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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
Open in Maps ↗

Part of Mat-Su Valley.

What it is like

Aurora outlook for Palmer

Nearby

Sources