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Captain Cook State Recreation Area

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Captain Cook State Recreation Area, near Kenai, Alaska, is a rustic campground that offers a peaceful escape with stunning views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains. With a mix of tent and RV sites, it’s a great spot for those looking to unwind in nature while enjoying the beauty of Alaska.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-kept vault toilets and accessible drinking water. Campers appreciate the privacy provided by the natural foliage between sites, making it feel secluded even when there are other visitors around. As one happy camper put it, “You can pick a camping spot near the bluff or more in the woods. Perfect for everyone.”

Outdoor activities abound here, with hiking trails leading to the beach and opportunities for fishing right at your fingertips. Visitors have enjoyed beachcombing for agates and exploring the rocky shoreline, especially during low tide. The sunsets are a highlight, painting the sky with vibrant colors that make for unforgettable evenings.

While the nearest town with full services is a bit of a drive away, the tranquility and natural beauty of Captain Cook State Recreation Area make it worth the trip. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or simply soaking in the views, this campground is a fantastic choice for a getaway in the Alaskan wilderness.

Description

State Park

Captain Cook State Recreation Area is virtually undiscovered by most visitors to the Kenai Peninsula. It offers a peaceful setting of forests, lakes, streams and saltwater beaches.

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Location

Captain Cook State Recreation Area is located in Alaska

Detail location of campground

Directions

The recreation area can be reached by driving 25 miles north of Kenai on the North Kenai Road to milepost 36.

Coordinates

60.78294846 N
151.05643318 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Fair
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 4, 2024

Great Camping

Rustic 50 site campground. Several sites suited to large rigs. Well kept campground with immaculate vault toilets. Fantastic views, great fishing, and trails. Beachcomb for agates, spirit stones, and wishing stones.

Site12
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Apr. 4, 2023

Just Wandered Back to See What Was Here & Stayed a Couple Days!

Tucked away off the main Kenai Peninsula roads, Captain Cook SP sees fewer visitors and offers campers a nice quiet way to spend a few days. While fishing might be the main outdoor activity here, walking along the rocky beach of Cook inlet can’t be beat. 

The campsites are rustic and small, with just a few able to serve larger rigs. The road through the campground is winding and hilly so we’d recommend not bringing a long 5th wheel or bus in here. The vault toilets were clean and water was available through spigots located around the loop. Like all Alaskan State Park wells, they recommend that you treat, filter, or boil all water before consuming. The forest canopy made it a bit of a challenge for our solar system, but our portable solar suitcase was able to make up the difference by periodically moving it around to the sunny spot. 

Hiking trails lead throughout the campground and down to the beach where you could walk for miles if you wanted. The views of Cook Inlet and the mountains of the western shore are stunning on clear days and the sunsets were incredible.  Denali is probably visible occasionally. There was an “Alaskan boat launch," aka a 4-wheel drive road down to the beach where you could launch a small craft, canoe or kayak, and cycling along the roads is possible. There are ample fishing opportunities throughout the area, as well as companies which will take you further inland by seaplane to find your own isolated spot. 

The closest town with full services is Kenai, and the larger village of Soldatna for mechanics, gas, groceries and restaurants.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Captain Cook State Recreation Area by Shari  G., April 4, 2023
  • Review photo of Captain Cook State Recreation Area by Shari  G., April 4, 2023
  • Review photo of Captain Cook State Recreation Area by Shari  G., April 4, 2023
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Sep. 10, 2018

great location away from the mad rush of summer fisherman

great location, no hookups but is nice and clean, trail down to the beach is hard to find but the beach is full of agates for those who collect. if you keep your eyes and ears open there is lots of wildlife in the area. The bears and moose usually wander about in the dawn or dusk hours.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2018

Captain Cook State Park: Discovery Campground

Following the Spur Highway to the very end and hang a left; you will find the entrance to Discovery campground. Running along the bluffs and curling back, this campground offers amazing views of Cook Inlet, a secluded location, and quietness.

Days can be spent hiking, fishing out of the mouth of the Swanson River, and exploring the beach; which is best done during low tide. which reveals a beautiful rocky vistage, and tons of flats to walk along. Bring your mud boots though as there are large muddy sections between you and the rocks.

Mornings and evenings provide amazing sunrises or sunsets blasting beautiful reds, purples and pinks along the mountains across the bay. The Dicovery trail and Interpative trail offer short hikes weaving through the Forrest and low brush as well. BrIng bug spray though or you mIght get carrIed away!

One of my favorite camgrounds! Quiet and peaceful (minus the low constant buzz of skeeters) with great campsites i‘ve spent more then my share of weekends here. Entire days have been burnt exploring the low tide rocks, tidal pools, and collecting stones. As a photographer, the sunsets are spectacular and full of color!

Need to knows:

  • 53 total camp sites
  • Good for either tent or motorhome campIng
  • Each site provIdes a fIre pit, a picnic table and a bench.
  • Well water and a dumpster are provIded.
  • Bathrooms are clean and decently kept.
  • BrIng your supplies: the nearest market Is about 20 mInutes away.
  • Bug spray Is a necessity!
  • Bears are occasional visitors so keep your eyes open.
  • Review photo of Captain Cook State Recreation Area by Allen W., July 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Captain Cook State Recreation Area by Allen W., July 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Captain Cook State Recreation Area by Allen W., July 25, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2018

Isolated

You feel like you may never get to the end of the road to this campground but eventually you do and it is a very secluded area. The spaces are pretty private with lots of plant growth between you. The mosquito’s were the first ones to greet us!!! After we sprayed ourselves we didn’t have a problem with them. There were quite a few campers but not a lot of noise. You could walk out to the Cook Inlet and watch the tide coming in and out. The road going back to the campground and in the campground was sometimes a bit rough.

SiteNext to the camp host
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Captain Cook State Recreation Area by Delaine N., July 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Captain Cook State Recreation Area by Delaine N., July 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Captain Cook State Recreation Area by Delaine N., July 5, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2018

My favorite spot on earth

I free up camping at this place. I have so many happy memories there. You can pick a camping spot near the bluff or more in the woods. Near people or secluded. Perfect for everyone.

  • Review photo of Captain Cook State Recreation Area by GABRIELLE P., July 4, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2017

End of the Road Captain Cook Rec Area

If you looking to find the treasure at the end of the road.. THIS IS IT!!

Just when you thought you have seen all the simple road system of Alaska.. turn right on Kenai Spur Road and go to the end.. literally. There you find a hidden treasure, few find! We found this on one of our " Let's just drive" adventures.

Be sure to bring all the supplies you need as the nearest store is 20 minutes back the way you came.. that includes wood.. unless you scavenge the beach for some.

We arrived in the mist of torrential rain.. common for August in Alaska.. and quickly wished for that extra tarp I didn't want to pack. Each camp spot is small but clean with a fire pit and table. You will be surrounded by trees and foliage which provide privacy and the cook inlet is one full side of your site! A complete plus!

There is a lake near by called Stormy Lake where you can launch a boat, kayak or canoe. You will need bring your own as there are no rentals here. You can fish here or in the river that runs near by, Swanson River. Remember you need a fishing license (16+) as game wardens pop up like leprechauns in Alaska :)

Where there are fish there are bears.. so be bear aware. Carry bear spray, keep food in your car or do the triangle food hang ( not sure you can google that) and keep a clean camp site. You may also see Eagles and moose!

There are fresh water pumps and state bathrooms.. which provide a dry spot in torrential rain.. no judging here..

For those of you who love to RV there are Rv sites and sites for handicap and day sites.

There is plenty of trails to just wander and take in the beauty around you. We took full advantage of being the only people out beach combing in the rain. We read this is a good agate beach.. we didn't find any but the rain make everything bright and shiny so we used this time for wonderful photos.

overall a wonderful end of the road experience, with few people and wonderful nature!!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Captain Cook State Recreation Area by Aimee H., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Captain Cook State Recreation Area by Aimee H., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Captain Cook State Recreation Area by Aimee H., July 29, 2017
  • (12) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Captain Cook State Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Captain Cook State Recreation Area has water hookups.

  • What is the elevation of Captain Cook State Recreation Area?

    Captain Cook State Recreation Area is located at 124 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Captain Cook State Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Captain Cook State Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.