Best Tent Camping near Kenai Fjords National Park

Tent camping near Kenai Fjords National Park offers spectacular wilderness experiences with glacier views, coastal settings, and alpine forests. Exit Glacier Campground provides tent-only camping with approximately 12 walk-in sites on gravel pads, situated just a short drive from Seward. For more adventurous backcountry tent camping, Caines Head State Recreation Area features two notable campgrounds: Tonsina Point (2.1 miles from the trailhead) and North Beach (5.1 miles from Lowell Point). These primitive tent sites provide stunning coastal views with mountains and glaciers as backdrop. Additional tent camping options include Coeur D'Alene Campground near Hope and Crescent Creek Campground near Cooper Landing, both offering secluded tent sites within the surrounding Chugach National Forest.

Bear safety is a primary concern at all tent campgrounds in the Kenai Fjords area. Most sites feature bear-proof food storage lockers, and campers are required to store all food away from tent sites. Exit Glacier Campground provides a communal cooking and food storage area with non-potable well water and clean vault toilets. Tonsina Point and North Beach campgrounds require tide table monitoring for safe access, as hiking is only possible during low tide. Water taxis ($50 one-way) provide alternative access. Most tent sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. The camping season generally runs May through September, with mosquitoes abundant in summer months.

The tent camping experience near Kenai Fjords offers unparalleled wilderness immersion. Exit Glacier sites are spaced far apart for privacy, with the furthest sites positioned near a braided river that "lulls you to sleep," according to one camper. At North Beach, tent platforms are available just off the beach, with additional sites in the woods for wind protection. One visitor noted, "Waking up every morning with mountains and ocean in view was so surreal. We also saw a whale from our camp, tons of seals, porpoises, and beautiful birds." Backcountry tent camping requires proper preparation for changing weather conditions, with rain common throughout the region. Hikers should bring their own toilet paper, water filtration systems, and bear-resistant food containers when venturing to remote tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Kenai Fjords National Park (11)

    1. Exit Glacier Campground — Kenai Fjords National Park

    16 Reviews
    Seward, AK
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 422-0500

    "Camping is free and no registration required, just set up in an open spot. Spots are secluded and spaced far apart. Sites are nothing but a gravel pad."

    "This is a nice little walk in campground. The sites aren't very far from the car and the food storage/shelter/eating area isn't far from the car either."

    2. Tonsina Point at Caines Head

    3 Reviews
    Seward, AK
    12 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "Tonsina Point Campground is the first campground, 2.1mi hike in from Lowell Point, on the way out to Caines Head/North Beach or is a great destination to camp on its own."

    "Hiking in, which we did on the way in. It is very important to check the tides, and it is recommended to avoid hiking along the beach once the tide reaches +3."

    3. North Beach at Caines Head State Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Seward, AK
    16 miles
    Website

    "WHAT YOU MUST KNOW: The campground is either accessible via boat or hiking in at LOW TIDE ONLY."

    "The vault toilets and covered group cooking/eating areas were in great shape and stayed dry.

    From the campground, we hiked up to explore the abandoned WWII fort, Fort McGilvray."

    4. Crescent Creek

    2 Reviews
    Chugach National Forest, AK
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 224-3374

    "Tent camping works best here, sites are pretty small for anything bigger than a sprinter van.

    Very beautiful"

    "Set far back tons of privacy. #4 has a creek view, #9 and #7 were both also nice sites. Large sites great for tents however with food lockers. Watch for bear activity as we saw fresh Scat."

    5. Tern Lake

    2 Reviews
    Moose Pass, AK
    24 miles
    Website

    "Beautiful lake/mountain scenery though. Sometimes you will see Bald Eagles, Trumpeter Swans, Loons, and other kinds of wildlife."

    "Couple little trails that hike around the lake. Bathrooms. Also has a couple mile service trail/off road trail that is a fun little drive. 4WD ONLY."

    6. Lower Skilak Lake Campground

    9 Reviews
    Soldotna, AK
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 262-7021

    "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."

    "There is not charge for these spots and most have picnic tables and are right on the shore of the lake."

    7. Coeur D'Alene Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hope, AK
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 783-3242

    "The bugs are pretty heavy right next to the river but deep in the woods are are very few. Great place for exploring. Walk in campsites are very close and have bear proof food storage."

    "It's walk in, but not far from the car. The vault toilets have been clean every time we've come up. The campsite is at quite an elevation so is chilly at night and early morning even in the summer."

    8. Spencer Whistle Stop

    1 Review
    Whittier, AK
    41 miles

    "There are two group campsites that must be reserved through the Alaska Railroad 800.544.0552."

    10. Hope Alaska Backcountry Sites

    1 Review
    Hope, AK
    46 miles

    "There are so many options to backcountry camping and you don’t even have to walk very far. You can drive down and camp at the pull offs. RVs are not recommended on this road."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Kenai Fjords National Park

236 Reviews of 11 Kenai Fjords National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Kenai Fjords National Park

Tent camping near Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Specific local attractions

  • Visit the picturesque Tern Lake, known for its stunning lake and mountain scenery, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.
  • Explore the beautiful trails and serene environment at Crescent Creek, a secluded spot perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • Take in the breathtaking views and abundant wildlife at Lower Skilak Lake Campground, where you can enjoy fishing and hiking in a tranquil setting.

Campground amenities that enhance your stay

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kenai Fjords National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kenai Fjords National Park is Exit Glacier Campground — Kenai Fjords National Park with a 4.8-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Kenai Fjords National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Kenai Fjords National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.