Ninilchik, Alaska sits at the base of the Kenai Peninsula, approximately 39 miles south of Soldotna at an elevation of 180 feet. The area experiences cool summers with average temperatures around 55°F and significantly colder winters. Campsites around Ninilchik typically open from May to September, with mid-June through August offering the most reliable weather conditions for tent camping.
What to do
Salmon fishing during festivals: During summer months, the Ninilchik area hosts Salmonstock music festival. "Ninilchik is a tiny little blip of a town but in the summer it is home to one of the best music festivals anywhere - Salmonstock!" shares a camper at Ninilchik River Campground. Festival attendees often use nearby campgrounds as home base.
Beach exploration at low tide: Cook Inlet features dramatic tidal changes of up to 20 feet, creating extensive tidepools for exploration. A camper at Deep Creek North notes, "Sandy tidal flats during low tide make for good views and fun places to walk dogs or explore. Rocky higher beach sections offer agate hunting possibilities."
Boat access to remote areas: Boaters can access less-visited areas from several launch points. "There is also boat access to a number of first come forest service cabins on the lake," explains a camper at Tustamena Lake Campground. "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."
What campers like
Panoramic viewpoints: Several campgrounds offer elevated positions with expansive views. A visitor to Ninilchik View Campground remarked, "Our site was #13 I believe and the view was AMAZING. Overlooking the cook inlet with volcanoes in the distance and bald eagle after bald eagle flying across the view. We watched the 'sunset' (May so not fully dark) and it brought a tear to my husband's eye."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Ninilchik area provides frequent animal encounters. A camper at Caribou Hills Recreation Area Dispersed reports, "Wonderful area for foraging fungi and harvesting berries. Great Bear and Moose hunting area." Another visitor at Tustamena Lake Campground noted, "Moose roam through the campground. Beautiful views of the river, flowers, and tons of different birds."
Off-grid camping with pets: For those seeking pet-friendly camping near Ninilchik without restrictions, dispersed camping provides more freedom. "You can camp anywhere in the DNR Recreational Area out in The Hills. Camp by the creek or up on one of the hills with amazing views," notes a visitor to Caribou Hills Recreation Area.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The Cook Inlet area experiences rapid weather changes with strong winds. A visitor to Homer Spit Campground advises, "It doesn't get much better than camping on a beach down on the Homer spit! We luckily had clear skies and no rainy/windy weather when we camped here." This reflects similar conditions found in Ninilchik.
Limited facilities at scenic sites: Many scenic locations offer minimal services. A camper at Ninilchik View Campground reports, "No electricity or water but the view made up for that. There's about 15 sites, a bathroom and pay station."
Site availability timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "This place fills up fast. There is so much to do here. Walk down to the beach and who knows what you will find. When fishing season is in full swing it, it fills up," warns a visitor to Ninilchik View Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water swimming spots: Some lakes near Ninilchik offer family-friendly swimming. A visitor to Johnson Lake State Recreation Area Campground notes, "Shallow warmer waters provide for good swimming as well." The campground features "a boat launch provides water access to anyone looking to play with jet skis, motor boats, or canoes and kayaks."
Fish cleaning considerations: Families planning fishing trips should research fish processing options. A visitor to Alaskan Angler RV Resort mentions, "They have a fish charter service, as well as fish cleaning stations. They also fillet, vacuum pack freeze and ship your catch."
Day use facilities: Some areas provide sheltered day-use facilities for family outings. A local at Johnson Lake notes, "A nicely set up day use area is available nearby as well. Large awnings cover anywhere from 2 to 4 picnic tables providing dry areas. Fire pits and built in BBQ's are close by each awning."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for views: RVers recommend choosing specific sites for optimal experiences. A visitor to Scenic View RV Park comments, "Chilled spot out by the overlook where you can bring your RV park it for a day or month friendly staff made it comfortable to stay."
Laundry access points: After extended travel on Alaska's dusty roads, laundry facilities become important. A camper at Alaskan Angler RV Resort shares, "4.5 stars for this RV park. They have everything you need. Laundry/showers/bathrooms. 50/30 amp electric, sewer, water."
Dump station locations: RVers should note which pet-friendly camping areas near Ninilchik offer dump facilities. "They do have a dump station and water fill which is good," reports a Homer Spit Campground visitor who paid "$45 a night for no hookups."
