Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site

The feel

The campsites sit on a gravel loop road at Mile 101 of the Glenn Highway, one mile south of Long Rifle Lodge, and the glacier is in view from the parking lot. You wake to the Matanuska Glacier framed in your windshield. It is for looking only, since there is no ice access from the site.

The Edge Nature Trail starts at the rest area and takes about 20 minutes on foot through the forest to glacier viewing platforms. The glacier is the headwaters of the Matanuska River.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Campsites on a gravel loop road off Mile 101 of the Glenn Highway, with glacier-view platforms and a nature trail. There are 12 sites plus a cabin.

Check-in and stay

Camping is limited to 14 days.

Parking and rig size

Parking at the lot, with glacier viewing from it. RV sites are available.

Fees and reservations

$20 for an upper site, $25 for an RV site, and $7 a day for day-use parking. Campsites are first come, first served with no online reservations; cabin bookings go through Long Rifle Lodge at (907) 745-5151.

Hazards

No glacier access from the site.

Bathrooms and water

ADA toilets and a water pump on site.

Season and access

Open until winter snow and ice close it.

Mingo says

Come in summer or fall, while the gravel loop is clear of snow and ice. Treat the glacier as a view to enjoy from the platforms.

Before you go

• Bring your own firewood; none is provided.
• Call Long Rifle Lodge at (907) 745-5151 to book the cabin.
• Budget $20 for an upper site or $25 for an RV site.

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