3 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campers visiting Soldotna, Alaska have several established campgrounds to choose from, with Lower Skilak Lake Campground offering some of the most scenic tent sites in the region. Located within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, this campground features walk-in tent sites that require a short hike from parking areas. Crescent Creek Campground, situated near Cooper Landing approximately 30 miles from Soldotna, provides secluded tent camping in a forested setting. Deep Creek North in Ninilchik also accommodates tent campers with sites available from May through September.
Most tent sites in the Soldotna area feature dirt or gravel pads with minimal improvements. Lower Skilak Lake Campground provides picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets but no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply or filter from the lake. Bear activity is common throughout the region, making proper food storage essential for tent campers. Sites at Crescent Creek are described as small and best suited for tents rather than larger vehicles. The campground season typically runs from mid-May through mid-September, though weather conditions can affect accessibility, particularly in spring when snowmelt may create muddy conditions.
The tent camping experience near Soldotna offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. Crescent Creek provides access to hiking trails and is known for bear sightings, with food lockers available at campsites. Lower Skilak Lake Campground offers rocky shorelines for exploration and access to the lake for fishing and paddling. The area lacks cell service, creating a true disconnect from urban life. Sites at Lower Skilak Lake can be difficult to secure during peak summer months, especially on weekends. A review noted that "Rocky shores, dense woods, snow-capped peaks, wildlife...yet another quintessential Alaskan campground. Bring a kayak or other watercraft!"
"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."
"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."
"Tent camping works best here, sites are pretty small for anything bigger than a sprinter van. Very beautiful"
"Set far back tons of privacy. #4 has a creek view, #9 and #7 were both also nice sites. Large sites great for tents however with food lockers. Watch for bear activity as we saw fresh Scat."
TravelerStayed on aug 16 after leaving Homer. Was great to have a campsite with an ocean view! The campsite has a pit toilet, dumpster, and water spout. The water spout is rusty so the water has a bad taste though.
GuideThis campground is small and quiet with gorgeous views of the water from some sites. Sites are well maintained and tons of beautiful fireweed this time of year. Love the stairs that lead down to the beach!
GuideGreat place to go explore the beach at low tides. Excellent views
LegendGeneral: RV sites, bunkhouse, tent camping, cabins, and historical suites. Additional campsites are available in the pasture during Dip Net season (July 10-31) for Alaska residents. The office/store is a recreation of Gold Rush-era buildings from various towns in Alaska. Sites are FHU.
Site Quality: Sites are mostly level. Some are gravel, and some are dirt. We were traveling in a caravan, and many of us had buddy sites (I believe this was to accommodate the influx for dip net season). This was not a problem as we used our 110 extension cord to convert to 30-amp for power. The sites are close together; some have trees providing privacy/separation, but not all of them.
Bath/Shower: There are four all-in-one (toilet, sink, shower) units plus laundry in our area of the campground (there is another bathhouse/laundry in another part of the campground). Again, because of the crowds for dip net, there was often a wait for a bathroom, and soap and/or paper towels would run out before the day was over. Not everyone heeded the signs asking campers to make sure shower curtains are closed to prevent flooding!
Activities/Amenities: The main amenity is the petting zoo and Matti’s farm tour on Saturday mornings ($5/per person for registered guests or $10 for community members; 50% of the proceeds go to their non-profit Mattis’s Farm, and the other 50% goes toward feeding the animals and permaculture education). At the end of the tour, you can interact with the animals (emus, chickens, goats, rabbits, a turkey). Ronna also leads guided hikes. One of Ronna and Blair’s daughters makes giant and delicious cinnamon rolls from her grandfather’s recipe on Fridays and Saturdays for a donation. There is a viewing deck open 24 hours/day and, on a clear day, you can see views of four of the peaks of the Ring of Fire. There is basketball, pickleball, a playground, and bike rentals. Free WiFi, although the signal is not strong. Also, a fish cleaning station.
It is obvious that Blair and Ronna and their family members are passionate about Diamond M. Blair and Ronna lead the farm tours, and during our stay, we saw one or both of them around the property.
ScoutAnyone that is into the outdoors from rudimentary camping to RV lifestyle it is perfect
RangerThis is one of our favorite spots so far on our trip. There isn’t any electricity or water on site but there is a well where you can pump fresh water and a dump station. The campy is positioned on a bluff over looking the beach , water of Turn Again Arm and the mountains on the other side. It is quite windy. Beautiful views! There is are stairs leading down to the beach. We stayed a week. The spots are small so doesn’t accommodate large campers/or class A busses.
TravelerWe got one of the walk in tent sites and it was a beautiful quiet spot away from all the RV’s and campers. We got to listen to the Loons and frogs on the lake.
GuideStopped for an overnight on way to Homer. Stayed at the campsite right beside the boat launch. Beautiful very large spot with fire pit . Saw a moose swimming and an eagle
ScoutThe 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.
Tent camping near Soldotna, Alaska offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities.
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 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Soldotna, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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