Overview

Government Peak Picnic Area sits at Mile 11 of Hatcher Pass Road near Palmer, offering 8 wooded sites in Alaska’s Mat-Su Valley within the Government Peak Recreation Area. Managed by the Mat-Su Borough, it’s surrounded by spruce and alpine meadows, featuring vault toilets and fire rings for a quiet stay. This campground is a scenic base for campers looking to hike to Government Peak, explore the Hatcher Pass trails, or enjoy the mountain scenery, with Palmer’s charm nearby.

Location & Access

  • Location: Mile 11 Hatcher Pass Rd, near Palmer, Alaska.
  • Access: Reachable via gravel Hatcher Pass Road; it’s about a 1.5-hour drive north from Anchorage or 20 minutes from Palmer.
  • Seasonal Accessibility: Open May through September, depending on road conditions.

Campsite Details

  • Number of Sites: 8 sites, suitable for tents and smaller RVs.

Amenities & Facilities

  • Restrooms: Vault toilets available.
  • Water: No water provided—bring your own.
  • Additional Amenities: Each site includes a fire ring; a picnic area is adjacent.

Activities & Nearby Attractions

  • On-Site Activities: Hike to Government Peak or explore nearby trails, or enjoy a campfire with mountain views.
  • Nearby Attractions: Hatcher Pass offers the Independence Mine State Historical Park; Palmer, 20 minutes south, provides the Musk Ox Farm and local markets.

Getting There

Mile 11 Hatcher Pass Rd
AK 99645
Driving Directions

Government Peak Picnic Area