderness Retreat

11. Little Bear Wilderness Retreat

100%
(10)
16mi from Willow Creek State Recreation Area · 2 sites · Lodging · Talkeetna, AK
Here at Little Bear Cabins 30 minutes from Talkeetna, Alaska and Willow youll find a working off grid homestead with privacy and nature everywhere. Offering guided Alaskan plant walks and more! Private cabins with a wandering creek to explore with kayaks or skis as well as bikes all included ! Late fall its filled with salmon and trout. World class fly fishing all around you! Winter time the Northern lights will dance over you! With many trails to wander along and a bridge to view or swim. Summer or winter .. The birds here are like no other located in the migrating route of the predatory birds. You'll find nests all along the creek of rare birds.. Each cabin is private and has a firepit fridge and potable water provided . There are groomed ski trails and walking trails for guests with kayaks and bike to use during your stay .I offer guided walks of the garden and In the forest to learn about the edible and medicinal plants of Alaska. You will find stillness and nature all around you..
Pets
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from 
$77
 / night
The Wilds

12. The Wilds

100%
(4)
27mi from Willow Creek State Recreation Area · 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!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$95
 / night
Mooseberry Cabins

13. Mooseberry Cabins

100%
(1)
6.8mi from Willow Creek State Recreation Area · 7 sites · RVs, Lodging · Willow, AK
With plenty of peace and quiet to relax we offer you a private lakefront Property with 5 RV spots and 2 cabins located only 5 miles from Hatcher pass, 66 miles to Anchorage, 35 miles to Wasilla, 2 hours from Denali Park. . with fishing, right out your front door on our private dock camping cant get much better. We offer water and electric hookups, an outhouse Alaskan style, WIFI throughout the property and so much more. Amenities Back-in RV Sites Fire Pit Pet Friendly Pets Allowed Picnic Table Water Hookups Rules ATVs No ATV's etc on our property. You can drive them on the road etc but not off roading on the property. Marsh The marsh is a home for wild life please dont disturb Pets Pets need to be leashed at all times. We have quite a bit of wildlife here from birds to rabbits and don't like them chased. Plese also always clean up after your pet. wild life please no not bother the wild life, Loons, Cranes, etc...they are here to live, nest and raise their young.... Boulders and Stones Please do not throe boulder's or stones into the lake. 1 you'll bother the lake live 2. we paid lots of money to bring it in to make this a nice place. Private Dock Our private dock is for fishing and loading and unloading of boats only. Its not a play place for kids. Quiet Time Quiet time is from 10PM til 8 AM No Dogs barking, Kids running and playing loud Siting on fire having adult conversations not bothering neighbors is acceptable Guest If you have any guest, they need to leave the facility by 8 pm. Guests are not allowed to stay the night. Kids Kids and pets cannot be left unattended kids must be accompanying by an adult at all times.
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$55
 / night
HiJo's Alaska Riverside Retreat

18. HiJo's Alaska Riverside Retreat

16mi from Willow Creek State Recreation Area · 4 sites · RVs · Houston, AK
👀- You must be at least 21 years or older and no children allowed. 👀- Smoking is allowed in the designated smoking areas 👀- This is a very quiet residential neighborhood, no partying or loud music.👀- Respect others If you've read this far, continue reading👌 Pack your Kayak, canoes, paddle boards! Hey there! Check out our cozy 1.0-acre property right on the banks of the Little Susitna River in Houston, Alaska. We have 3 dry camping pads, perfect for campervans, Class B RVs, truck campers, and small Class C. If you are passing through on the Parks Highway and need a place for the night, (If you are traveling in a Group please call us ahead of time we might have some space), on your way to Denali or Fairbanks, this is your spot! We are conveniently located just 2 miles off the Parks Highway, In Houston, Alaska, Home of the World Famous Millers Ice Cream. Anchorage 70 miles Wasilla- 20 miles Big Lake 9 miles Willow 18 miles Hatchers Pass (Willow Side, Summit Lake State Recreation Site ) 40 Miles Talkeetna 60 Miles Denali National Park 190 miles Fairbanks 300 miles The property is seriously charming and comfortable, with, 2 fire ring areas. It really gives you the best of both worlds - the peaceful tranquility of a rural setting, but with the convenience of nearby towns. We even have free mosquitoes for everyone (mosquito repellent not included, but mosquito magnet is on site, just FYI). Bring your Own Kayaks, this is a perfect place for an easy 1-3 hour float, with a kayaks, paddle Boards, inflatable boats. or canoe (take out near Miller’s Market – Ice Cream). We can arrange pickup for a small fee. Air Compressor for airing up your gear if needed. We’d love to share our little piece of Alaska with you today!
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$36
 / night

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The best camping in Willow Creek State Recreation Area, AK guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at Willow Creek State Recreation Area, where the great Alaskan wilderness beckons. With 3,583 acres of pristine landscapes, this park offers a plethora of activities including camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Set up camp at one of the 140 campsites and immerse yourself in nature's splendor, with no RV size limit and a range of camping durations to suit your travel plans.

Notable campgrounds

  • Willow Creek Campground - A favorite among anglers and families for its proximity to fishing spots and spacious sites.
  • River's Edge Campground - Perfect for those seeking the sounds of flowing water and serene views.
  • Lakeside Retreat - Ideal for campers who enjoy water activities and picturesque sunsets over the lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak summer months, to ensure your spot amid the wilderness.
  • Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Check for cancellations regularly as plans change and spots may open up unexpectedly.
  • Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of securing a reservation.

When to go

The best time to visit Willow Creek State Recreation Area is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, for those seeking solitude and a chance to witness the northern lights, late fall and early spring offer a unique experience, albeit with cooler temperatures.

Know before you go

  • Always check the park's website for the latest information on campground open status and trail conditions.
  • Remember that wildlife is abundant; store food securely and maintain a safe distance from animals.
  • Accessibility is a priority, with ADA facilities available for those with disabilities.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack accordingly for your outdoor adventures.
  • Respect the natural habitat by not disturbing beaver dams and lodges, crucial for the ecosystem.
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