Map showing campground location near Kasilof, Alaska

Camper submitted image from Tustamena Lake Campground

Tustamena Lake Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service, Tustamena Lake Campground sits along the Kasilof River south of places to camp near Kasilof, accessible by a gravel road that can develop significant washboard from heavy boat launch traffic. Road conditions matter here. Reviewers note that some sections may not be passable for RVs depending on recent conditions, so it's worth checking the route before committing a larger rig.

The campground has nine sites with fire rings, a vault toilet, a hand-pump well for potable water, and a boat launch ramp onto the Kasilof River. Sites can accommodate everything from tents to large RVs. The launch gives anglers direct water access for sockeye and silver salmon fishing, and Tustumena Lake is reachable by boat roughly a mile upstream, where Forest Service cabins on the lake are available on a first-come basis. Moose move through the campground regularly, and the river corridor draws a variety of bird species.

One recurring concern in reviews is trash. There are no dumpsters or trash cans on site, and visitors report that day-use crowds sometimes leave litter behind. Pack out everything. Cell service is limited in this area, so download maps and information before arriving. Centennial Lake Dispersed, Kasilof and Johnson Lake State Recreation Area Campground provide nearby alternatives if this campground is full. Anglers and paddlers with an interest in accessing the Kasilof drainage will find this a functional base for doing exactly that.

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Map & DirectionsTustamena Lake Campground is located in Alaska near Kasilof

Private Campground

Coordinates

60.25390535 N
151.17443955 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 8/20/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time

8 hrs 52 min from Fairbanks, AK
9 hrs 12 min from Eielson AFB, AK

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Tustamena Lake Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Free campground near Soldotna with large sites and river access for fishing. Basic amenities provided but road conditions and lack of trash facilities noted as drawbacks by visitors.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Talalelei S.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 22, 2023

Nice view…

Master of camping

Sitekenai Al

Month of VisitJuly

Michael V.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 11, 2022

This was a hot spot for locals for awhile

Camped here many times, buts it’s been 15 years plus.

Not much to the site, but your right on the river. Does have a boat launch, so you can get to the lake via river. Nice sized lake. Good fishing.

SiteAll

Month of VisitJune

Michael H.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 22, 2021

Good spot to relax

We stayed for a few nights from midweek. There are 9 large campsites that can accommodate RVs and small groups. There are fire rings, a vault toilet, and a launch ramp into the river. You can access the lake from the river, but is about a mile upstream. There is not really a trail to reach the lake. Young people seem to come out here to party for the evening and then leave, and leave their trash. We only had this one night. There are no dumpsters or trash cans here and it shows. The road through the campground should be checked before you drive through. Some parts would not be passable for an RV during our visit.

Moose roam through the campground. Beautiful views of the river, flowers, and tons of different birds.

Month of VisitJune

George B.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Tustumena Lake Campground?

Tustumena Lake Campground offers basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. The campground features 9 large campsites that can accommodate RVs and small groups. Each site is equipped with a fire ring for cooking and warmth. There's a vault toilet for visitor use, though no running water or shower facilities are available. The campground also includes a boat launch ramp that provides access to the river. While amenities are minimal, the natural setting and proximity to the river make this a popular spot for those seeking a more primitive camping experience.

What recreational activities can I do at Tustumena Lake?

Tustumena Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, with good catches reported by regular visitors. The lake is sizeable, providing ample space for boating activities. From the campground, you can access the lake via the river using the boat launch ramp. Many visitors use the area as a base for salmon and halibut fishing expeditions in the broader Kenai Peninsula region. While there isn't a designated swimming area or hiking trail directly to the lake from the campground, the surrounding area offers the natural beauty and outdoor recreation typical of Alaskan wilderness.

How do I access Tustumena Lake Campground in Alaska?

Tustumena Lake Campground is located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, within reach of Soldotna. The campground is situated right on a river that connects to Tustumena Lake. To access the lake itself from the campground, you'll need to travel about a mile upstream via the river using the boat launch available at the site. There isn't a direct trail from the campground to the lake. The location offers convenient access for visitors exploring the Kenai Peninsula region, often referred to as Alaska's playground.

When is the best time to visit Tustumena Lake Campground?

The best time to visit Tustumena Lake Campground is during the summer months when Alaska's weather is most favorable. June through August offers the warmest temperatures and longer daylight hours, ideal for fishing and water activities. This period also coincides with prime salmon fishing season on the Kenai Peninsula. The campground tends to be busier on weekends, so midweek visits might provide a quieter experience. Fall can also be beautiful but expect cooler temperatures. Always check weather conditions before your trip, as Alaskan weather can be unpredictable even in summer.

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