82 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Kenai's camping areas draw many fishermen during salmon runs, with spots like Hidden Lake giving campers plenty of space between sites. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge has campgrounds where you might spot moose or bears while setting up your tent. You'll need to store food properly in this area to keep wildlife away from your campsite. Many places have fire rules that change throughout the summer, so it's smart to check what's allowed before you go. During July and August, you should book sites ahead of time since good spots fill up fast. Dori S campground works well if you're bringing kids along, with enough to keep them busy. Fishing is the main draw for most people camping around Kenai, with several rivers and lakes within easy reach. Hiking trails run through much of the area, ranging from short walks to longer treks. Some activities require permits, which you can usually get at ranger stations or visitor centers. Competition for the best camping spots gets tough in summer, especially on weekends. May and September camping means fewer people and often better fishing. The Kenai area combines mountains, forests, and coastal views all within short drives, making it ideal for campers seeking diverse landscapes. Most campers come for specific activities rather than just to relax at their sites. Remember to clean up completely when you leave to keep the area nice for others. With good timing and the right gear, camping near Kenai can be straightforward and rewarding.
"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."
"Right on the Kenai river with a campground and boat launch. Tons of stores etc in Soldotkna minutes away to include a laundry mat five minutes away. Road in is dirt and in good condition."
from $21 - $26 / night
Check Availability"It is fun filled with animals, bicycle rentals, basketball court, playground, seasonal berry picking, eagles nest close by, caribou viewing, balcony viewing area, fire rings and fishing is nearby in the"
from $149 / night
Check Availability"I can't say enough about my stay at Kelly Lake Cabin of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Cabin."
"The lake is very private."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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."
"Our campsite had an area for the camper then a space for the fire/table and kids running around. Bathroom locations were close and convenient."
"The bathroom situation could use some work since it is an old place, but they were clean."
"NO 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."
from $60 / night
from $25 - $349 / night
Check Availability"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."
TravelerWe got one of the walk in tent sites and it was a beautiful quiet spot away from all the RV’s and campers. We got to listen to the Loons and frogs on the lake.
TravelerStopped for an overnight on way to Homer. Stayed at the campsite right beside the boat launch. Beautiful very large spot with fire pit . Saw a moose swimming and an eagle
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.
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.
ScoutLot of space , all media , everything clean , very good price. Also they have an animal farm, a lot of memorabilia, etc
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.
ScoutNice campsites. lots of room. Adjacent to rhe Kenai river, with launch ramp and fishing boardwalks/stairs to river.
Camping spots near Kenai, Alaska feature diverse terrains from wooded campsites to scenic riverfront locations along the Kenai River. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-70°F, though evening temperatures can drop significantly even in July. Most campgrounds have fire pits, though restrictions change throughout the season depending on fire danger levels.
Fishing at Centennial Park: Located in Soldotna, this campground offers direct access to the Kenai River. "Great family weekend campground and is right on the river providing amazing fishing opportunities. This campground is huge! So lots of trails and boardwalks to ride bikes, walk dogs, get out and explore," writes Vanessa R. about Centennial Park & Campground.
Beach exploration: Captain Cook State Recreation Area offers unique tidal experiences. "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," notes Shari G. about Captain Cook State Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: Keep your eyes open for local wildlife near camping areas. "You can pick a camping spot near the bluff or more in the woods. Near people or secluded. Perfect for everyone," shares GABRIELLE P. about her experiences at Captain Cook State Recreation Area. Many campers report seeing eagles, and occasionally moose or bears, especially during dawn and dusk hours.
Riverside relaxation: Morgans Landing provides a peaceful riverside setting. "The rushing river was loud but relaxing. The camp host alone was worth the stay and super helpful/pleasant. Our campsite had an area for the camper then a space for the fire/table and kids running around," explains Samantha M. from Morgans Landing State Rec Area.
Privacy between sites: Many camping areas offer natural separation between campsites. "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," advises BigRed Overlander about Morgans Landing State Rec Area.
Access to water recreation: Several campgrounds provide boat access or water activities. "Great cabin. Only a 1 mile hike in and it comes with a row boat. The lake is very private," reports Bart R. about Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Cabins.
Seasonal crowds: Expect busy conditions during peak salmon runs. "Centennial Campground in Soldotna Alaska will be bursting at the seams in June and July. Fishing season will be in full swing and getting a spot may be tricky- as they take no reservations- but WORTH IT! Especially if you like to fish," says Aimee H.
Vehicle fees: Some campgrounds charge per vehicle. "Beautiful campground. Clean facilities. BUT 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 even though you are in one site," warns Justin B. about Centennial Park.
Bears and wildlife safety: Proper food storage is essential in this area. "There are fresh water pumps and state bathrooms. 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 and keep a clean camp site," recommends Aimee H. about Captain Cook State Recreation Area.
Kid-friendly spaces: Look for campgrounds with open areas for play. "The 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," shares Allen W. about Captain Cook State Recreation Area.
Animal attractions: Some campgrounds offer unique wildlife encounters. "For starters my children love this campground. It is fun filled with animals, bicycle rentals, basketball court, playground, seasonal berry picking, eagles nest close by, caribou viewing, balcony viewing area, fire rings and fishing is nearby in the Kenai River," explains Samantha M. about Diamond M Ranch Resort.
Easy access sites: For families with young children, consider locations with amenities close by. "Bathroom locations were close and convenient. We did the river trail hike which was fun but didn't time the fishing right for this trip," notes Samantha M. about Morgans Landing State Rec Area.
Site selection: Many RV campgrounds in the area have varied site types. "There are lots of trees and the drive is beautiful so if you're looking for an RV site this is a good choice," reports Tanya B. about Klondike RV Park & Cottages.
Solar power challenges: Tree cover can affect solar systems. "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," shares Shari G. about Captain Cook State Recreation Area.
Limited big rig access: Larger RVs may have difficulty at some sites. "The road going back to the campground and in the campground was sometimes a bit rough," warns Delaine N., which is important to consider when bringing larger rigs to many Kenai Peninsula camping locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there vehicle accessible campgrounds at Kenai North Beach?
While Kenai North Beach itself doesn't have designated vehicle campgrounds, nearby Captain Cook State Recreation Area provides excellent vehicle-accessible camping at the end of Kenai Spur Road. This hidden gem offers beachfront camping with sites suitable for various vehicles. Another option is Centennial Park & Campground, which provides vehicle access and is located on the Kenai River. The access road is dirt but maintained in good condition, making it suitable for most vehicles. Both locations offer the coastal experience many visitors seek when looking for Kenai beach camping.
Where can I find free camping on the Kenai Peninsula?
Tustamena Lake Campground is a great free campground within reach of Soldotna on the Kenai Peninsula. This is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers who still want access to the peninsula's world-class fishing opportunities without the high fees often associated with the area. Another option is Gwins Lodge, which offers primitive camping in a central Kenai Peninsula location. While primitive (bring your own water and expect only porta-john facilities), it provides an affordable base with easy commuting distance to Seward, Kenai, Sterling, and Homer, making it perfect for exploring the entire peninsula.
What campgrounds are available in Kenai?
The Kenai area offers diverse camping options. Cooper Creek North Campground provides riverside camping for $23/night ($11.50 for seniors) with privacy and proximity to the Kenai River, making it popular during salmon fishing season. Bing's Landing offers spacious campsites adjacent to the Kenai River with a launch ramp and fishing boardwalks. Other options include Upper Skilak Lake Campground with clean sites near lakes and hiking trails (but be bear aware), and several RV parks like K-Beach Campground and Klondike RV Park for those needing more amenities.
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