State Parks and Public Lands

The Mat-Su is your gateway to wide-open wilderness and real-deal adventure. Just a short drive from Anchorage, it’s an ideal setting for everything from quick day trips to full-on expeditions. Here’s our handy guide to exploring Alaska’s state parks and public lands in the Mat-Su.

DENALI STATE PARK

About 130 miles north of Anchorage, the vast Denali State Park is a golden ticket to pure Alaskan bliss. Gaze at the colossal peak of Denali, North America's tallest mountain, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. For the adventurous, the Kesugi Ridge Trail System promises thrilling backcountry journeys. Or, for a more mellow escape, glide across the calm waters of Byers Lake in a canoe or a kayak.

Tent and car camping are available. This chart provides specific information about camping areas and the amenities offered:

Denali State Park offers two public-use cabins on Byers Lake, available year-round by reservation. Book online or call the Mat-Su Area Headquarters (907) 745-3975) or the Anchorage Public Information Center (907) 269-8400

While you’re in the area, visit the Alaska Veterans Memorial to reflect on the service of Alaskans in all five branches of the U.S. military. It’s a powerful stop along your Denali adventure.

INDEPENDENCE MINE STATE HISTORICAL PARK

Independence Mine State Historical Park showcases the abandoned buildings and machinery of a 200-worker camp and hard-rock gold mining operation—once Alaska's largest gold producer. Here, you’ll explore mining structures among the stunning Talkeetna Mountains. Beyond its history, the park serves as your gateway to hundreds of miles of trails in Hatcher Pass, ideal for hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. And during the summer, you can enjoy top-notch white water rafting opportunities.

Pro Tip: Visitors can bring their own gold pans within the state park boundaries and try their luck at panning for gold! August and September bring a bountiful mix of wild Alaska blueberries and cranberries. Berry picking is permitted; however, plant removal is prohibited at this park.

NANCY LAKE STATE PARK

Located 90 minutes north of Anchorage near Willow, Nancy Lake State Park is a dream for water babies: explore over 130 lakes, the Nancy Park canoe trails, fish for rainbow trout, or enjoy hiking and camping. When winter arrives, the park's gentle hills become a wonderland for cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. Several public-use cabins are also available for rent on a nightly basis. A heads-up: During the winter, the parkway isn't plowed beyond the Winter Trail head at mile 2.2.

PALMER HAY FLATS STATE GAME REFUGE

The Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge was transformed by the 1964 Alaska Earthquake, turning these dry grasslands into extensive wetlands. Today, this sprawling natural area is teeming with wildlife, particularly birds, making it an ideal spot for birdwatchers to gather.

MATANUSKA GLACIER STATE RECREATION AREA

The Matanuska Glacier is a magnificent river of ice, and the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site is your prime spot to witness its stunning presence. A friendly reminder: you can't access the glacier directly from this recreation site. For a closer look, head to Glacier Park, about a mile further north of the Alaska State Parks site.

KNICK RIVER PUBLIC USE AREA 

The Knik River Public Use Area is characterized by its unique land features, including the Knik Glacier, the Knik River, Pioneer Peak, and the Chugach Mountains, which draw campers, off-road enthusiasts, horseback riders, and boaters. Additionally, a wetlands complex located north of the river is a popular destination for birdwatchers.