Top Tent Camping near Soldotna, AK

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Soldotna? We've got you covered. With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Soldotna campgrounds for you and your tent. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Soldotna campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Soldotna, AK (3)


Recent Tent Reviews In Soldotna

149 Reviews of 3 Soldotna Campgrounds


  • AKExplorer G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Caribou Hills Recreation Area Dispersed
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Caribou Hills Recreation Area Dispersed

    Great Camping Area

    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. Wonderful area for foraging fungi and harvesting berries. Great Bear and Moose hunting area.

    Please, Pack it in, Pack it out.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from K-Beach Campground and Storage
    Aug. 1, 2024

    K-Beach Campground and Storage

    This establishment is a disaster.

    I had the worst experience camping experience of my life here. Noisy, filthy, and poorly managed. The lady who owns it is disrespectful and lazy yet asking a premium price. The sites are not private, the bathrooms are filthy. I recommend not considering this place unless you are dip netting or in noise at all hours not too mention the thievery.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from K-Beach Campground and Storage
    Aug. 1, 2024

    K-Beach Campground and Storage

    This place is a disaster, no water hookups, filthy bathrooms, rude manager

    I stayed here early 2024 season and will not return.  The noise was horrible, no privacy between sites and water in few. Basically dry miserable camping at a premium price but the worst part was dealing with the matriarch of the village. The female owner is a rude disrespectful person, clearly uncomfortable in her own skin.

  • Lynn G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alaskan Angler RV Resort
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Alaskan Angler RV Resort

    Alaskan Anglers RV Resort

    4.5 stars for this RV park. They have everything you need. Laundry/showers/bathrooms. 50/30 amp electric, sewer, water. Small dog run. They have a fish charter service, as well as fish cleaning stations. They also fillet, vacuum pack freeze and ship your catch. We really enjoyed ourselves here.

  • Samantha F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Skilak Lake Campground - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
    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.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Centennial Park & Campground
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Centennial Park & Campground

    Hidden fees killed the love

    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. And this fee is not on the entrance sign nor the City of Soldotna website.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tustumena Lake
    May. 2, 2024

    Tustumena Lake

    Nice Spot

    This is a small campground with individual sites. It has a lake with boat ramp access and is used frequently, during summer months. Campsites have firepits. Some sites can be quite muddy to get to. Very nice. No cell service at sites.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Creek North Campground
    Sep. 28, 2023

    Cooper Creek North Campground

    River views near a bbq restaurant

    There is a south campground along the river and a north loop along the creek. We stayed in the south camp at the end of September so it was “no services no fees” at that time. There’s a bbq restaurant across the street. There are food storage lockers at each site because of bears. Most other campers were there to fish.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Clam Gulch State Rec Area
    Sep. 26, 2023

    Clam Gulch State Rec Area

    Beach access and good bay and mountain views

    We stayed off season and were the only campers except the host. We rv camped and parked in a spot with an outlook over the cliff toward mountains. Only a few spots have views. There is a trail down to a beautiful beach, also empty when we were there. The parking spots are very tightly spaced.

  • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Centennial Park & Campground
    Aug. 26, 2023

    Centennial Park & Campground

    Convenient campground

    Right on the Kenai river with a campground and boat launch. Tons of stores etc in Soldotkna minutes away to include a laundry mat five minutes away.

    Road in is dirt and in good condition. They have people at the front that collect fees of people coming and goin. Lots of people coming through to use the boat launch, but you can't beat the beautiful turquoise of the Kenai river. Also, a beautiful mile or so trail along the river so people can pay $8 to park for the day. Plenty of restrooms and picnic tables. level camping spots and spots were nice and spread out so you aren't on top of your neighbor.

    Also, close to Kenai Wildlife Refuge, a couple minutes away. So check out the visitors center and the trails off the visitors center. Well maintained and scenic!

  • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Creek North Campground
    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 ...

  • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Creek South
    Aug. 21, 2023

    Cooper Creek South

    Beautiful spot on river

    Small but lovely campground on a one way road right on the Kenai river. Sites are spread out, a couple tent spots and a couple of camper spots. There appears to be seven spots and if this is full, you can go just up the road to the next campground.

    No electric, water etc but there is a dumpster, picnic tables and fire pits. Across the road is a BBQ spot and a store. You can easily walk to it, just be careful going across road as hwy. Is pretty busy!

  • A M.
    Camper-submitted photo from K-Beach Campground and Storage
    Jun. 26, 2023

    K-Beach Campground and Storage

    Nice spot tucked in the woods close to the beach.

    Mostly dry camping with some full hookup spots. Nice fish cleaning station under a roof to keep you dry in the rain. There was firewood when I was there which we made use of, peaceful place to roast some marshmallows. The bathroom situation could use some work since it is an old place, but they were clean.

  • Cathy B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Lake Campground
    Jun. 24, 2023

    Hidden Lake Campground

    Hidden Lake Camp Ground

    The camp hosts were exceptional, I am handicap and they found us a great handicap space for car camping at the time. This as Fourth of July weekend 2021

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Captain Cook State Recreation Area
    Apr. 4, 2023

    Captain Cook State Recreation Area

    Just Wandered Back to See What Was Here & Stayed a Couple Days!

    Tucked away off the main Kenai Peninsula roads, Captain Cook SP sees fewer visitors and offers campers a nice quiet way to spend a few days. While fishing might be the main outdoor activity here, walking along the rocky beach of Cook inlet can’t be beat. 

    The campsites are rustic and small, with just a few able to serve larger rigs. The road through the campground is winding and hilly so we’d recommend not bringing a long 5th wheel or bus in here. The vault toilets were clean and water was available through spigots located around the loop. Like all Alaskan State Park wells, they recommend that you treat, filter, or boil all water before consuming. The forest canopy made it a bit of a challenge for our solar system, but our portable solar suitcase was able to make up the difference by periodically moving it around to the sunny spot. 

    Hiking trails lead throughout the campground and down to the beach where you could walk for miles if you wanted. The views of Cook Inlet and the mountains of the western shore are stunning on clear days and the sunsets were incredible.  Denali is probably visible occasionally. There was an “Alaskan boat launch," aka a 4-wheel drive road down to the beach where you could launch a small craft, canoe or kayak, and cycling along the roads is possible. There are ample fishing opportunities throughout the area, as well as companies which will take you further inland by seaplane to find your own isolated spot. 

    The closest town with full services is Kenai, and the larger village of Soldatna for mechanics, gas, groceries and restaurants.

  • SJ D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kasilof River Special Use Area
    Sep. 26, 2022

    Kasilof River Special Use Area

    No bathrooms during off season

    Mainly a large parking lot, no bathrooms this time of year. Beautiful right on the way, be careful driving on the sand especially at low tide it quickly turns to mud flats

  • SJ D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Discovery Campground
    Sep. 21, 2022

    Discovery Campground

    Great walking trails!

    Stayed at site 19, only a few sites down there is a marked trail (steep and slippery when wet) that goes down to the ocean. There are nice tables at the picnic area, not many water sources or bathrooms. Low tide is breathtaking, be careful of the mud flats, they can be like quick sand

  • Michael V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kelly Lake Campground
    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

  • Michael V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Quartz Creek Campground
    Aug. 11, 2022

    Quartz Creek Campground

    This place is beautiful, right on Kenai lake

    Surrounded by mountains lays a long yet narrow lake, Kenai lake. It’s a glacial lake that has a beautiful green/blue hue. The water is cold, but it’s gorgeous here.



Guide to Soldotna

Camping near Soldotna, Alaska, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or just relax by the water, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The Kenai River is a prime spot for fishing. One camper mentioned, "The fishing access was great" at Centennial Park & Campground, making it a popular choice for anglers.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Lower Skilak Lake Campground. A visitor noted, "There are trails, lakes, site seeing and enjoying the peace," highlighting the area's natural beauty.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bears and moose. One camper at Upper Skilak Lake Campground shared, "We saw black bears and grizzly bears every day," which adds an exciting element to your camping experience.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A review for Captain Cook State Recreation Area mentioned, "Immaculate vault toilets," which is a big plus for many.
  • Secluded Spots: Campers enjoy the privacy offered by some campgrounds. One visitor at Hidden Lake Campground said, "Each site felt pretty secluded and private," making it a great choice for those wanting to escape the crowds.
  • Beautiful Views: The scenery is a major draw. A camper at Clam Gulch State Rec Area noted, "The View and trail down to the Beach makes up for it," showcasing the stunning landscapes around Soldotna.

What you should know:

  • Fees: Be aware of additional charges. A camper at Centennial Park & Campground mentioned hidden fees, stating, "The $23/vehicle/campsite killed the 5 stars this place deserves."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A visitor at Lower Skilak Lake Campground pointed out, "There is not charge for these spots and most have picnic tables," but also noted the absence of showers and electric hookups.
  • Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in summer. A camper at Hidden Lake Campground advised, "Make sure you have bug spray," as the area can get buggy.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with room to spread out. A family at Morgans Landing State Rec Area enjoyed, "Our campsite had an area for the camper then a space for the fire/table and kids running around."
  • Activities for Kids: Choose locations with nearby trails and water access. One camper at Johnson Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "The walk-in campsites are spacious," making it easy for kids to explore.
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on children, especially near water. A visitor at Upper Skilak Lake Campground reminded campers to be vigilant about food storage due to bears.

Tips from RVers:

  • Road Conditions: Be cautious of bumpy roads leading to some campgrounds. A camper at Upper Skilak Lake Campground noted, "There are two sides of the road you can come from and either is rough."
  • Space for Large Rigs: Look for campgrounds that can accommodate bigger vehicles. A review for Captain Cook State Recreation Area mentioned, "Several sites suited to large rigs," which is helpful for RV travelers.
  • Plan for Limited Services: Some campgrounds are remote, so stock up on supplies. A visitor at Discovery Campground advised, "Bring supplies, the closest market is quite a drive away."

Camping near Soldotna, Alaska, offers a unique experience with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Just be prepared for the quirks of each campground, and you'll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Soldotna, AK?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Soldotna, AK is Lower Skilak Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Soldotna, AK?

    TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Soldotna, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.