Best Tent Camping near Soldotna, AK

Recent Tent Reviews near Soldotna, Alaska

151 Reviews of 3 Soldotna Campgrounds

• 

  Tanya B.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 16, 2020

  Sunrise Resorts | Edgewater Lodge & RV Park

  Right in the city

  I don’t hate this RV Park which is saying a lot. There are 60 sites and this RV park is open from May 15 until Labor Day. You can reserve RV and tent sites online but you must call for cabin rentals.. This is right in the heart of Soldotna and close to anything you might have forgotten. 

• 

  Michael V.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 11, 2022

  Crescent Creek

  Great Hiking and Bears!

  This place is secluded, and magical. Tent camping works best here, sites are pretty small for anything bigger than a sprinter van.

  Very beautiful

• 

  Michael V.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 11, 2022

  Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

  Campground right on the pond.

  Used to party at this lake as a local in the late 90’s early 2000’s.

  Nice little tent camping campground. There used to have spots big enough for RV’s but no hook ups.

• 

  Tanya B.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 16, 2020

  Edgewater Lodge and RV Resort

  River side options

  Very large RV and tent sites right along the rivers edge. You may wanna reserve during peak fishing season but during the slower times it’s pretty easy to find a spot here.

• 

  Tanya B.

  Legend

  

  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.

• 

  Sierra S.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 9, 2018

  Ninilchik River Campground

  Salmon Stock and Sunshine

  Ninilchick is a cool little town with s fun festival called a Salmon Stock. Camp and watch the sunset on the bay. Get your face painted and have a ice cold beer while listening to Alaskan Artist. The tent sites on the bluff are the prime locations for the views but be prepared for some winds.

• 

  Kyla M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 25, 2018

  Clam Gulch State Rec Area

  not much for camping

  there's not a lot of tent camping available. a lot of parking spaces for day use and motor homes not so much for your tenters. camp hosts though are some of the nicesest I've come across and the state park ranger who makes her rounds is extremely nice and knowledgeable about what's going on around town. the beach itself is among one of the best to spend a day beach combing for shells and sea glass. the beaches in Alaska vary from sand to rocks, clam gulch is for sure one of your sandy beaches. one of the best for clamming when or if it ever opens back up for it. a great spot to spend a day or have a gathering not so much for you're back country camper.

• 

  Shadara W.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 4, 2019

  Upper Skilak Lake Campground - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

  Outdoor Heaven

  Fishing, hiking, boating galore. Paved pads with gorgeous sites some right on the water. Tent sites at $5 a night and Standard sites for camper and RV's run $10. This beautiful lake was hit by the Swan Lake fire this year and the campgound has been closed, however we drove through last weekend and the campground survived the fire! Still nicely surrounded with trees for privacy we were very happy to see it undamaged.

• 

  Jessica J.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 4, 2020

  Lower Skilak Lake Campground

  Amazingly beautiful

  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. So many options to do, you easily forget you don’t have cell service. There are trails, lakes, site seeing and enjoying the peace. We saw black bears,  mamma and cubs. Very curious cubs got very close, momma didn’t seem to mind or get aggressive. Still be prepared for an encounter for your safety. There were lots of smaller critters we saw/heard and signs of moose. We have plans to visit other lakes, trails and camp sites along this route.

• 

  Samantha F.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Megan W.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• 

  Allen W.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 25, 2018

  Clam Gulch State Rec Area

  Clam Gulch State Rec

  This camground sits high above Clam Gulch beach. Providing both camping and parking access for the beach below. The mornings and evening can also make for fantastic photo opportunities of the ocean, beach and mountains across the bay.

  Clam Gulch beach itself provides tons of photo opportunities especially at low tides, which reveal large sandy flats with sporadic rock outcroppings. The occasional creek or small stream spilling down from the bluffs add to the possibilities. Eagles and other sea birds commonly make appearances as well.

  Rock collectors and agate hunters will find plenty to find and pick along the upper beaches. Sea glass and sea shells can also be found along the tidal lines. Others will find tranquility enjoying sImple quiet walks or hikes along the shoreline.

  One of my favorite day use areas, i don’t personally camp here often. The shortage, and crowding of the tent camping areas is a turn off for me, as i prefer more separated spaces. The large low tide beaches, photo opportunities, and quiet of the area is huge draw however.

  Need to knows

  • 120 camping spaces avaIlable
  • Mostly motorhome camping with only a handful of tent spaces.
  • Tent spaces have a picnic table and fire pit.
  • Well water and Dumpsters available.
  • Bathrooms are clean and well kept.
  • Bring supplies, the closest market is quite a drive away.
  • Bring warm weather gear, wind can pick up quickly here.
• 

  Aimee H.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 27, 2017

  Deep Creek North

  Deep Creek Ocean view

  Wow. Wow. Wow.

  If you love the ocean, salmon fishing, bald eagles, moose and an occasional bear this is the place for you!

  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.

  There are state bathrooms ( hole in the ground with a door) and a fresh water pump. No electricity hookups.

  In July this Campground is BUZZING! This is the Ninilchik boat launch area for deep sea halibut fishing, it is off the the side before the site so not too loud- just can be congested early morning and afternoon. If your a tide watcher and not a fisherman/ woman that will help determine best time to try to leave the area :)

  Deep creek runs down one side - salmon swim up this Creek so July it will be packed with fishing people and an occasional bear. Bald eagles will be standing by to gladly take your fish guts and heads :) and pose for some amazing pics.

  Getting an ocean view spot is a dream! Literally backed right up to it and each space has a fire pit and table.

  If you get valley side- it's just as stunning! With a few moose trailing through the tall grass. Your GPS will cal this happy valley and that it is!!

  Dogs must be on a leash as the camp host will come remind you- often. ( I may or may not know this by experience)

  a small store is located at the top in ninilchik- not campsite affiliated- and closes early- so bring what you need. A great stop between Anchorage and Homer!!

• 

  Taylor W.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 18, 2018

  Cooper Creek South

  Great spot on the Kenai

  Cooper Creek is a great, smaller campground to choose when the popular nearby spots fill up with anglers. For some reason, this spot is not as in demand as the Russian River campground, despite having many of the same amenities.

  This campground is great for group camping trips, as each site is rated for 8 people and a few can have up to 12. There are many ada-acessible sites to choose from as well, which was a great help when bringing along family in need.

  The gravel roads can sometimes mean backing-in is a bit more strenuous than other paved campgrounds, but if you're camping in Alaska, you probably already know how to reverse park a camper! Picnic tables were always well maintained, and the deep firepits came in handy for our large fires. They even have grills built in!

  Toilets are well maintained, but we always had to supply our own method of handwashing - hand santizer, in our case to leave as little trace as possible.

  Don't forget to bring your fishing poles (get that permit first!) and keep an eye out for bear activity.

• R

  Randy M.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 5, 2020

  Centennial Park & Campground

  Good central location

  If you’re looking for a campground with access to the Kenai River, and walk distance to downtown Soldotna, this is it. Typical Alaskan camping...no hookups, but nicely wooded and mostly private. Walking distance to some of the best road accessible fishing in Alaska.

• 

  George B.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 3, 2020

  Tustamena Lake Campground

  Great access to popular fishing

  A lot of people spend alot of money just to GET to this part of Alaska to go halibut and salmon fishing, only to be hit with high campground, charter, and access fees. This is a great free campground within reach of Soldotna Ak. The Kenai peninsula as a whole is commonly referred to as "the playground of Alaska. My wife and I and our 3 kids used to come here often to get away from the crowds during the summer tourist season. There is also boat access to a number of first come forest service cabins on the lake. 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, and silver salmon fishing in a creek that flows into the lake. The campsites will accommodate anything from tents to large rv's. There is a pump handle on a well onsite for potable water and pit toilets.

• 

  Brad H.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 6, 2022

  Sunrise Resorts | Edgewater Lodge & RV Park

  Right by the river

  Have stairs and have access to river to fish. Showers are coin operated and $1.50 for 7 minutes. Toilets are available. No standard picnic tables expect for deluxe sites. Campsite is right across Soldotna visitor center. Not very scenic but location is great!

• J

  Justin B.

  Scout

  

  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.

• 

  Aimee H.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 27, 2017

  Centennial Park & Campground

  Soldotna Alaska Centennial Campground

  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.

  Prices vary from on season to off-- referring to fishing

  Kenai river runs swift and strong alongside this Campground.. along with a beautiful boardwalk along that. Feels like your walking on water!

  There are parts of the boardwalk that lead straight to the water with metal stairs for access and easy fishing. They have fish cleaning stations and HANDICAP FISHING SPOTS!! And discounts for military- love this!

  There is day stay rates and overnight. For day stay it's mainly for fishing- there is also a parking area and open place to fish- we call this time of year "combat" fishing-- shoulder to shoulder--

  but the beauty of the river and some treed spaces make this a great place to "fish camp"

  state bathrooms, no running water.

  We have camped both in high fishing season and early September when an occasional silver will run. This is a quieter time and much more relaxing. There will be fewer people in September as well.

• V

  Vanessa R.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 18, 2018

  Centennial Park & Campground

  Huge campground right on the Kenai River!

  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. Check out the City of Soldotna website for all the details and list of all the fees and discounts for trip planning.

  Camping spots are large and offer fire pits and picnic tables. Extra vehicles are charged the same fee as the RV. So if you drive down and have an RV to get the spot and have a friend in a car joining you later they charge the car same price as the RV. Wish they’d have a price break for extra vehicles.

• 

  Tanya B.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 15, 2020

  Russian River - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

  This is the one

  Online registration, Huge sites, Amazing views, and a well maintained campground this place has it all. And cell AND internet service. Many Alaska campers know that one bar of cell service is a luxury but being able to get your email too. This is glamping.

  Tent camper please check any restrictions. This is active bear country so a hard shell vehicle is preferred.

  Bring a bug screen or bug dope.

  Best spots: Double - 73, 78, 88 Pull though - 66, 69, 71, and 80

• 

  Marin T.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 18, 2024

  Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

  Fun place!

  The toilets were very clean. No showers though like the app says. I saw a moose when I got out of my tent in the morning!

• 

  Stacey C.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 28, 2018

  Kasilof River Special Use Area

  Convenient for dipnetting

  Camping is basically anywhere on the beach where you can find a spot (within signposted designated area). It's dispersed. While it was busy, we had no trouble finding a spot that wasn't too crowded. I said the cost is 0-$10 as I don't remember how much we paid. I recall we had a permit that we fixed to our tent, but it was very cheap.

  There were about 8 to 10 porta-potties all in a row at the where the beach meets the road. They were disgusting and nearly full. In fact, it has been 2 years since we were down there and that is my biggest memory. Others who frequent the campground bring a tall "privacy" tent with their own portable toileting system- probably a bucket.

  A little loud at night with a few raucous drunk people on ATVs. We parked our car in front of our tent as a deterrent. There were no problems, luckily.

  It was beautiful, being on the ocean and a short drive or 20 min walk to the popular dipnetting area. And convenient to get up for early morning dipnetting sessions without the crowds. The weather was great but I imagine it would be rough camping on the beach if windy with flying sand everywhere.

• 

  Michael V.

  Ranger

  

  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

• 

  Amy B.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 3, 2016

  Quartz Creek Campground

  Great

  This place was amazing for tent or trailers. We did a girls weekend here and some kyaking. Would be great for kids to

• D

  Darrel F.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 2, 2019

  River Terrace Campground

  Right on the Kenai river

  If you want to salmon fish for a few weeks every summer this is the place. You can call and check to see when there running or you can just check with Alaska Fish and Game. When they’re running in the thousands it’s pretty much full so you would need to reserve ahead. This RV Park has their own private boardwalk so it makes it a little more managed. Full hookups $70.00 plus tax.

• 

  Aimee H.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 29, 2017

  Captain Cook State Recreation Area

  End of the Road Captain Cook Rec Area

  If you looking to find the treasure at the end of the road.. THIS IS IT!!

  Just when you thought you have seen all the simple road system of Alaska.. turn right on Kenai Spur Road and go to the end.. literally. There you find a hidden treasure, few find! We found this on one of our " Let's just drive" adventures.

  Be sure to bring all the supplies you need as the nearest store is 20 minutes back the way you came.. that includes wood.. unless you scavenge the beach for some.

  We arrived in the mist of torrential rain.. common for August in Alaska.. and quickly wished for that extra tarp I didn't want to pack. Each camp spot is small but clean with a fire pit and table. You will be surrounded by trees and foliage which provide privacy and the cook inlet is one full side of your site! A complete plus!

  There is a lake near by called Stormy Lake where you can launch a boat, kayak or canoe. You will need bring your own as there are no rentals here. You can fish here or in the river that runs near by, Swanson River. Remember you need a fishing license (16+) as game wardens pop up like leprechauns in Alaska :)

  Where there are fish there are bears.. so be bear aware. Carry bear spray, keep food in your car or do the triangle food hang ( not sure you can google that) and keep a clean camp site. You may also see Eagles and moose!

  There are fresh water pumps and state bathrooms.. which provide a dry spot in torrential rain.. no judging here..

  For those of you who love to RV there are Rv sites and sites for handicap and day sites.

  There is plenty of trails to just wander and take in the beauty around you. We took full advantage of being the only people out beach combing in the rain. We read this is a good agate beach.. we didn't find any but the rain make everything bright and shiny so we used this time for wonderful photos.

  overall a wonderful end of the road experience, with few people and wonderful nature!!