Best Tent Camping near Kasilof, AK
Are you planning a tent camping trip to Kasilof? We've got you covered. Find the best tent camping sites near Kasilof. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Kasilof, Alaska's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Kasilof, Alaska (2)
1. Lower Skilak Lake Campground
8 Reviews•13 Photos•54 SavesSoldotna, Alaska- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Deep Creek North
2 Reviews•17 Photos•13 SavesNinilchik, Alaska- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews near Kasilof, Alaska
185 Reviews of 2 Kasilof Campgrounds
Michael V.
Ranger
Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
Campground right on the pond.
Used to party at this lake as a local in the late 90’s early 2000’s.
Nice little tent camping campground. There used to have spots big enough for RV’s but no hook ups.
- Ash N.
Scout
Hornaday Park Campground
Awesome Park.
I love this park in the street here all the time. I am local and it’s still a beautiful getaway. Incredible views and great tent sites.
Tanya B.
Legend
Edgewater Lodge and RV Resort
River side options
Very large RV and tent sites right along the rivers edge. You may wanna reserve during peak fishing season but during the slower times it’s pretty easy to find a spot here.
- Tanya B.Legend
Alaska Canoe and Campground
Anything you could ever want to rent
This is a campground in Gear rental. You can rent everything from fishing poles and nuts to tent camping equipment and anything you might need for watercraft her. They weren’t sleeping bags and dry bags. 10 sites will run you $25 RVs 40 and cabins start at $175. This is right off the Sterling highway and impossible to mess it’s worth checking out if you’re looking at hooking up your RV.
- Tanya B.Legend
Sunrise Resorts | Edgewater Lodge & RV Park
Right in the city
I don’t hate this RV Park which is saying a lot. There are 60 sites and this RV park is open from May 15 until Labor Day. You can reserve RV and tent sites online but you must call for cabin rentals.. This is right in the heart of Soldotna and close to anything you might have forgotten. 
- Sierra S.Ranger
Ninilchik River Campground
Salmon Stock and Sunshine
Ninilchick is a cool little town with s fun festival called a Salmon Stock. Camp and watch the sunset on the bay. Get your face painted and have a ice cold beer while listening to Alaskan Artist. The tent sites on the bluff are the prime locations for the views but be prepared for some winds.
- Kyla M.
Guide
Clam Gulch State Rec Area
not much for camping
there's not a lot of tent camping available. a lot of parking spaces for day use and motor homes not so much for your tenters. camp hosts though are some of the nicesest I've come across and the state park ranger who makes her rounds is extremely nice and knowledgeable about what's going on around town. the beach itself is among one of the best to spend a day beach combing for shells and sea glass. the beaches in Alaska vary from sand to rocks, clam gulch is for sure one of your sandy beaches. one of the best for clamming when or if it ever opens back up for it. a great spot to spend a day or have a gathering not so much for you're back country camper.
- Shadara W.Legend
Upper Skilak Lake Campground - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Outdoor Heaven
Fishing, hiking, boating galore. Paved pads with gorgeous sites some right on the water. Tent sites at $5 a night and Standard sites for camper and RV's run $10. This beautiful lake was hit by the Swan Lake fire this year and the campgound has been closed, however we drove through last weekend and the campground survived the fire! Still nicely surrounded with trees for privacy we were very happy to see it undamaged.
Jessica J.
Traveler
Lower Skilak Lake Campground
Amazingly beautiful
Was amazed with the beauty and trails in this area. The campsite for tents have to be hiked in to get to. The RV sites can accommodate tent camping, with smaller tents. So many options to do, you easily forget you don’t have cell service. There are trails, lakes, site seeing and enjoying the peace. We saw black bears, mamma and cubs. Very curious cubs got very close, momma didn’t seem to mind or get aggressive. Still be prepared for an encounter for your safety. There were lots of smaller critters we saw/heard and signs of moose. We have plans to visit other lakes, trails and camp sites along this route.
Staci J.Guide
Mariner Park
Family Favorite
This is my family's 3rd year camping on the Homer Spit. We love it every year. Who wouldn't love waking up and going to sleep looking at the ocean?! It does get a bit windy, but it keeps away the famous Alaskan mosquitoes and provides a great opportunity to watch the para-surfers. The sand is great and the tide goes out far, providing fun exploration activities for kids! It can get a little loud with the nearby road, but you get used to it. There are nearby port-a-potties (no showers) and it is only $10 a night per tent. Camping is on a first-come basis and can be a bit crowded on holiday weekends. Overall, the views are awesome and a great place to pitch a tent!
Samantha F.GuideUpper Skilak Lake Campground - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Campsite and gorgeous views were worth dealing with the bugs for for
The stunning lake view and access made the campsite worth dealing with the bugs and bears.
We arrived at Upper Skilak Lake Campground on a sunny Friday afternoon and managed to get the last site available. The campground was packed, including all the RV sites. We ended up in one of the walk-in tent sites. There are a total of 10 walk-in tent sites, with six right on the lake and the rest just a short walk away.
Each campsite is equipped with bear-proof storage for food, which is essential considering the active bear presence in the area. There is enough space for two tents, and the fire pits are new with adjustable grill racks, which made cooking easy. Buckets were provided to safely extinguish fires.
The campsites are a short walk from the parking lot, involving a small hill, except for one (maybe two) handicap-accessible site that offers easier access.
During our stay, we saw black bears and grizzly bears every day. Bear scat was common on the trails and beach, adding to the sense of adventure but also requiring constant vigilance regarding food storage and safety.
The park rangers were friendly and stopped by our site each night to check in and talk about bear sightings. However, one morning, a ranger accompanied by a few volunteers walked into our site while we were eating, which felt somewhat invasive.
The main downside was the state of the bathrooms. They were extremely dirty, with one stall that didn’t lock and another that had no toilet paper. The smell was terrible, and overall, the facilities were not well-maintained.
By the time we left on Monday, we were the only campers remaining, which offered a peaceful end to our stay.
Overall, Upper Skilak Lake Campground offers a beautiful location and a genuine wilderness experience, the poor condition of the bathrooms and significant amount of bugs were the only drawback.
Be prepared for bears and lots of bugs. The lake, the trails, and experience were definitely worth the trip.
Megan W.Traveler
Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Nice Spot for Fishing
My family loved our weekend away at the Russian River Campground. It was super easy to make a reservation online (reserve early!), our loop was a short walk to the boardwalk to get down to the river. However, we ended up with a pull through spot that was a pain to get our rig into (26' pull behind). Luckily it was the first spot in the loop so we were able to back it in and have the door open to the footprint and the slide towards the road (friends in 69, the next spot over) had the same issue. Also, if you have a second vehicle it's going to be horrible to park at the site as well (unless you have two smaller vehicles and are tent camping). But we had a massive wheelchair friendly picnic table, a fire pit with a decent size grate and a bear box.
Allen W.GuideClam Gulch State Rec Area
Clam Gulch State Rec
This camground sits high above Clam Gulch beach. Providing both camping and parking access for the beach below. The mornings and evening can also make for fantastic photo opportunities of the ocean, beach and mountains across the bay.
Clam Gulch beach itself provides tons of photo opportunities especially at low tides, which reveal large sandy flats with sporadic rock outcroppings. The occasional creek or small stream spilling down from the bluffs add to the possibilities. Eagles and other sea birds commonly make appearances as well.
Rock collectors and agate hunters will find plenty to find and pick along the upper beaches. Sea glass and sea shells can also be found along the tidal lines. Others will find tranquility enjoying sImple quiet walks or hikes along the shoreline.
One of my favorite day use areas, i don’t personally camp here often. The shortage, and crowding of the tent camping areas is a turn off for me, as i prefer more separated spaces. The large low tide beaches, photo opportunities, and quiet of the area is huge draw however.
Need to knows
- 120 camping spaces avaIlable
- Mostly motorhome camping with only a handful of tent spaces.
- Tent spaces have a picnic table and fire pit.
- Well water and Dumpsters available.
- Bathrooms are clean and well kept.
- Bring supplies, the closest market is quite a drive away.
- Bring warm weather gear, wind can pick up quickly here.
Aimee H.Ranger
Deep Creek North
Deep Creek Ocean view
Wow. Wow. Wow.
If you love the ocean, salmon fishing, bald eagles, moose and an occasional bear this is the place for you!
All sites are basically in a gravel parking area with painted lines in between sites- tent camping is allowed but I would recommend RV or campers for a restful sleep.
There are state bathrooms ( hole in the ground with a door) and a fresh water pump. No electricity hookups.
In July this Campground is BUZZING! This is the Ninilchik boat launch area for deep sea halibut fishing, it is off the the side before the site so not too loud- just can be congested early morning and afternoon. If your a tide watcher and not a fisherman/ woman that will help determine best time to try to leave the area :)
Deep creek runs down one side - salmon swim up this Creek so July it will be packed with fishing people and an occasional bear. Bald eagles will be standing by to gladly take your fish guts and heads :) and pose for some amazing pics.
Getting an ocean view spot is a dream! Literally backed right up to it and each space has a fire pit and table.
If you get valley side- it's just as stunning! With a few moose trailing through the tall grass. Your GPS will cal this happy valley and that it is!!
Dogs must be on a leash as the camp host will come remind you- often. ( I may or may not know this by experience)
a small store is located at the top in ninilchik- not campsite affiliated- and closes early- so bring what you need. A great stop between Anchorage and Homer!!
Taylor W.Guide
Cooper Creek South
Great spot on the Kenai
Cooper Creek is a great, smaller campground to choose when the popular nearby spots fill up with anglers. For some reason, this spot is not as in demand as the Russian River campground, despite having many of the same amenities.
This campground is great for group camping trips, as each site is rated for 8 people and a few can have up to 12. There are many ada-acessible sites to choose from as well, which was a great help when bringing along family in need.
The gravel roads can sometimes mean backing-in is a bit more strenuous than other paved campgrounds, but if you're camping in Alaska, you probably already know how to reverse park a camper! Picnic tables were always well maintained, and the deep firepits came in handy for our large fires. They even have grills built in!
Toilets are well maintained, but we always had to supply our own method of handwashing - hand santizer, in our case to leave as little trace as possible.
Don't forget to bring your fishing poles (get that permit first!) and keep an eye out for bear activity.
George B.Guide
Tustamena Lake Campground
Great access to popular fishing
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 Ak. The Kenai peninsula as a whole is commonly referred to as "the playground of Alaska. My wife and I and our 3 kids used to come here often to get away from the crowds during the summer tourist season. There is also boat access to a number of first come forest service cabins on the lake. The road in can be very washboard at times because there is a popular boat launch here for fishing sockeye salmon on the Kasilof river, and silver salmon fishing in a creek that flows into the lake. The campsites will accommodate anything from tents to large rv's. There is a pump handle on a well onsite for potable water and pit toilets.
- Tanya B.Legend
Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
This is the one
Online registration, Huge sites, Amazing views, and a well maintained campground this place has it all. And cell AND internet service. Many Alaska campers know that one bar of cell service is a luxury but being able to get your email too. This is glamping.
Tent camper please check any restrictions. This is active bear country so a hard shell vehicle is preferred.
Bring a bug screen or bug dope.
Best spots: Double - 73, 78, 88 Pull though - 66, 69, 71, and 80
- RRandy M.Guide
Centennial Park & Campground
Good central location
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. Walking distance to some of the best road accessible fishing in Alaska.
Marin T.ScoutJohnson Lake State Recreation Area
Fun place!
The toilets were very clean. No showers though like the app says. I saw a moose when I got out of my tent in the morning!
- Stacey C.Guide
Kasilof River Special Use Area
Convenient for dipnetting
Camping is basically anywhere on the beach where you can find a spot (within signposted designated area). It's dispersed. While it was busy, we had no trouble finding a spot that wasn't too crowded. I said the cost is 0-$10 as I don't remember how much we paid. I recall we had a permit that we fixed to our tent, but it was very cheap.
There were about 8 to 10 porta-potties all in a row at the where the beach meets the road. They were disgusting and nearly full. In fact, it has been 2 years since we were down there and that is my biggest memory. Others who frequent the campground bring a tall "privacy" tent with their own portable toileting system- probably a bucket.
A little loud at night with a few raucous drunk people on ATVs. We parked our car in front of our tent as a deterrent. There were no problems, luckily.
It was beautiful, being on the ocean and a short drive or 20 min walk to the popular dipnetting area. And convenient to get up for early morning dipnetting sessions without the crowds. The weather was great but I imagine it would be rough camping on the beach if windy with flying sand everywhere.
- Michael V.Ranger
Kelly Lake Campground
Small campground away from crowds.
Only a handful of spots, I’ve only camped with a tent here, might be able to camp with a small camper here. No hook ups, does have fire rings and picnic tables
- DDarrel F.Guide
River Terrace Campground
Right on the Kenai river
If you want to salmon fish for a few weeks every summer this is the place. You can call and check to see when there running or you can just check with Alaska Fish and Game. When they’re running in the thousands it’s pretty much full so you would need to reserve ahead. This RV Park has their own private boardwalk so it makes it a little more managed. Full hookups $70.00 plus tax.
- Tanya B.Legend
Klondike RV Park & Cottages
RV park
I should preface all my reviews with I don’t like RV camping so much. Normally my family travels in a large 10 person tent and a suburban. We enjoyed going places large RVs can’t. But this isn’t a bad spot. There are lots of trees and the drive is beautiful so if you’re looking for an RV site this is a good choice.
- Tanya B.Legend
Stariski State Rec Area
Love State Parks
What can I say about the views. If you are wondering those are three volcanoes you can see, Augistine, Iliamna, and Redoubt. There is no fishing here and if you can find your way down to the beach there is a whole other world. Except traffic for local residents there are usually few people and worth it to find a way down.
I love this part of Alaska.
- Aimee H.Ranger
Captain Cook State Recreation Area
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!!
Eby H.RangerNinilchik River Campground
Excellent place to stay during Salmonstock!
Ninilchik is a tiny little blip of a town but in the summer it is home to one of the best music festivals anywhere- Salmonstock!
HOnestly, we didn't spend much time at these campgrounds but were shuttled to and from the Ninilchik Fairgrounds during Salmonstock. What a blast that was. If you happen to be in Alaska during Salmonstock heed my advice and go!!!
The campground was pretty basic, each site was "primitive" and we had a picnic table. Honestly it was perfect for sleeping - quiet and private. Other than that, just make sure you go to Salmonstock! Did I say that already???
- MMichael H.Guide
Stariski State Rec Area
Great view
We stayed one night. We were lucky enough to get one of the two sites here that have a direct view. We were in site 14 which is great for an RV. Site 13 is great for a tent and is the other site with a great view. There was only one other group here and it was nice and quiet.
Guide to Kasilof
Tent camping near Kasilof, Alaska offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and explore.
Specific Local Activities
- For fishing enthusiasts, the Deep Creek North campground serves as a hub for deep sea fishing, making it an ideal location for those looking to catch halibut and salmon.
Tips for Tent Camping Near Kasilof
- When visiting Lower Skilak Lake Campground, be prepared for a hike to the tent sites, which rewards you with breathtaking views and a chance to spot local wildlife like black bears and moose.
Tent Campers Appreciate These Amenities
- At Deep Creek North, you'll find essential amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and well-maintained pit toilets, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kasilof, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kasilof, AK is Lower Skilak Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.
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