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Best Campgrounds near Soldotna, AK

200 Reviews

Soldotna, Alaska features multiple waterfront camping options along the Kenai River, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Centennial Park & Campground provides direct river access with developed tent and RV sites, while Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Cabins offer more secluded accommodations accessible by boat, vehicle, or hiking trails. The area includes a mix of municipal parks, private RV resorts, and state recreation areas with varying levels of amenities, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV hookups and cabin rentals.

Most campgrounds in the Soldotna region operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through September, though several facilities like Centennial Park remain open year-round. Camping areas become particularly crowded during salmon fishing season in June and July. "Centennial Campground in Soldotna Alaska will be bursting at the seams in June and July. Fishing season will be in full swing and getting a spot may be tricky - as they take no reservations - but WORTH IT! Especially if you like to fish," notes one experienced visitor. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly in shoulder seasons, and winter camping requires cold-weather preparation. Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some private facilities accept reservations.

Riverfront access represents the primary draw for many campers visiting the area. Several developed campgrounds feature boardwalks and designated fishing platforms along the Kenai River. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The fishing access was great. The staff keep this place very nice." Campground amenities vary considerably, with options ranging from basic sites with vault toilets to full-service RV parks with electric hookups, showers, and sewer connections. Public sites typically offer fire pits and picnic tables. While private RV parks and resorts tend to charge premium rates, especially during fishing season, municipal campgrounds like Swiftwater Park provide more affordable alternatives with spacious sites. Wildlife viewing opportunities, including possible bear sightings, add to the camping experience throughout the region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Soldotna, Alaska (85)

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Recent Camping Photos near Soldotna, AK

25 Photos of 85 Soldotna Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Soldotna, AK

200 Reviews of 85 Soldotna Campgrounds

  • T
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Kenai Riverfront Resort

    Do not recommend!

    The Alaskan Dream turned into the Alaskan Nightmare! Do not recommend! All negative reviews that say Jim is controlling, rude and condescending are true! This micromanaging owner requires a wire payment so there’s no going back when his atrocious behavior comes out! Buyer beware.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge & RV Park

    Met Our Needs

    We followed our RV GPS and turned off AK-1 at Bean Creek Rd, which brought us to the Kenai Princess RV Park. A steep left turn led to the office, where we had a super friendly check-in. There was an RV in our site when we arrived, but the office quickly moved them to the overflow. The sites were split on two sides of a wide road with a large turnaround area, so backing into Site 35 with FHUs (30 AMP) was easy. The site was long enough for our 40’ toy hauler, including dropping the patio, and we could still park our F450 crosswise. Sewer connections were at the back center of the pad, with water and electric at the center—no issues. Water pressure was about 40 PSI. Because of perimeter trees and fishermen’s vehicles, we set Starlink on the roof for a clear sky shot. Verizon gave us 2 bars, while T-Mobile had no service. There were paths around the campground to the lodge and down to the lake, which we enjoyed walking with our pups. There weren’t many grocery options in Cooper Landing. The nearest major amenities were about an hour away in Soldotna. Overall, this was a decent campground that met our needs.

  • m
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Diamond M Ranch Resort

    Great place

    Lot of space , all media , everything clean , very good price. Also they have an animal farm, a lot of memorabilia, etc

  • Andrea W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Klondike RV Park & Cottages

    Kovely campground very well taken care of

    Every ground is provided with water, electricity and dumping station. The grounds are spacious, some with trees providing privacy. Everything is well taken care if. Host is very welcoming. Were invited to a delicious salmon chowder gathering on the spot.

  • Andrea W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Scenic View RV Park

    Lovely place and RV perfect

    Allows for hooking up with electricity and water, dumping station also available. Everything topped with spectacular view. Loved it.

  • Melissa B.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Mackey Lake RV and Cabins

    Near Talon Air - Quiet residental area - only 3 spots so very quiet

    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. Longmere public lake 5 miles away. Great place to camp for a couple nights.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • don B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Love this campground

    07-25-2025 This campground is open. Came in and got on a waiting list for ff and got a site. On the list again but are sure we’ll get another since there was 3 sites not used in our section last night. If not you can park in overflow for $10

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Moose Crossing RV & Food Truck Park

    Easy Access and Handy Amenities

    Moose Crossing RV & Food Truck Park is conveniently located right off the highway in Sterling, AK. We followed the emailed check-in instructions, pulled to the right, and registered at the kiosk. Since we had called the day before to notify the campground (CG) of a slide issue that delayed our arrival, we were already checked in and proceeded straight to pull-through site 12 with full hookups (30 AMP). Utilities were well placed and centered on the pad, which was a plus. Water pressure was solid at around 45 psi, but the water had a noticeable sulfur taste and smell. We had 2 bars on Verizon, 1 bar on T-Mobile, and a decent sky view for Starlink—though perimeter sites may have more tree cover and less visibility. The CG has a mix of pull-through and back-in sites, which are fairly close together but not uncomfortably so. The CG WiFi ran at about 20 Mbps, which was fine for email, browsing, and checking Facebook. The CG hosts also run the two on-site food trucks—one gyro-themed, the other espresso and ice cream. The CG has a small laundry. There's also ample space for walking dogs, including a short trail. This was a solid CG for our short stay and would be a good choice for a longer one too.

Guide to Soldotna

Soldotna camping areas combine riverfront access with spacious camping sites across municipal, state, and private facilities. The Kenai River runs through the region, with camping options ranging from $25 for basic sites to $70 for premium riverfront locations with hookups. Summer temperatures typically range between 50-70°F, with occasional rain showers even during peak season.

What to do

Fishing from boardwalks: Centennial Park & Campground offers designated fishing access with metal stairs leading to the water. One visitor notes, "Great family weekend campground and is right on the river providing amazing fishing opportunities. This campground is huge! So lots of trails and boardwalks to ride bikes, walk dogs, get out and explore."

Wildlife viewing: Look for eagles and bears at multiple locations throughout the area. At Diamond M Ranch Resort, one camper appreciated the "eagles nest close by, caribou viewing," while another mentioned that Centennial Park offers a "good chance to see bears."

Lake activities: Several campgrounds provide lake access for boating or quiet fishing away from the busier river. At Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Cabins, one visitor shared: "Engineer Lake Cabin. Only a 1 mile hike in and it comes with a row boat. The lake is very private."

What campers like

Spacious sites: Many campsites near Soldotna provide ample room between neighbors. Swiftwater Park & Campground features "Big spacious sites, some of them right on the river. Busy, but spread out enough that noise isn't an issue."

Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities despite heavy use during peak season. At Edgewater Lodge & RV Park, "Showers are coin operated and $1.50 for 7 minutes. Toilets are available."

Firewood value: Some sites offer excellent firewood packages. One Centennial Park camper mentioned: "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."

What you should know

Vehicle fees: Be aware of additional charges for extra vehicles at some campgrounds. A recent Centennial Park visitor warned: "Beautiful campground. Clean facilities. BUT 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."

Reservation policies: Reservation systems vary widely between campgrounds. While Centennial Park operates first-come, first-served, Morgans Landing State Rec Area provides quiet alternatives, with one camper noting it was "Just what we needed for a quick night's stopover. Very quiet and clean."

Seasonal staff quality: Staff experience affects camping quality. A Centennial Park visitor cautioned: "Camp host from Mississippi (there are 2) is an ahole. One of those who lets a little power get to his head (you know the type). I thought it might just be me but after talking to close to a dozen other campers everyone had had a run in with him."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific family features. Diamond M Ranch Resort provides "animals, bicycle rentals, basketball court, playground, seasonal berry picking," making it particularly appealing as "children love this campground."

Safety concerns: During busy seasons, be mindful of campground security. One family at Centennial Park observed: "We were sad to see that there was no one on duty at nights for the most part as weird people would come and go all hours of the night. Druggies would be seen setting up camp after hours and leaving before open hours."

Shoulder season benefits: Consider camping in early September for a quieter experience with children. The Kenai River areas become less crowded while still offering activities. Morgans Landing State Rec Area visitors "enjoyed a nice hike down to the river" during their stay.

Tips from RVers

Urban convenience: Mackey Lake RV and Cabins offers NO HOOKUPS but provides "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."

Hookup availability: Full-service sites command premium prices during peak season. River Terrace Campground offers "Full hookups $70.00 plus tax" but provides a private boardwalk for fishing access.

Size considerations: While many sites accommodate large rigs, some have specific limitations. Morgans Landing State Rec Area has "Center campsites are pull and 26 is pretty large. There is everything you expect from a State recreation site."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find tent camping in Soldotna?

Tent campers in Soldotna have several options to choose from. Cooper Creek South provides a less crowded alternative to busier fishing campgrounds while still offering similar amenities, making it ideal for group tent camping trips. Another excellent option is Tustamena Lake Campground, which offers free camping within reach of Soldotna's fishing opportunities. For tent campers wanting to stay closer to town, Sunrise Resorts | Edgewater Lodge & RV Park accepts tent campers with online reservations available from mid-May through Labor Day. Most tent sites in the area are first-come, first-served, so arriving early during peak fishing season (June-July) is advisable.

What are the best campgrounds in Soldotna, Alaska?

Soldotna offers several excellent camping options, with Centennial Park & Campground standing out as a top choice due to its prime location on the Kenai River and proximity to downtown Soldotna. This campground is especially popular during fishing season (June-July). For those seeking quieter alternatives, Captain Cook State Recreation Area offers a hidden gem at the end of Kenai Spur Road with beautiful natural surroundings. Other notable options include Sunrise Resorts | Edgewater Lodge & RV Park for those wanting more amenities, and Tustamena Lake Campground for budget-conscious campers. Most Soldotna campgrounds fill quickly during peak salmon fishing season, so arriving early or having backup options is recommended.

What amenities are available at Centennial Campground in Soldotna?

Centennial Park & Campground offers nicely wooded sites with privacy but no hookups. The campground features clean facilities, water access, and restrooms. Its main draw is direct access to the Kenai River for fishing. The extensive grounds include trails and boardwalks perfect for biking, walking dogs, and exploring. Vehicle fees apply ($23 per vehicle per campsite, including towed vehicles and motorcycles). The campground operates seasonally with varying prices between on and off fishing seasons. No reservations are accepted—it's first-come, first-served and fills quickly during peak fishing season (June-July). Check the City of Soldotna website for current fees and available discounts.

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