Captain Cook State Recreation Area
Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
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 VisitSeptember
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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