Camping near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Searching for the best camping near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, AK? Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and user-submitted reviews.

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Best Camping Sites Near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (87)

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Recent Reviews near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

203 Reviews of 87 Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Campgrounds


  • Andrea W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Klondike RV Park & Cottages

    Kovely campground very well taken care of

    Every 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.

  • Andrea W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Scenic View RV Park

    Lovely place and RV perfect

    Allows for hooking up with electricity and water, dumping station also available. Everything topped with spectacular view. Loved it.

  • Melissa B.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Mackey Lake RV and Cabins

    Near Talon Air - Quiet residental area - only 3 spots so very quiet

    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. Longmere public lake 5 miles away. Great place to camp for a couple nights.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Bing’s Landing

    Good salmon fishing location

    Nice campsites. lots of room. Adjacent to rhe Kenai river, with launch ramp and fishing boardwalks/stairs to river.

  • don B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Love this campground

    07-25-2025 This campground is open. Came in and got on a waiting list for ff and got a site. On the list again but are sure we’ll get another since there was 3 sites not used in our section last night. If not you can park in overflow for $10

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Moose Crossing RV & Food Truck Park

    Easy Access and Handy Amenities

    Moose Crossing RV & Food Truck Park is conveniently located right off the highway in Sterling, AK. We followed the emailed check-in instructions, pulled to the right, and registered at the kiosk. Since we had called the day before to notify the campground (CG) of a slide issue that delayed our arrival, we were already checked in and proceeded straight to pull-through site 12 with full hookups (30 AMP). Utilities were well placed and centered on the pad, which was a plus. Water pressure was solid at around 45 psi, but the water had a noticeable sulfur taste and smell. We had 2 bars on Verizon, 1 bar on T-Mobile, and a decent sky view for Starlink—though perimeter sites may have more tree cover and less visibility. The CG has a mix of pull-through and back-in sites, which are fairly close together but not uncomfortably so. The CG WiFi ran at about 20 Mbps, which was fine for email, browsing, and checking Facebook. The CG hosts also run the two on-site food trucks—one gyro-themed, the other espresso and ice cream. The CG has a small laundry. There's also ample space for walking dogs, including a short trail. This was a solid CG for our short stay and would be a good choice for a longer one too.

  • Vera G.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Centennial Park & Campground

    Campsite huge

    It was an amazing camping site, everything was near us, the water, restroom and the fishing area.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Lower Skilak Lake Campground

    Slow down spot on Alaska Trip

    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. There are a few spots great for solar and Starlink. Others are in trees. Really nice free campsite.

  • Jon L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Quartz Creek Campground

    Beautiful, quiet and dump station!

    We were surprised as we pulled in to the campground to see a sign for a dump station. All of our research showed no dump station or potable water. They have both! Looks pretty new.

    The campground itself is beautiful with plenty of space and privacy.

    The planes from the airport start around 8a and stop around 5/6p. Not loud and kind of neat to see the bush planes up so close!


Guide to Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Camping near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or simply relax in nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The area is known for great fishing opportunities. At Upper Skilak Lake Campground, one camper noted, "Fishing, hiking, boating galore. Paved pads with gorgeous sites some right on the water." This makes it a prime spot for anglers looking to catch trout and salmon.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Hidden Lake Campground. A visitor shared, "There are trails down to the lake from the upper two, ridge and skyview," highlighting the beautiful scenery you can enjoy while hiking.
  • Wildlife Viewing: The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is home to diverse wildlife. Campers at Lower Skilak Lake Campground reported seeing "black bears, mamma and cubs," making it an exciting place for wildlife enthusiasts.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. One reviewer at Captain Cook State Recreation Area said, "Fantastic views, great fishing, and trails," emphasizing the beauty of the surroundings.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at Morgans Landing State Rec Area mentioned, "Very quiet and clean," which is a big plus for those looking for a comfortable stay.
  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites. At Hidden Lake Campground, one visitor noted, "Each site felt pretty secluded and private," making it a great choice for those wanting to escape the crowds.

What you should know:

  • Fees: Be aware of potential hidden fees. A camper at Centennial Park & Campground warned, "The $23/vehicle/campsite killed the 5 stars this place deserves," so check the costs before you go.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain amenities. A visitor at Lower Ohmer Lake Campground pointed out, "Only a handful of sites, first come first serve and FREE," indicating that you might need to be flexible with your plans.
  • Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A camper at Hidden Lake Campground advised, "Make sure you have bug spray," as the area can get quite buggy.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Discovery Campground, one family enjoyed, "Great fishing in Cooks Inlet, Stormy Lake, and Swanson River all steps from the campground," making it easy to keep the little ones entertained.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye out for wildlife. A camper at Upper Skilak Lake Campground mentioned, "We saw black bears and grizzly bears every day," so be cautious and educate your kids about wildlife safety.
  • Secluded Spots: Choose campgrounds with private sites. A visitor at Captain Cook State Recreation Area noted, "The spaces are pretty private with lots of plant growth between you," which can help families feel more at ease.

Tips from RVers:

  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for rough roads. A camper at Upper Skilak Lake Campground said, "There are two sides of the road you can come from and either is rough," so take it slow in your RV.
  • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. At Morgans Landing State Rec Area, one reviewer mentioned, "Great place to stay for a few days while fishing," indicating it’s suitable for RVs.
  • Water Access: Choose campgrounds with easy access to water. A visitor at Lower Skilak Lake Campground highlighted, "There is not charge for these spots and most have picnic tables and are right on the shore of the lake," making it perfect for RVers who enjoy fishing or kayaking.

Camping near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, is a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a trip you won’t forget!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is Centennial Park & Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge?