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Best Tent Camping near Kenai, AK

145 Reviews

The Kenai Peninsula surrounding Kenai, Alaska offers several tent camping options with pristine wilderness settings. Lower Skilak Lake Campground in Cooper Landing provides dedicated walk-in tent sites that require a short hike to access, while Deep Creek North in Ninilchik accommodates tent campers with sites available from May through September. Both locations offer primitive tent camping experiences with varying levels of amenities and access to Alaska's renowned fishing waters, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Tent campsites at Lower Skilak Lake feature basic amenities including pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground operates year-round, though winter access may require additional preparation. Deep Creek North provides tent-only areas on gravel surfaces with state-maintained pit toilets and fresh water pumps available. Campers should bring their own toilet paper as supplies can be unreliable. Cell service is minimal or non-existent at these locations, particularly at Lower Skilak Lake. The wind at Deep Creek North is constant, requiring proper gear for comfortable tent camping. Both locations have varying road conditions, with Lower Skilak Lake occasionally requiring navigation of muddy, rough roads.

According to reviews, tent campers at Lower Skilak Lake frequently observe wildlife including black bears, moose, and smaller forest creatures. One visitor noted that "the campsite for tents have to be hiked in to get to," providing additional separation from other campers. The backcountry tent camping experience includes access to numerous hiking trails and lakeside recreation. Deep Creek North offers tent campers ocean views and beach access, though the area becomes busy during peak fishing season in July. Campers report that despite activity during daylight hours, nights remain quiet. The natural setting provides opportunities for beachcombing, wildlife viewing, and spectacular sunsets over Cook Inlet with Mt. Iliamna as a backdrop, making these locations popular choices for tent camping near Kenai.

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Best Tent Sites Near Kenai, Alaska (2)

    1. Lower Skilak Lake Campground

    9 Reviews
    Soldotna, AK
    26 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."

    2. Deep Creek North

    2 Reviews
    Ninilchik, AK
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 269-8400

    "All sites are basically in a gravel parking area with painted lines in between sites- tent camping is allowed but I would recommend RV or campers for a restful sleep."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Kenai, AK

145 Reviews of 2 Kenai Campgrounds

  • Samantha F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Upper Skilak Lake Campground - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

    Campsite and gorgeous views were worth dealing with the bugs for for

    The stunning lake view and access made the campsite worth dealing with the bugs and bears.

    We arrived at Upper Skilak Lake Campground on a sunny Friday afternoon and managed to get the last site available. The campground was packed, including all the RV sites. We ended up in one of the walk-in tent sites. There are a total of 10 walk-in tent sites, with six right on the lake and the rest just a short walk away.

    Each campsite is equipped with bear-proof storage for food, which is essential considering the active bear presence in the area. There is enough space for two tents, and the fire pits are new with adjustable grill racks, which made cooking easy. Buckets were provided to safely extinguish fires.

    The campsites are a short walk from the parking lot, involving a small hill, except for one (maybe two) handicap-accessible site that offers easier access.

    During our stay, we saw black bears and grizzly bears every day. Bear scat was common on the trails and beach, adding to the sense of adventure but also requiring constant vigilance regarding food storage and safety.

    The park rangers were friendly and stopped by our site each night to check in and talk about bear sightings. However, one morning, a ranger accompanied by a few volunteers walked into our site while we were eating, which felt somewhat invasive.

    The main downside was the state of the bathrooms. They were extremely dirty, with one stall that didn’t lock and another that had no toilet paper. The smell was terrible, and overall, the facilities were not well-maintained.

    By the time we left on Monday, we were the only campers remaining, which offered a peaceful end to our stay.

    Overall, Upper Skilak Lake Campground offers a beautiful location and a genuine wilderness experience, the poor condition of the bathrooms and significant amount of bugs were the only drawback.

    Be prepared for bears and lots of bugs. The lake, the trails, and experience were definitely worth the trip.

  • Tanya B.
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Alaska Canoe and Campground

    Anything you could ever want to rent

    This is a campground in Gear rental. You can rent everything from fishing poles and nuts to tent camping equipment and anything you might need for watercraft her. They weren’t sleeping bags and dry bags. 10 sites will run you $25 RVs 40 and cabins start at $175. This is right off the Sterling highway and impossible to mess it’s worth checking out if you’re looking at hooking up your RV.

  • Shadara W.
    Oct. 6, 2019

    Hidden Lake Campground

    Hidden Fun

    Hidden Lake canpground is made up of three sections. Skyview loop the furthest from the lake is the largest with sites large enough for any rig. #6, 10 15 and 20 are handicapped only, do not park here unless you have tags or hanging proof. Ridge Loop and Lake Loop are both tighter and have signs warning of limited manuverbility. Sure #6 on lake loop is ADA and #1 on Ridge loop is ADA. There are trails down to the lake from the upper two, ridge and skyview. There is a free boat launch to access Hidden lake which has trout, dolly garden, kokanee and land locked salmon. Seven day limit at only $10 a day. There are day use covered picnic pavilions, an amphitheater, hiking trails and camp host. The walk in tent area is very private and tree covered. All sites have tables and fire rings. Love this place!

  • Audry P.
    May. 30, 2017

    Cooper Creek South

    Nestled in the woods

    The Cooper Creek sites are a nice alternative to when the Russian River campground is full. This campground is right off of the Sterling Highway. We didn't make online reservations for Memorial weekend so many of the Cooper Creek sites were reserved, but we managed to find one open. It featured a campfire ring with adjustable grilling rack, picnic table (with bench cutout for wheelchair access) and a bear-proof locker. The campground road and site pads are not paved, but all is well-maintained. We didn't notice any highway noise, which was nice! Lots of foliage and tree cover between sites. The camp hosts were super friendly. We saw them making the rounds of sites in late afternoon and also tidying up the restroom in the morning. Our site, #12, was right across from the start of a little trail that runs parallel to Cooper Creek for a little while. 2017 fees are $18 for single sites, $28 for doubles and $7 for firewood. There were a couple pull through sites that would be perfect for large campers/motorhomes, folks pulling boats, and multiple vehicles.

  • Keith M.
    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.

  • Michael V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2022

    Kelly Lake Campground

    Small campground away from crowds.

    Only a handful of spots, I’ve only camped with a tent here, might be able to camp with a small camper here. No hook ups, does have fire rings and picnic tables

  • Megan W.
    Aug. 18, 2021

    Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Nice Spot for Fishing

    My family loved our weekend away at the Russian River Campground. It was super easy to make a reservation online (reserve early!), our loop was a short walk to the boardwalk to get down to the river. However, we ended up with a pull through spot that was a pain to get our rig into (26' pull behind). Luckily it was the first spot in the loop so we were able to back it in and have the door open to the footprint and the slide towards the road (friends in 69, the next spot over) had the same issue. Also, if you have a second vehicle it's going to be horrible to park at the site as well (unless you have two smaller vehicles and are tent camping). But we had a massive wheelchair friendly picnic table, a fire pit with a decent size grate and a bear box.

  • Audry P.
    May. 10, 2017

    Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Fisherman's paradise

    We spend many days at the Russian during the peak of salmon season. When the reds (sockeye) are in, whether it be the first run or the second, the Russian River Campground is the place to be. Sites are nestled in the woods and feature a paved driveway, metal fire pits with top grate, picnic table, and large bear/animal proof lockers for food and gear. Trees and shrubs abound - no scorched earth campsites here. Some sites are singles, others doubles and a few pull-throughs for larger campers and those towing boats & toys. No water or electric hookups. Toilets and non-potable water located in each loop. FYI, this is bear country - we've had bears walk through camp and past us on the river. Read up on bear safety prior to staying at the Russian!

    Sign up through Recreation.gov as soon as the registration window opens (6 months prior) since spaces fill up incredibly fast. If you're planning on fishing, try to book one of the loops closest to the Russian River or its confluence with the Kenai River. Otherwise it's quite a hike down to the water.

  • Katie B.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    GORGEOUS spot to dry camp!

    This is a dry campground, so all us camper/RV folks make sure to charge your phones up before coming out! The campgrounds are in numbered groups, with sites positioned in loops on each side of the road. Far enough apart for privacy, but close enough to know if wildlife is around. We have very spotty service when we’re out here, but we don’t mind because the views are far more note worthy than our phone screens. There are water fill up stations and dump stations at every camping loop, which was very convenient. The sites are very big (room for our 26ft camper, F-250 and trailblazer to fit) with a separate open area beside it with a fire pit, picnic table, and bear proof container to place our dogs food and portable grill. Quiet hours are from 10pm-6am so we were able to run our generator long enough for our boys to watch a movie before bed. Great sites, great price, great place to fish for salmon!

Guide to Kenai

Tent camping near Kenai, Alaska offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and explore the great outdoors.

Local Attractions to Explore

  • Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lower Skilak Lake Campground, where you can hike scenic trails and enjoy wildlife sightings, including curious black bears and moose.

Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • Deep Creek North is a hub for deep sea fishing, providing access to prime spots for halibut and salmon, making it a favorite among fishing enthusiasts.

Tent Campers Enjoy These Nearby Features

  • At Lower Skilak Lake Campground, you'll find amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and well-maintained pit toilets, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kenai, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kenai, AK is Lower Skilak Lake Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.

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