Montana Creek Gravel Bars (Parks Hwy)

The feel

This is free dispersed camping off the Parks Highway, on the gravel bars of Montana Creek near Talkeetna, where the creek meets the Susitna River. There are no facilities, so you pack everything in and out, and the gravel bars give you access to the water.

Montana Creek is one of the more productive clear-water tributaries to the Susitna, and Chinook, coho, pink and chum salmon use it for spawning, rearing and overwintering.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Dispersed camping on gravel bars along the creek, with river access.

Crowds and best time

Heavy angling in summer.

Fees and reservations

Free, first come.

Bathrooms and water

No facilities. Pack it in and out.

Season and access

May to September. The creek has both public and private access.

Mingo says

Fish for salmon only in the lower reaches, and save the upper creek for trophy rainbow trout. Plan on other anglers in summer, since the creek is a popular salmon and trout fishery.

Before you go

• Pack in everything you need, since there are no facilities, and pack it all out.
• For toilets and drinking water, use Montana Creek State Recreation Site at Mile 96.6 of the Parks Highway, which has 36 wooded sites, vault toilets and drinking water.
• Check the creek's fishing rules before you cast.

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