This Forest Service campground operates on a first-come, first-served and reservation system along the Sterling Highway, with sites ranging from $23-$33 per night during its May through September season. Cooper Creek South accommodates RVs up to 99 feet on gravel roads and pads, though pets are not permitted. The campground sits directly beside Cooper Creek with easy access to the Kenai River for fishing and rafting activities.
Twenty-eight sites spread through a forested setting provide picnic tables, fire rings with adjustable grilling racks, and bear-proof storage lockers. Several pull-through sites handle large rigs and multiple vehicles, while ADA-accessible options include modified picnic tables. Dense foliage separates most sites from each other and buffers highway noise effectively. A trail parallels Cooper Creek from the campground, and Kristi D. notes the layout as a "small but lovely campground on a one way road right on the Kenai river."
Basic amenities include vault toilets, drinking water, and a dump station, though no electrical hookups are available. Camp hosts maintain the facilities and make regular rounds. The campground fills during peak fishing seasons, particularly Memorial Day weekend, but tends to have more availability than the heavily booked Russian River area. For additional camping choices, see campgrounds around Chugach National Forest.
This location works well for anglers targeting salmon runs and groups needing larger sites with vehicle flexibility.
Description
Overview
Located along Cooper Creek and the Kenai River, Cooper Creek South Campground presents a beautiful wooded area with sweeping mountain views within close proximity to many recreational opportunities.
Recreation
Sockeye (Red) salmon fishing is a popular activity on the nearby Kenai and Russian Rivers, and both boat and bank fishing offer excellent catches. The nearby Resurrection Pass Trail takes hikers and bikers on a 38-mile scenic adventure that climbs from 500 to 2,600 feet.
Facilities
Cooper Creek South offers about 20 campsites available for advanced reservation. Amenities include drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings and dumpsters. Parking aprons are gravel and parking is limited. A dump station is available for a fee at nearby Quartz Creek Campground.
Natural Features
At an elevation of 400 feet, Cooper Creek South sits among a spruce and cottonwood forest. The Chugach National Forest covers 5 million acres and is comprised of arid tundra wilderness, jagged mountains, deep fjords, glacier-fed rivers and the Prince William Sound.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (907) 522-8368 or call (907) 288-3178 for general information.
Location
Public CampgroundCooper Creek South is located in Alaska
Directions
From Anchorage, go south on Seward Highway to Sterling Highway. Turn towards Soldotna at the 'Y' junction. Cooper Creek Campground is at Milepost 50.7 of the Sterling Highway, on the opposite side of the river.
Address
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur
Seward, AK 99664
Coordinates
60.4836111 N
149.8822222 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/24/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/24/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/24/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/24/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
