Overview
King Mountain State Recreation Site is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, offering breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Located near the town of Sutton, this campground is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by towering mountains, rolling hills, and pristine lakes. What makes this campground special is its unique blend of rugged wilderness and accessibility, making it an ideal destination for both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and families. The setting is characterized by vast expanses of open tundra, dotted with wildflowers, and framed by the majestic King Mountain, which rises over 4,000 feet above the valley floor.
The unique features of King Mountain State Recreation Site include its stunning vistas, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to numerous hiking trails, lakes, and rivers. The campground is also a great base for exploring the surrounding wilderness, with many nearby attractions, including the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, the Chugach Mountains, and the Glenn Highway. Whether you’re looking to hike, fish, boat, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery, King Mountain State Recreation Site has something for everyone.
Location & Directions
King Mountain State Recreation Site is located at GPS coordinates 61.7233° N, 148.8833° W, near mile marker 61 on the Glenn Highway. To get to the campground from Anchorage, take the Glenn Highway north for approximately 60 miles, then turn left onto King Mountain Road. The road is paved and well-maintained, but be aware that it can be narrow and winding in some areas. The driving distance from Anchorage is approximately 70 miles, and the drive should take around 1-2 hours, depending on road conditions.
From the town of Sutton, take the Glenn Highway south for approximately 10 miles, then turn right onto King Mountain Road. The campground is located at the end of the road, approximately 2 miles from the highway. Be sure to check the road conditions before heading out, as the Glenn Highway can be closed due to snow and ice during the winter months.
Campground Details
King Mountain State Recreation Site has a total of 25 campsites, including 15 RV sites, 5 tent sites, and 5 walk-in sites. The RV sites can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet in length, and some sites have electric hookups. The current fees for camping are $20 per night for RV sites, $15 per night for tent sites, and $10 per night for walk-in sites. Reservations can be made through reserveamerica.com, but be aware that some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The campground is open from May 15 to September 15, and the check-in time is 2 pm, while the check-out time is 12 pm. Be sure to check the campground’s website for up-to-date information on fees, reservations, and availability. The max RV length is 40 feet, and there are no dump stations or hookups for water or sewer.
- Number of sites: 25
- Site types: RV, tent, walk-in
- Hookups available: Electric
- Max RV length: 40 feet
- Fees: $20 per night (RV), $15 per night (tent), $10 per night (walk-in)
- Reservation info: reserveamerica.com or first-come, first-served
- Check-in/check-out times: 2 pm / 12 pm
- Season open dates: May 15 – September 15
Facilities & Amenities
King Mountain State Recreation Site has a range of facilities and amenities to make your camping trip comfortable and enjoyable. The campground has potable water available at the hand pump, as well as vault toilets and restrooms with flush toilets. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table, and there are bear boxes available for storing food and trash.
The campground also has a boat launch and a dock, making it easy to access the nearby lakes and rivers. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, and there is a dump station located near the entrance. The facilities and amenities include:
- Water: Potable water at hand pump
- Restrooms: Vault toilets and restrooms with flush toilets
- Fire rings: Available at each campsite
- Picnic tables: Available at each campsite
- Bear boxes: Available for storing food and trash
- Boat launch: Available for accessing nearby lakes and rivers
- Dump station: Located near the entrance
- Firewood: Available for purchase
Facility Hours
The facilities at King Mountain State Recreation Site are available from 8 am to 8 pm during the peak season. The campground host is available to answer questions and provide assistance during these hours.
Hiking & Activities Nearby
King Mountain State Recreation Site is surrounded by endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trails include the King Mountain Trail, which is a 4-mile round-trip hike with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trailhead is located near the campground, and the hike is considered moderate to difficult.
Other nearby trails include the Matanuska Peak Trail, which is a 6-mile round-trip hike with breathtaking views of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. The trailhead is located near the town of Sutton, and the hike is considered difficult. The Glenn Highway also offers numerous pull-outs and scenic viewpoints, making it easy to stop and take in the stunning scenery.
The nearby lakes and rivers offer excellent fishing opportunities, including trout, salmon, and grayling. The campground is also a great base for boating, with numerous launch sites and docks available. Berry picking is also a popular activity in the area, with numerous species of wild berries available, including blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries.
- King Mountain Trail: 4-mile round-trip hike with stunning views
- Matanuska Peak Trail: 6-mile round-trip hike with breathtaking views
- Fishing: Trout, salmon, grayling in nearby lakes and rivers
- Boating: Numerous launch sites and docks available
- Berry picking: Wild berries available, including blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries
Fishing Opportunities
King Mountain State Recreation Site is surrounded by numerous lakes and rivers, offering excellent fishing opportunities for both experienced and beginner anglers. The nearby lakes include Lake Louise, which is a 10-mile long lake with excellent fishing for trout and grayling. The lake is accessible by boat or floatplane, and there are numerous fishing guides and charters available in the area.
The nearby rivers include the Matanuska River, which is a popular spot for fishing salmon and trout. The river is accessible by car or on foot, and there are numerous fishing guides and charters available in the area. The best techniques for fishing in the area include fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling, and the best times for fishing are early morning and late evening.
The fishing regulations in the area include a limit of 3 fish per person per day, and all fish must be at least 14 inches in length. Be sure to check the current fishing regulations before heading out, as they are subject to change.
- Lake Louise: 10-mile long lake with excellent fishing for trout and grayling
- Matanuska River: Popular spot for fishing salmon and trout
- Fishing techniques: Fly fishing, spin casting, trolling
- Fishing regulations: Limit of 3 fish per person per day, all fish must be at least 14 inches in length
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit King Mountain State Recreation Site is during the summer months, from May to September. The peak season is June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, be aware that this is also the busiest time of year, and the campground can be crowded.
The shoulder season, from May to June and September to October, is a great time to visit if you prefer cooler weather and smaller crowds. The weather during this time is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The mosquito season is also less intense during the shoulder season, making it a great time to visit if you’re sensitive to bugs.
The winter months, from November to April, are best avoided, as the campground is closed, and the roads can be snowy and icy. However, if you’re looking for a winter adventure, the area offers excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
- Peak season: June to August
- Shoulder season: May to June and September to October
- Winter months: November to April
Wildlife & Bear Safety
King Mountain State Recreation Site is located in an area with abundant wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. The area is home to both black bears and brown bears, and it’s essential to take proper precautions to avoid encounters. The best way to avoid bear encounters is to store food and trash properly, using bear boxes or airtight containers.
It’s also essential to make noise while hiking, using bear bells or talking loudly, to avoid surprising bears. If you encounter a bear, stay calm, and back away slowly. Do not run, as this can trigger the bear’s chase instinct. The campground also offers bear safety information and education, including bear spray and bear safety kits.
Other wildlife in the area includes moose, caribou, and Dall sheep, and it’s essential to keep a safe distance and not approach these animals. The area is also home to numerous species of birds, including eagles, hawks, and owls, and it’s a great spot for birdwatching.
- Bears: Black bears and brown bears present in the area
- Moose: Present in the area, keep a safe distance
- Eagles: Numerous species of eagles, including bald eagles and golden eagles
- Bear safety: Store food and trash properly, make noise while hiking, use bear spray
What to Bring
When visiting King Mountain State Recreation Site, it’s essential to bring the right gear and supplies to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. The essential gear list includes:
- Tent or RV
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Cooking gear and utensils
- Food and water
- Bear spray and bear safety kit
- First aid kit
- Map and compass
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Rain gear and warm clothing
- Insect repellent
It’s also essential to bring layers for Alaska’s unpredictable weather, including a warm hat, gloves, and a waterproof jacket. The firewood policy at the campground is to only use locally sourced firewood, and to fully extinguish fires before leaving them unattended.
Nearby Attractions & Towns
King Mountain State Recreation Site is located near the town of Sutton, which offers a range of amenities and services, including restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores. The town is also home to the Sutton Museum, which offers insight into the area’s history and culture.
Other nearby attractions include the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, which offers stunning scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities, and the Chugach Mountains, which offer excellent hiking and skiing opportunities. The Glenn Highway also offers numerous scenic viewpoints and pull-outs, making it easy to stop and take in the stunning scenery.
Other campgrounds in the area include the Matanuska River Campground, which is located near the town of Palmer, and the Eklutna Lake Campground, which is located near the town of Anchorage. Both campgrounds offer excellent fishing and boating opportunities, as well as stunning scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Town of Sutton: Restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, museum
- Matanuska-Susitna Valley: Stunning scenery, outdoor recreation opportunities
- Chugach Mountains: Hiking and skiing opportunities
- Glenn Highway: Scenic viewpoints and pull-outs
- Matanuska River Campground: Fishing and boating opportunities
- Eklutna Lake Campground: Fishing and boating opportunities
Tips from Experienced Campers
Experienced campers recommend arriving early to secure a campsite, especially during the peak season. It’s also essential to bring a bear spray and to know how to use it properly. The campground can be crowded, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and make reservations in advance.
The cell service in the area is limited, so it’s a good idea to bring a satellite phone or a two-way radio. The noise level in the campground can be high, especially during the peak season, so it’s a good idea to bring earplugs or a white noise machine. The sunrise and sunset times in the area are around 4:30 am and 11:30 pm, respectively, so it’s a good idea to bring a alarm clock and to plan ahead.
Insider tips include bringing a portable stove and cooking gear, as the campground’s cooking facilities can be limited. It’s also a good idea to bring a water filter or purification tablets, as the water quality in the area can be variable. The best campsites in the area are those that are located near the lake or the river, as they offer stunning views and easy access to fishing and boating opportunities.
- Arrive early to secure a campsite
- Bring a bear spray and know how to use it properly
- Plan ahead and make reservations in advance
- Bring a satellite phone or a two-way radio
- Bring earplugs or a white noise machine
- Bring a portable stove and cooking gear
- Bring a water filter or purification tablets
- Choose a campsite near the lake or the river