Palmer has one of the most luxurious city campgrounds in Alaska. Matanuska River Park (on East Arctic Ave. about 0.5 miles east of town, 907/745-9631, www.matsugov.us, late May–early Oct., tents $10, RVs $15 without hookups) occupies a lush site full of big old cottonwoods and wild roses. There’s lots of space among the 86 campsites, which are usually uncrowded except at state fair time. Surrounding the campground is a day-use area, complete with picnic tables, softball and volleyball, horseshoe pits, and a nature trail around the ponds. The park also has coin-operated showers, firewood, trails, river access, and an observation deck.

Local RV parks include Homestead RV Park (907/745-6005 or 800/478-3570, www.homesteadrvpark.com) and Fox Run RV Campground (907/745-6120 or 877/745-6120), both six miles east of Palmer; Town & Country RV Park (907/746-6642, www.townandcountrycampground.com), near the fairgrounds; and Mountain View RV Park (907/745-5747 or 800/264-4582, www.mtviewrvpark.com), three miles south of town.