2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge & RV Park welcomes campers with pets at both RV sites and cabins along the Kenai River. Each pet-friendly site includes fire pits with adjustable grill racks, picnic tables, and access to full hookups for RVs. Most campgrounds near Cooper Landing maintain a standard leash policy, with dogs required to be on leash at all times outside vehicles or RV units. Hidden Lake Campground offers spacious sites with multiple tent pads and natural buffers between campsites, allowing pets to enjoy more space while remaining secured. The campground survived the Swan Lake fire with trees still providing privacy between sites. Upper Skilak Lake Campground and Lower Skilak Lake Campground both permit pets in camping areas and along hiking trails. Campgrounds provide bear-proof food storage containers essential for pet food, as black bears and grizzlies are regularly spotted in the area.
Dogs must be closely monitored on trails due to frequent wildlife encounters throughout the Kenai Wildlife Refuge. Ranger patrols often check campgrounds each evening to ensure proper food storage and discuss recent bear sightings with campers. Crescent Creek's secluded sites accommodate tents and small campervans but remain too small for large RVs or trailers. The campground access requires crossing three single-lane bridges with weight restrictions of 10 tons maximum. The bumpy access road to Upper Skilak Lake requires slow driving, especially with RVs or trailers. Gwins Lodge offers primitive camping with only porta-potty facilities but allows pets throughout the property. During peak salmon runs, fishing spots near campgrounds become crowded, making secure pet restraint essential. Hidden Lake features separate camping loops with Ridge and Lake loops having tighter turning radiuses than Skyview loop, which accommodates larger RVs with pets.
"There were paths around the campground to the lodge and down to the lake, which we enjoyed walking with our pups. There weren’t many grocery options in Cooper Landing."
"The main lodge is just a short walk away too. Grocery store, shower, laundry ADA accessible, Ice and Propane make this a wonderful stop."
"Hidden lake campground is a family friendly campground. Located on the kenai peninsula, you are sure to see some awesome wildlife. Lots of hiking and water sports at this campground."
"Hidden Lake canpground is made up of three sections."
"The stunning lake view and access made the campsite worth dealing with the bugs and bears."
"Close to plenty of lakes and hiking trails."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when available"Great base location in the central Kenai Peninsula. Easy commute to Seward, Kenai, Sterling, (1 hour) or Homer (2 hours)."
from $20 - $40 / night
"If you want to get away from people this canpground is for you."
"Saw two seaplanes take off from the lake (take the Southern spot for this). Hwy is loud but manageable, train as well.
Recommendable overnight position on the way to SEWARD."
"Beautiful scenery around. Highway does have some noise. Floatplanes do take off multiple times a day but a neat to watch."
"This is a beautiful place to camp without having to drive all the way to Kenai or Homer. Trees, water, wildlife... What else do you need! This is a great place to get out of town for a bit."
"They had last minute room to boondock in an adjacent parking lot, which was also full in August. We stayed 2 nights, the second in an rv site in Resurrection."
"This review covers the Tent Camping Area near Waterfront park and Resurrection RV campground. Some spots have trees and provide some privacy. Tent spots have sand/gravel pads."
from $10 - $20 / night
"We stayed a couple of times here on our Alaska Trip. Several days around 4th of July. Campground is busy, and there is a boat dock, but it’s really quiet at night. Very poor or no cell signal."
"Nice hiking trails nearby, nothing too strenuous. Run by USFW, very clean."
"Very close to Seward activities and Exit Glacier - Harding ice field hikes. Area can handle most size rigs."
"Google maps will take you straight to the entrance. It's a bit hard to see, but you can't miss the massive boulder right next to the road."
TravelerCame on Aug 14. It’s mostly an RV site. There are basic pit toilets and dumpster. No water at the site but there is water and showers at the harbor from what we heard. Pay through the app Lots of flies
GuideThis was a great find on our way to Whittier. We had an amazing view of the glacier. Campground was clean and quiet. Hiking trails are through the park too.
ScoutThere's probably around 30 sites here they are not numbered they are somewhat private separated by trees and brush and some of them are right next to the river there is no tables fire rings are made of rocks not very well maintained some not to level
GuideClose to road so easy access. Water pump. Vault toilets. On lake summit
GuideGreat place to go explore the beach at low tides. Excellent views
GuideTent sites up to a few larger RV sites. 3 miles up a dirt road. Historic mine next door where you can pan for gold. 28-30' is probably the largest rig you want to take there. No walk ins, online reservation only.
LegendGeneral: RV sites, bunkhouse, tent camping, cabins, and historical suites. Additional campsites are available in the pasture during Dip Net season (July 10-31) for Alaska residents. The office/store is a recreation of Gold Rush-era buildings from various towns in Alaska. Sites are FHU.
Site Quality: Sites are mostly level. Some are gravel, and some are dirt. We were traveling in a caravan, and many of us had buddy sites (I believe this was to accommodate the influx for dip net season). This was not a problem as we used our 110 extension cord to convert to 30-amp for power. The sites are close together; some have trees providing privacy/separation, but not all of them.
Bath/Shower: There are four all-in-one (toilet, sink, shower) units plus laundry in our area of the campground (there is another bathhouse/laundry in another part of the campground). Again, because of the crowds for dip net, there was often a wait for a bathroom, and soap and/or paper towels would run out before the day was over. Not everyone heeded the signs asking campers to make sure shower curtains are closed to prevent flooding!
Activities/Amenities: The main amenity is the petting zoo and Matti’s farm tour on Saturday mornings ($5/per person for registered guests or $10 for community members; 50% of the proceeds go to their non-profit Mattis’s Farm, and the other 50% goes toward feeding the animals and permaculture education). At the end of the tour, you can interact with the animals (emus, chickens, goats, rabbits, a turkey). Ronna also leads guided hikes. One of Ronna and Blair’s daughters makes giant and delicious cinnamon rolls from her grandfather’s recipe on Fridays and Saturdays for a donation. There is a viewing deck open 24 hours/day and, on a clear day, you can see views of four of the peaks of the Ring of Fire. There is basketball, pickleball, a playground, and bike rentals. Free WiFi, although the signal is not strong. Also, a fish cleaning station.
It is obvious that Blair and Ronna and their family members are passionate about Diamond M. Blair and Ronna lead the farm tours, and during our stay, we saw one or both of them around the property.
ScoutAnyone that is into the outdoors from rudimentary camping to RV lifestyle it is perfect
GuideCool and quirky campsite names. Some nestled in the trees and some side by side waterfront. Cabins of various levels of accommodation are available. All kinds of fishing charters directly available from office. Good gift shop and a nice little Bistro, coffee place.
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge & RV Park accommodates pets in cabins and at full-hookup RV sites, providing a base for exploring the Cooper Landing area with dogs. The RV park sits along the Kenai River with sites suitable for both tents and large RVs, maintaining clean shower facilities and a market where staff lend bear spray for dog walks on nearby trails. Sites feel somewhat close together, but perimeter trees create privacy for pets and owners. Laundry facilities and a well-stocked store provide conveniences for longer stays with animals. Bear activity requires vigilance when walking dogs on the lodge's trail system that features viewing decks overlooking the Kenai.
Hidden Lake Campground offers secluded pet-friendly sites across three distinct camping areas—Skyview Loop, Ridge Loop, and Lake Loop. The campground maintains wheelchair-accessible sites on each loop, with Skyview providing the largest spaces suitable for any RV size. Dog owners appreciate the private, tree-covered walk-in tent sites located away from the main camping areas. The Hidden Lake boat launch gives pets water access, though campers should bring bug spray and bear deterrent when exploring with their dogs. Seven-day camping limits apply at $10 daily. Most sites provide good privacy and seclusion from other campers, though the campground fills quickly during holiday weekends and summer months. Sites near the lake offer excellent fishing opportunities with pets nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cooper Landing, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cooper Landing, AK is Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge & RV Park with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cooper Landing, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 84 dog-friendly camping locations near Cooper Landing, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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