Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Kenai, AK

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Kenai, AK

185 Reviews of 51 Kenai Campgrounds

• 

  Taylor W.

  Guide

  Apr. 18, 2018

  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.

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• R

  Randy M.

  Guide

  Aug. 5, 2020

  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.

• 

  George B.

  Guide

  Aug. 3, 2020

  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.

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• 

  Taylor W.

  Legend

  Feb. 22, 2018

  Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

  Go-to for Family Fun & Fishing!

  If you asked me where my favorite spot in Alaska is, I might just choose the Russian River. Whether you're into the RV life or are looking for a more rugged experience, this campground can satisfy your desires.

  A quick 2 hour drive from Anchorage takes you to the campground, a well-paved and serviced series of loops that you'll always feel safe in. We personally preferred the outer edge of the Silver Salmon Loop, though we enjoyed them all. If you're a big fisher, the Red Salmon Loop is your go-to spot for easy access to the river. It isn't hard to find yourself standing with dozens of anglers in the peak season, but if you're not too competitive, theres usually a secluded spot to be found - just watch out for bears trying to swipe your catch of the day!

  The grounds have easy access to a number of trails in the Chugach Forest. Try the Russian Lakes Trail if you are interested in a short hike to see salmon jump into the Russian Falls. The Angler's Trail will take you right to the Kenai-Russian River Confluence - one of the most unique sights in the world! And there's both a boat launch and Kenai River ferry nearby if you're willing to go big.

  Overall, the Russian River Campground's extra amenities (parking lots, covered bathrooms, provided drinking stations) are a real perk, but you don't have to worry about losing the natural, wild beauty of the Chugach Forest and all of the wildlife that comes with.

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• 

  Kristi D.

  Legend

  Aug. 21, 2023

  Cooper Creek North Campground

  Lovely convenient campground

  It's salmon fishing season and you can tell people are staying here to fish the Kenai River, which is great. It was a very convenient campsite off the highway on the way to Homer, in the national forest. only $23 a night to camp or $11.50 if your a senior or have an access pass. Great prize for Alaska, but of course no amenities at site such as water, electric etc. It's a dry spot.

  Good size sites and level spots with picnic table and fire pit. Enjoyed our night here ...

• D

  Don B.

  Scout

  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.

• 

  Keith M.

  Guide

  Sep. 18, 2020

  Gwins Lodge

  Fun place with restaurant, bar, store, liquor, to-go foods.

  Great base location in the central Kenai Peninsula. Easy commute to Seward, Kenai, Sterling, (1 hour) or Homer (2 hours). Many excellent trails all around the mountain and Kenai and Russian River area where Gwins Lodge and Roadhouse is located. Primitive only. Porta-John. Bring water. Fire wood for sale as well as liquor, beer and wine on-site. MJ 420 store 1 mile east. Fun place with restaurant, bar, store, liquor, to-go foods.

• 

  Aimee H.

  Ranger

  Jul. 29, 2017

  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!!

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• 

  Gwenn S.

  Guide

  Jun. 3, 2021

  Cooper Creek North Campground

  Small campground right on the river

  We loved this campground! Perfect for two adults in Campervan that like privacy. We stayed in the first site and while it was sort of close to the road the noise wasn’t bad because you have the river so close. Perhaps not the best site for small children. But with limited access to the kenai, we were happy to have our own spot and no one walking though our site at all.