M
Marcus H.
Guide
GuideCaptain Cook State Recreation Area Discovery Campground
Quiet location
Great place to go explore the beach at low tides. Excellent views
Camping near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge area provides multiple established campgrounds and cabin options along the Kenai River and surrounding lakes. Centennial Park Campground in Soldotna and Morgans Landing State Recreation Area in Sterling serve as primary developed camping areas with riverfront access. Several facilities like Diamond M Ranch Resort and Lone Moose Lodge offer cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Cabins provide more remote wilderness experiences accessible by boat, hiking trails, or vehicle depending on location. Most campgrounds in this region support both tent and RV camping with varying levels of hookups and amenities.
Access and availability varies significantly by season, with most facilities operating from May through October. Winter camping is limited to select year-round sites like Centennial Park and River Terrace Campground. Roads to most developed campgrounds are well-maintained, though some cabin sites require boat access or hiking to reach. "Great cabin. Only a 1 mile hike in and it comes with a row boat. The lake is very private," noted one visitor about Engineer Lake Cabin. During peak salmon fishing season in June and July, campgrounds fill quickly, particularly those with direct river access. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions, as even summer months can bring cool temperatures and precipitation. Most sites along the river charge separate vehicle fees, which several reviewers mentioned as an important consideration for trip planning.
Fishing access represents the primary attraction for many campgrounds in this region. Centennial Park and Swiftwater Park provide direct Kenai River access with boardwalks, fish cleaning stations, and designated fishing areas. Campers consistently mention the quality of fishing opportunities as a highlight of their stay. Riverside campgrounds can become extremely busy during salmon runs, with one reviewer describing the experience as "shoulder to shoulder" fishing. Several campgrounds feature spacious, wooded sites that offer some privacy despite the popularity of the area. Wildlife viewing opportunities, including bears, are frequently mentioned in reviews. While many sites lack showers, visitors appreciate the proximity to Soldotna for additional services and supplies. Travelers seeking quieter experiences might consider visiting in early September when fishing pressure decreases but facilities remain open.
Best Camping Sites Near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (91)
1. Centennial Park & Campground
13 ReviewsSoldotna, AK1 mileWebsite+1 (907) 262-5299$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."
2. Morgans Landing State Rec Area
4 ReviewsSoldotna, AK8 milesWebsite+1 (907) 269-8400"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."
3. Diamond M Ranch Resort
3 ReviewsKenai, AK5 milesWebsite+1 (907) 283-9424$149 / night
"Additional campsites are available in the pasture during Dip Net season (July 10-31) for Alaska residents. The office/store is a recreation of Gold Rush-era buildings from various towns in Alaska."
"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"
4. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Cabins
2 ReviewsSoldotna, AK0 milesWebsite+1 (907) 262-7021$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."
5. Klondike RV Park & Cottages
2 ReviewsSoldotna, AK1 mileWebsite+1 (907) 262-60357. Mackey Lake RV and Cabins
1 ReviewSoldotna, AK5 miles+1 (916) 397-5997$60 / night
"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."
8. Johnson Lake State Recreation Area Campground
5 ReviewsKasilof, AK13 milesWebsite+1 (907) 262-5581$20 - $120 / night
"We 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."
"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."
9. River Terrace Campground
2 ReviewsSoldotna, AK1 mileWebsite+1 (907) 262-5593"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."
10. Sunrise Resorts | Edgewater Lodge & RV Park
2 ReviewsSoldotna, AK1 mileWebsite+1 (907) 262-7733"Have stairs and have access to river to fish. Showers are coin operated and $1.50 for 7 minutes. Toilets are available. No standard picnic tables expect for deluxe sites."
Recent Camping Photos near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
25 Photos of 91 Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Campgrounds
Glenys M.
Swiftwater Park & Campground
Tanya B.
Klondike RV Park & Cottages
Vera G.
Centennial Park & Campground
Tanya B.
Morgans Landing State Rec Area
Stacey C.
Kasilof River Special Use Area
Valerie K.
Johnson Lake State Recreation Area Campground
Molly B.
Lower Skilak Lake Campground
Aimee H.
Captain Cook State Recreation Area
Samantha F.
Discovery Campground Capt. Cook State Park Campground
Valerie S.
Lower Ohmer Lake Campground
Jennifer W.
Hidden Lake Campground
Dori S.
Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Recent Reviews near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
216 Reviews of 91 Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Campgrounds
- MMarcus H.Guide
Stariski State Rec Area
Amazing views
Hidden Gem of a campground. Amazing views of the bay and surrounding volcanoes.
Lee D.
LegendDiamond M Ranch Resort
Family Fun!
General: RV sites, bunkhouse, tent camping, cabins, and historical suites. Additional campsites are available in the pasture during Dip Net season (July 10-31) for Alaska residents. The office/store is a recreation of Gold Rush-era buildings from various towns in Alaska. Sites are FHU.
Site Quality: Sites are mostly level. Some are gravel, and some are dirt. We were traveling in a caravan, and many of us had buddy sites (I believe this was to accommodate the influx for dip net season). This was not a problem as we used our 110 extension cord to convert to 30-amp for power. The sites are close together; some have trees providing privacy/separation, but not all of them.
Bath/Shower: There are four all-in-one (toilet, sink, shower) units plus laundry in our area of the campground (there is another bathhouse/laundry in another part of the campground). Again, because of the crowds for dip net, there was often a wait for a bathroom, and soap and/or paper towels would run out before the day was over. Not everyone heeded the signs asking campers to make sure shower curtains are closed to prevent flooding!
Activities/Amenities: The main amenity is the petting zoo and Matti’s farm tour on Saturday mornings ($5/per person for registered guests or $10 for community members; 50% of the proceeds go to their non-profit Mattis’s Farm, and the other 50% goes toward feeding the animals and permaculture education). At the end of the tour, you can interact with the animals (emus, chickens, goats, rabbits, a turkey). Ronna also leads guided hikes. One of Ronna and Blair’s daughters makes giant and delicious cinnamon rolls from her grandfather’s recipe on Fridays and Saturdays for a donation. There is a viewing deck open 24 hours/day and, on a clear day, you can see views of four of the peaks of the Ring of Fire. There is basketball, pickleball, a playground, and bike rentals. Free WiFi, although the signal is not strong. Also, a fish cleaning station.
It is obvious that Blair and Ronna and their family members are passionate about Diamond M. Blair and Ronna lead the farm tours, and during our stay, we saw one or both of them around the property.
Kellan K.
ScoutCentennial Park & Campground
Great app
Anyone that is into the outdoors from rudimentary camping to RV lifestyle it is perfect
- LLynde T.Guide
Deep Creek Recreation Area
Deep Creek Beach Campground
Really enjoyed staying here. First come, first serve. Alaska DNR campground, $20/night. No amenities other than vault toilets, water pump and dumpsters. Several sites, all seem to be back-in. All have picnic table and fire ring. Sites are generally level and easy to access. Several sites right off the beach. We stayed at a site in the back area, right next to the creek. Our motorhome windshield is facing the dunes with a fantastic view of bald eagle hang out. There’s generally 10-20+ eagles at any time and we’ve even seen golden eagles. The beach is a short walk and located next to the Deep Creek Boat Launch, where tractors launch boats in and out. Highly recommend watching. It’s truly gorgeous here.
Ricky R.GuideDeep Creek Recreation Area
Right on the Cook Inlet Beach Front
Parking lot style state campground with multiple sites for any size rig. Gets busy at times but never filled up while we were there. Good Eagle viewing. Good for tents as well.
- LLaura C.Scout
Moose Crossing RV & Food Truck Park
Adorable
The camp host was so kind and helped us get situated. It’s a quaint and beautiful site.
Connie B.GuideNinilchik View Campground
Primitive camping with a view
This is one of our favorite spots so far on our trip. There isn’t any electricity or water on site but there is a well where you can pump fresh water and a dump station. The campy is positioned on a bluff over looking the beach , water of Turn Again Arm and the mountains on the other side. It is quite windy. Beautiful views! There is are stairs leading down to the beach. We stayed a week. The spots are small so doesn’t accommodate large campers/or class A busses.
- VValerie K.
TravelerJohnson Lake State Recreation Area Campground
Beautiful Tent Spot
We 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.
Guide to Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Camping in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge spans across 1.92 million acres of diverse terrain including wetlands, alpine tundra, and boreal forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-70°F, though nighttime lows can drop to 40°F even in July. Many smaller campgrounds lack showers, requiring visitors to plan for multiple days without full facilities or travel to Soldotna for services.
What to do
Fishing access points: At Swiftwater Park & Campground, spacious sites position campers directly on the Kenai River. "Big spacious sites, some of them right on the river. Busy, but spread out enough that noise isn't an issue," notes Glenys M.
Wildlife viewing: The refuge hosts diverse wildlife beyond fishing opportunities. Visitors at Centennial Park & Campground report regular wildlife encounters. "Good chance to see bears," mentions JaNelle N., while the campground's extensive trails provide additional wildlife spotting opportunities.
Hiking trails: Visitors can access several hiking paths from campgrounds within the refuge area. At Morgans Landing State Rec Area, campers appreciate the river trail. "We did the river trail hike which was fun but didn't time the fishing right for this trip," reports Samantha M., highlighting the recreational options beyond fishing.
What campers like
Large wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious, treed camping areas. "Camping spots are large and offer fire pits and picnic tables," says Vanessa R. about Centennial Park. Similarly, at Morgans Landing, "Center campsites are pull and 26 is pretty large," according to Tanya B.
Quality firewood: Several campgrounds provide substantial firewood bundles at reasonable prices. At Centennial Park, Michael H. observed, "I don't know if it is just because they are clearing out all of the Bettle killed spruce, but they give you a real bundle of firewood for $6. I thought I would carry 2 bundles back to camp, but had to go get a wagon. It lasted us 4 nights."
Convenient locations: Many campers value proximity to local services while still enjoying natural settings. Randy M. describes Centennial Park as having "nicely wooded and mostly private" sites while being within "walking distance to some of the best road accessible fishing in Alaska."
What you should know
Vehicle fees: Multiple campgrounds charge additional fees per vehicle. "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.
Limited shower facilities: Most campgrounds in the area lack shower facilities. At Edgewater Lodge & RV Park, "Showers are coin operated and $1.50 for 7 minutes," according to Brad H.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from May through early September. For winter camping, options narrow significantly, with River Terrace Campground being one of the few year-round facilities in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Animal viewing opportunities: Diamond M Ranch Resort offers unique family experiences beyond traditional camping. "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," shares Samantha M.
Shoulder season visits: Consider early September for fewer crowds while facilities remain open. This timing allows for a more relaxed experience while still having access to essential services.
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature children's play areas. At Centennial Park, JaNelle N. noted there was a "Cute little playground," making it suitable for families with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: For RVers requiring full services, several campgrounds offer complete utilities. At Lone Moose Lodge and RV Park, sites include electric, water, and sewer connections, with Christopher M. rating it highly: "Great place! Can't wait to get back!"
Parking location considerations: Some RV sites provide better privacy than others. At Diamond M Ranch Resort, Samantha M. advises, "We've stayed once in the paddock area another in the grass area on the other side. I preferred the open grass area for the children to run around in without animals."
Seasonal crowding: RV spaces become extremely limited during peak fishing season. Tanya B. reports about River Terrace Campground, "No spots to be had on a sunny weekend in the middle of August. This is a very convenient site for fishing on the Kenai."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge?
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 91 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?
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 4-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
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