Campgrounds near Kasilof, Alaska range from established sites to dispersed camping areas along the Kenai Peninsula. Johnson Lake State Recreation Area offers tent, RV, and cabin camping from May to October, while Tustumena Lake provides both established and dispersed camping options. The Kasilof River Special Use Area accommodates tents, RVs, and glamping with boat access. Several smaller RV parks, including Crooked Creek RV Park and Kasilof RV Park, operate seasonally with varying hookup options. The region includes a mix of public recreation areas managed by state agencies and private campgrounds with differing amenity levels.
Access to many sites requires advance planning, particularly during peak salmon fishing season when campgrounds fill quickly. Established campgrounds typically open from May through October, with some remaining accessible year-round. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and visitors should prepare for cooler temperatures even in summer months. Most tent and RV sites feature fire pits and picnic tables, though amenities like drinking water and hookups vary significantly between locations. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly at lakeside campgrounds. A visitor noted, "A lot of people spend alot of money just to GET to this part of Alaska to go halibut and salmon fishing, only to be hit with high campground, charter, and access fees. This is a great free campground within reach of Soldotna."
The Kenai Peninsula's waterways significantly enhance the camping experience, with fishing access serving as a primary draw for many visitors. Campgrounds situated along the Kasilof River and Tustumena Lake receive consistently high ratings from anglers seeking sockeye and silver salmon. Several visitors mentioned the relative quietness of certain campgrounds compared to more popular fishing destinations. According to one camper, "Cooper Creek is a great, smaller campground to choose when the popular nearby spots fill up with anglers." Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from tent sites to RV parking with hookups. While some campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations and electric hookups, others maintain a more primitive experience with basic vault toilets and no utilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities, including bears, eagles, and moose, add to the region's appeal but require proper food storage and awareness.
$21 - $26 / night
"If you’re looking for a campground with access to the Kenai River, and walk distance to downtown Soldotna, this is it. Typical Alaskan camping...no hookups, but nicely wooded and mostly private."
"Centennial Campground in Soldotna Alaska will be bursting at the seams in June and July."
$20 - $120 / night
"Such an awesome lake. We pretty much had the area to ourselves. The walk-in campsites are spacious. We had easy access to the lake. Trout were abundant."
"A lot of people spend alot of money just to GET to this part of Alaska to go halibut and salmon fishing, only to be hit with high campground, charter, and access fees."
"Big Parking lot , but the View and trail down to the Beach makes up for it"
"There is a trail down to a beautiful beach, also empty when we were there. The parking spots are very tightly spaced."
"It has a lake with boat ramp access and is used frequently, during summer months. Campsites have firepits. Some sites can be quite muddy to get to. Very nice. No cell service at sites."
$10 / night
"The special use area was open for Subsistence fishing - and made for an easy place to camp outside of Kenai. Not really a scenic site, but efficient with trash and porta potties."
$45 - $55 / night
"I can't say enough about my stay at Kelly Lake Cabin of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Cabin."
"The lake is very private."
ScoutThe Alaskan Dream turned into the Alaskan Nightmare! Do not recommend! All negative reviews that say Jim is controlling, rude and condescending are true! This micromanaging owner requires a wire payment so there’s no going back when his atrocious behavior comes out! Buyer beware.
ScoutExcellent host and personnel. Sites are small and very close to each other, and some of the sites the hookups are on the opposite side, but I guess that depends if you back in or pull in. Would definitely stay here again on the off season. I could see this place being packed during high tourist season!
LegendWe followed our RV GPS and turned off AK-1 at Bean Creek Rd, which brought us to the Kenai Princess RV Park. A steep left turn led to the office, where we had a super friendly check-in. There was an RV in our site when we arrived, but the office quickly moved them to the overflow. The sites were split on two sides of a wide road with a large turnaround area, so backing into Site 35 with FHUs (30 AMP) was easy. The site was long enough for our 40’ toy hauler, including dropping the patio, and we could still park our F450 crosswise. Sewer connections were at the back center of the pad, with water and electric at the center—no issues. Water pressure was about 40 PSI. Because of perimeter trees and fishermen’s vehicles, we set Starlink on the roof for a clear sky shot. Verizon gave us 2 bars, while T-Mobile had no service. 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 nearest major amenities were about an hour away in Soldotna. Overall, this was a decent campground that met our needs.
LegendTraveling south on AK-1 was busy but straightforward, and the campground was easy to access on the right just before Anchor Point. Since we were going to arrive early, we called ahead to see if we could come in at 12:30 PM instead of their 3:00 PM check-in. They said yes, and check-in was a breeze at the small office, which also sold T-shirts, hats, fishing supplies, and a few sundries. We stayed in Site A, a back-in with FHUs (30 AMP). The gravel/sand area in front of Sites A, B, and C was wide enough for easy maneuvering, though because it had been raining we used 4-wheel drive so our 40’ 5th wheel toy hauler wouldn’t leave ruts. The sites were fairly close together, but not uncomfortably so. What made Sites A–C special was the ocean view from the patios. Site C only fit a short rig. Site A, on the end, also bordered a shared common area where guests could gather to enjoy the water views and sunsets from a high hill perch. Utilities were well placed, with water pressure at 35–40 PSI. Verizon service gave us 2 bars of LTE, while T-Mobile was limited to 1 bar roaming. The campground did not have WiFi, but Starlink had a clear shot thanks to the open sky and trees only along the perimeter. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay—especially the ocean view from Site A.
ScoutLot of space , all media , everything clean , very good price. Also they have an animal farm, a lot of memorabilia, etc
ScoutBeautiful view of the ocean and close to downtown Homer. We had full hookups and the bathroom and showers were excellent and clean.
GuideEvery ground is provided with water, electricity and dumping station. The grounds are spacious, some with trees providing privacy. Everything is well taken care if. Host is very welcoming. Were invited to a delicious salmon chowder gathering on the spot.
GuideAllows for hooking up with electricity and water, dumping station also available. Everything topped with spectacular view. Loved it.
ScoutNO HOOKUPS but great location across the street from TALON AIR for Bear and Fishing trips. Close to town. Fred Meyer 3 miles away, river 4 miles away. Kenai 15 miles away. Longmere public lake 5 miles away. Great place to camp for a couple nights.
Camping sites near Kasilof, Alaska offer access to the Kenai Peninsula's diverse waterways and abundant wildlife. The area lies between 50-200 feet above sea level with summer temperatures typically ranging from 45-65°F. Most campsites in the region remain open from mid-May through September, with road conditions and accessibility varying throughout the season.
Fishing at multiple access points: Centennial Park & Campground provides numerous fishing platforms along the Kenai River. "Many upgrades and nice trail system around the campground. Great place to camp with your dogs," notes a camper who has visited for 20 years.
Beach exploration: Clam Gulch State Rec Area features a trail leading down to sandy beaches with exceptional beachcombing. "There is a trail down to a beautiful beach," reports one camper, while another notes it has "Big Parking lot, but the View and trail down to the Beach makes up for it."
Lake activities: Johnson Lake State Recreation Area Campground offers swimming in warmer shallow waters and boating options. "A boat launch provides water access to anyone looking to play with jet skis, motor boats, or canoes and kayaks. Shallow warmer waters provide for good swimming as well," explains a reviewer familiar with the area.
Wildlife viewing: Moose, birds, and other wildlife frequently visit camping areas. At Tustumena Lake, a camper observed: "This place is full of wildlife and is a very cool spot to stay. There were loons calling through the night."
Waterfront access: Tustumena Lake Campground sits directly on the water with boat launch access. One visitor mentioned, "We rv camped and parked in a spot with an outlook over the cliff toward mountains. Only a few spots have views."
Fishing opportunities: Many campers appreciate the diverse fishing options. "Walking distance to some of the best road accessible fishing in Alaska," notes one camper about Centennial Park, while another mentions Johnson Lake is "Stocked by fish and game; the later summer months can provide good fishing for Rainbow Trout."
Variable road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving. At Kasilof River Special Use Area, campers note: "Be careful driving on the sand especially at low tide it quickly turns to mud flats."
Seasonal facility changes: Most campgrounds have limited facilities in off-seasons. "No bathrooms during off season," reports a Kasilof River visitor, while Clam Gulch campers mention the area operates primarily from May to October.
Privacy considerations: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options than others. Johnson Lake has "walk-in campsites [that] are spacious" according to one visitor, while Centennial Park tends to be "busy on weekends" with sites closer together.
Limited services: Cell coverage and amenities vary significantly. A Tustumena Lake visitor notes "No cell service at sites," and trash disposal can be an issue at some locations where "There are no dumpsters or trash cans here and it shows."
Choose less crowded times: Families report better experiences during weekdays or shoulder seasons. "We stayed for a few nights from midweek" mentions a camper who enjoyed a quieter experience at Tustumena Lake Campground.
Look for day-use amenities: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Cabins provide additional features for family activities. "The fact that the cabin came with an outdoor fire ring and boat made us want to come back with friends in the summer even more!" shares one cabin visitor.
Watch for wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites offer wildlife viewing suitable for all ages. "I saw a moose when I got out of my tent in the morning!" reports an excited camper at Johnson Lake State Recreation Area.
Be aware of vehicle fees: Some campgrounds charge for additional vehicles. At Centennial Park, a camper warns about "the $23/vehicle/campsite killed the 5 stars this place deserves. Be aware that if you have a towed car or motorcycles with your camper they will charge you."
Plan for limited hookups: Many campgrounds offer basic sites without full services. At Tustumena Lake, RVers report the "campsites have firepits" but limited other amenities, while Johnson Lake has "spots big enough for RV's but no hook ups."
Check campground layout before arrival: Site configurations vary widely. Clam Gulch has "parking spots [that] are very tightly spaced," while other areas like Kasilof River Special Use Area are described as "basically anywhere on the beach where you can find a spot."
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Kasilof, Alaska?
Kasilof offers several camping options on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Captain Cook State Recreation Area is a hidden gem located at the end of Kenai Spur Road, offering secluded camping with stunning natural surroundings. For those seeking RV accommodations, Kasilof RV Park provides convenient facilities. Other options in the greater Kasilof area include Alaska Acres, Crooked Creek RV Park, and Tustumena Lake campground. The region is known for its proximity to excellent fishing opportunities, particularly salmon fishing, making it a popular destination for anglers visiting the Kenai Peninsula.
What amenities are offered at RV parks in Kasilof?
RV parks in the Kasilof area offer various amenities to make your stay comfortable. Real Alaskan Cabins and RV Park features 34 spaces with full hookups, showers, and group restrooms in the bathhouse, all set in Alaska wilderness with great views. River Terrace Campground is popular for salmon fishing enthusiasts. Most RV parks in the area provide basic amenities including toilets and big-rig-friendly spaces. Some parks offer additional features like water and electrical hookups, dump stations, and convenient access to fishing spots. Availability and pricing vary seasonally, with peak rates during salmon fishing season.
What are the regulations for the Kasilof River Special Use Area?
The Kasilof River Special Use Area has specific regulations to protect this popular fishing destination. Camping is permitted in designated areas only, with a typical limit of 14 consecutive days. Fires are restricted to established fire rings or approved containers. The area provides basic toilet facilities but no hookups. Vehicle access is limited to established roads and parking areas to protect sensitive habitat. During peak salmon fishing season, additional restrictions may apply to manage the increased visitor numbers. Pack-in/pack-out policies are strictly enforced, requiring visitors to remove all trash. Fishing in the Kasilof River requires appropriate Alaska fishing licenses and adherence to seasonal fishing regulations, including catch limits that vary by species and time of year.
Can I camp along the Kasilof River, and what facilities are available?
Yes, camping is available along the Kasilof River, a popular destination for salmon fishing. The Kasilof River Special Use Area offers camping opportunities with boat-in and drive-in access. Facilities are basic, with toilets available but limited additional amenities. For a more developed experience near the river system, Tustumena Lake Campground is a free option within reach of the Kasilof area. During peak fishing season (particularly for salmon runs), riverside camping spots can fill quickly. The area attracts many anglers, especially during king and sockeye salmon runs, so planning ahead is recommended if you're visiting during the busy summer months.
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