Sterling Highway serves as the main corridor connecting several RV parks in the Kenai, Alaska area. Most campgrounds within the region remain operational from May through September, with limited wintertime options. The Kenai Peninsula offers a mix of riverside and lakeside camping facilities, typically situated between 60-100 feet above sea level with surrounding terrain characterized by spruce forests and wetlands.
What to do
Fishing access considerations: At River Terrace Campground, campers can take advantage of private boardwalk access for salmon fishing. "If you want to salmon fish for a few weeks every summer this is the place. When they're running in the thousands it's pretty much full so you would need to reserve ahead," notes reviewer Darrel F. The park gets particularly busy during peak fishing season.
Waterfront locations: RV parks near water bodies provide direct fishing access. "Very large RV and tent sites right along the rivers edge. You may wanna reserve during peak fishing season but during the slower times it's pretty easy to find a spot here," reports Tanya B. about Edgewater Lodge and RV Resort.
Food options: Some campgrounds integrate food services. Moose Crossing RV Park includes two on-site food trucks—one gyro-themed and another serving espresso and ice cream. These food options provide convenient meal alternatives for campers without leaving the grounds.
What campers like
Convenient highway access: Location along main travel routes ranks highly with campers. "This is a very convenient site for fishing on the Kenai," mentions one reviewer about River Terrace RV Park. Similarly, Bing Brown's receives praise as a "convenient stop on the Sterling highway" where "there did appear to be spots in the prime of fishing season."
Proximity to town services: Many Kenai area campgrounds offer nearby shopping access. "Close to town. Fred Meyer 3 miles away, river 4 miles away. Kenai 15 miles away," notes Melissa B. about Mackey Lake RV and Cabins. Another campground is described as "right in the heart of Soldotna and close to anything you might have forgotten."
Connectivity options: Internet access varies between properties. Some campgrounds offer WiFi service running "at about 20 Mbps, which was fine for email, browsing, and checking Facebook," according to one reviewer. Cell coverage strength depends on carrier and exact location within the area.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most RV parks in the Kenai region operate from May through September. Bing Brown's specifically runs "May 1 to September 30" with 15 RV sites, while King Salmon Motel and RV Park operates from "May 15 to September 15." Reservations become essential during salmon runs.
Water quality considerations: Water services can present challenges. At one park, a reviewer noted "water pressure was solid at around 45 psi, but the water had a noticeable sulfur taste and smell." This characteristic affects drinking water quality at certain facilities.
Reservation requirements: During peak fishing season, advance booking becomes necessary. "No spots to be had on a sunny weekend in the middle of August," reports one camper. At less busy times or smaller parks like Mackey Lake RV and Cabins with only 3 sites, availability improves.
Tips for camping with families
Pet policies: Most RV parks in Kenai allow pets with reasonable accommodation. "The CG has ample space for walking dogs, including a short trail," notes one reviewer. Some properties provide dedicated pet areas while maintaining overall cleanliness standards.
Shower facilities: Availability and cost of shower facilities varies significantly. At Edgewater Lodge & RV Park, "Showers are coin operated and $1.50 for 7 minutes. Toilets are available," reports Brad H. Some smaller parks lack shower facilities entirely.
Space considerations: Site dimensions and layout affect family comfort. Some parks feature "spacious grounds, some with trees providing privacy," while others place units closer together. One camper observed sites are "fairly close together but not uncomfortably so" at their park.
Tips from RVers
Electric service variations: RV hookup specifications differ between parks. Klondike RV Park & Cottages offers electric hookups with fifty-amp service but no thirty-amp options, important for RVers with specific power requirements. "Every ground is provided with water, electricity and dumping station," notes Andrea W.
RV size accommodations: Big rig accessibility varies by location. Real Alaskan Cabins and RV Park provides big-rig friendly spaces with electric and water, but lacks sewer hookups. Several parks explicitly advertise big-rig compatibility, with pull-through sites available at select locations.
Utility placement: Hookup configuration affects convenience. One RVer specifically mentioned appreciation for utilities "well placed and centered on the pad, which was a plus." This design feature simplifies connections and reduces the need for extension cords or additional hoses.
