Back to camping

Government Peak Recreation Area

Palmer

The feel

This is a small campground along the Little Su River, a cascading mountain creek in the Hatcher Pass foothills. Eight campsites take tents or small RVs, and there are picnic sites for day use.

Trails web out from the camp into the alpine, so it works as a base for walking up toward the high country. The camp is open in summer only.

What to expect

Layout and setting
Eight campsites for tents or small RVs along the Little Su River at Mile 11 Hatchers Pass Road, with picnic sites and a picnic pavilion.
Parking and rig size
Small RVs fit; a daily parking fee applies.
Fees and reservations
Camping is $15/night, and a daily parking fee also applies. Sites are first come, first served with no online reservations.
Bathrooms and water
Vault toilets are on site. There is no potable water, so bring your own drinking water.
Season and access
Open in summer, June to September, weather permitting. From the Glenn Highway at Milepost 49.5, go north on Palmer-Fishhook Road toward Hatcher Pass; the campground is 13.7 miles on the right.

Mingo says

Plan your stay for June through September, weather permitting. Winter trips need another plan.

Before you go

  • Bring your own firewood, since none is provided.
  • Carry drinking water, because the camp has none.
  • Call (907) 861-8578 with questions before you drive up.
  • From the George Parks Highway at Milepost 36.1, take Trunk Road to Palmer-Fishhook Road and turn left toward Hatcher Pass.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.

Today

Getting there

Phone
(907) 861-8578
Season
Jun-Sep, weather permitting
Fee
$15/night
Sites
11
Amenities
Vault toilets, water, trailheads, picnic pavilion
Booking
Reservable online
Drive from Anchorage
50 min to Palmer
Drive from Fairbanks
Full day, 5h58 to Palmer
Elevation
2160 ft
Open in Maps ↗

Part of Mat-Su Valley.

What it is like

Aurora outlook for Palmer

Nearby

Sources