Kings River Bridge Pullout (Glenn Hwy)
Palmer
The feel
This is informal, free camping on the gravel bars on both sides of Kings River, near the bridge and close to King Mountain. There are no numbered sites, and some spots have rock fire rings. The river runs swiftly right beside you.
Highway and bridge traffic is loud during the day and quiet at night. Weekend ATV traffic is common because the area connects to a trail system.
What to expect
- Layout and setting
- Dispersed camping on gravel bars on both sides of Kings River, with no numbered sites and some rock fire rings.
- Check-in and stay
- First come, first served.
- Crowds and best time
- Daytime highway and bridge noise, quiet nights, and ATV traffic on weekends.
- Parking and rig size
- A gravel area just off the highway. Northbound, the turn-in is on the right just before the bridge. Rigs from 28 ft to 40 ft have parked here; the ground is rocky but passable at slow speeds.
- Fees and reservations
- Free. No reservations.
- Hazards
- The river runs swiftly, and a flash flood forecast has been noted here.
- Cell signal
- Verizon 4G and AT&T 4G both reach the site, with GCI also noted, at 2 to 4 bars or LTE.
- Bathrooms and water
- No facilities. Pack it in and out.
- Season and access
- May to September.
Mingo says
Camp from May through September, once you have confirmed the pullout is open. Aim for a weeknight if you want less ATV traffic, since it is common on weekends.
Before you go
- Confirm the area is open before you drive out.
- Scout the dirt access first; the ground is rocky.
- Bring your own water and a way to pack out all trash, since there are no facilities.
Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.
Today
Getting there
- Season
- May-Sep
- Fee
- Free
- Sites
- Dispersed
- Amenities
- No facilities, pack it in/out; gravel bar river access
- Booking
- First-come
- Drive from Anchorage
- 50 min to Palmer
- Drive from Fairbanks
- Full day, 5h58 to Palmer
- Elevation
- 2580 ft
Part of Mat-Su Valley.