Spots abound to make, break camp
The Kenai Peninsula is host to a full range of camping amenities, from RV parks to cabins to wilderness campsites.
Remember that with public and private campgrounds filling rapidly, especially during the July peak fishing season, reservations are necessary.
For those interested in comfort camping, RV parking ranges from basic lots to sites with electric, water and waste hookups.
For those looking to see a bit more of the outdoors, salmon and trout fishing are available at many campgrounds, including sites along the Kenai, Russian, Ninilchik and Anchor rivers.
Kachemak Bay State Park offers backpacking with a breathtaking view, and Chu-gach National Forest and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge provide trails for those looking to take a stroll.
For boaters, Kachemak Bay State Park and Kenai Fjords National Park provide ample opportunities for boating and kayaking trips.
The Swan Lake and Swan-son River Canoe Trails let campers get far off the beaten path. Skilak and Tustumena lakes also offer wilderness camping but beware, these waters can be dangerous with big waves when it's windy.
Whatever the site, remember to practice safe and responsible camping. Campers and hikers need to take trash with them to leave trails, beaches and campsites clean.
Campers also should re-member to pack adequate food, clothing, rain gear, a map and compass, a first-aid kit, matches and bug repellent. Boaters need safety gear, charts and a tide book.
Campers also should re-member to practice bear safety. Store and cook all food away from tents and sleeping bags. Make plenty of noise in foliage areas and avoid feeding sites, such as streams with spawning salmon, carcasses and large berry patches.
If faced with a bear, individuals should talk in a normal voice and wave their arms before backing away slowly. Do not run.
Alaska State parks
Sterling-Funny River:
Bing's Landing, Mile 79 Sterling Highway, boat launch, picnic shelter, fishing
Izaak Walton, Mile 81 Sterling Highway, boat launch, fishing
Morgan's Landing, Mile 85 Sterling Highway, fishing
Scout Lake, Mile 85 Sterling Highway, picnic shelter, fishing
Funny River, Mile 11 Funny River Road, fishing
North of Kenai:
Captain Cook, Mile 36-39 Kenai Spur Highway, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, picnic shelter
Kasilof-Clam Gulch:
Crooked Creek, off Cohoe Loop in Kasilof, hiking, fishing
Johnson Lake, off Mile 110 Sterling Highway, fishing, picnic shelter, boat launch
Clam Gulch, off Mile 117 Sterling Highway, clamming, picnic shelter, fishing
Kasilof River, Mile 109 Sterling Highway, hiking, boat launch, fishing
Ninilchik:
Ninilchik, Mile 135 Sterling Highway, boat launch, picnic shelter, fishing
Deep Creek, Mile 138 Sterling Highway, fishing, boat launch
Anchor Point-Stariski:
Stariski, Mile 151 Sterling Highway, picnic shelter
Anchor River, off Mile 157 Sterling Highway, fishing
Homer:
Kachemak Bay State Park, boat access only, camping, hiking, fishing, beachcombing, cabins
Seward:
Caines Head, boat or trail access only, abandoned World War II fort, hiking, picnic shelter, camping, cabins, fishing
Thumb Cove, boat access only, hiking, cabins, fishing
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
There are several developed campgrounds along the Swanson River road system. There are three between Sterling and Cooper Landing on Skilak Lake Road, two on Skilak Lake and one on Hidden Lake. All have boat ramps.
There are a number of campgrounds along the Sterling Highway between Sterling and Cooper Landing. The largest is the Kenai-Russian River Ferry at Mile 55 of the Sterling Highway.
U.S. Forest Service
For reservations at Forest Service campgrounds, call toll free (877) 444-6777.
Turnagain Pass:
Bertha Creek Campground, Mile 65.5 Seward Highway
Granite Creek Campground, Mile 63 Seward Highway
Hope:
Porcupine Campground in Hope, Mile 17.8 Hope Highway
Coeur d'Alene Campground, Mile 16.2 Palmer Creek Road
Summit Lake:
Tenderfoot Campground, Mile 46 Seward Highway
Moose Pass:
Trail River Campground, Mile 24.4 Seward Highway
Ptarmigan Campground, Mile 23.1 Seward Highway
Primrose Campground, take Primrose Road from Mile 17 Seward Highway
Cooper Landing:
Crescent Creek Campground, take Quartz Creek Road from Mile 45 Sterling Highway
Quartz Creek Campground, take Quartz Creek Road from Mile 45 Sterling Highway
Cooper Creek Campground, Mile 50.7 Sterling Highway
Russian River Campground, Mile 52.8 Sterling Highway
Cooper Lake Dispersed Camping Area, end of Snug Harbor Road.
City and Private
Cooper Landing:
Gwin's Lodge, Restaurant and Bar, Mile 52 Sterling Highway, 595-1266
Hamilton's Place, 595-1260
Kenai Princess Lodge, 595-1425 or (800) 426-0500
Miller Homestead Inc., Mile 49.7 Sterling Highway, 595-1406
Sunrise Inn and RV Park, Mile 45 Sterling Highway, 595-1222
Soldotna:
Across the River RV Park, 262-0458
Best Western King Salmon Motel, 262-5857
Soldotna Sports Center (city), 262-3151
Centennial Campground (city), 262-3151
Swiftwater Campground (city), 262-3151
Edgewater RV resort, 262-7733
Kenai Riverbend Campground and Resort, 283-9489
Kenai Wilderness Lodge, 262-4390
River Quest RV Resort, 283-4991
River Terrace RV Park, 262-5593
Riverside House, 262-0500
Sterling:
Alaska Canoe and Campground, 262-3583
Cast Away Riverside RV Park, 262-7219
Fish On Inn and RV Park, 262-5297
Jana House, 260-4151
Kenai:
Beluga Lookout RV Park, 283-5999
Betty's RV Park, 283-9351
Diamond M Ranch, B&B, cabins, RV spaces, 283-9424
Eagle Rock Enterprises, 283-7717
Kenai RV Park, 398-3382
Overland RV Park, 283-4512
Robinson's Mini-Mall, RV Park and Storage, 283-9384
Stedi RV Park, Mile 11.5 Kalifornsky Beach Road, 283-2056
Kasilof:
Cohoe Cove, 262-1939
Crooked Creek RV Park, 262-1299
Kasilof RV Park, 262-0418 or (800) 264-0418
Clam Gulch:
Falls Creek Cabins and Camping, 262-8796
Ninilchik:
Alaskan Angler RV Resort, 567-3393 or (800) 347-4114
Country Boy Campground, 567-3396
D&M Charters and RV Park, 567-4368
Flying Bear Charters, B&B, cabins & RV, 567-3356
Black Goat's Bluff RV Camp, 567-7395
Ninilchik Point Overnighter, 567-3423
Reel 'Em Inn, 567-7335
Scenic View RV Park, 567-3909
Anchor Point:
Eaglecrest RV Park, 235-6851
Kyllonen RV Park, 235-7762
Short Stop Storage and Camping, 235-5327
Homer:
Driftwood Inn RV Park, 235-8019
Homer Spit Campground, 235-8206
Hornaday Campground (city), 235-3170
Mariner Park, the fishing lagoon and other public and city facilities, 235-3170
Ocean View RV Park, 235-3951
Seaside Farm Accommodations, 235-7850
Sportsman's Supply and Rental, 235-2617
Village Barabara Texaco and RV Park, 235-6404
Seward:
A Creekside RV Park, 224-3647
Bear Creek Mobile Home and RV Park, 224-5725
Miller's Landing, 224-5739
Seward RV Park & Campground, 224-2723
Spring Creek Campground (city), 224-4055
Waterfront Park (city), 224-4055
Hope:
Henry's One-Stop, 782-3222
The Kenai Peninsula is host to a full range of camping amenities, from RV parks to cabins to wilderness campsites.
Remember that with public and private campgrounds filling rapidly, especially during the July peak fishing season, reservations are necessary.
For those interested in comfort camping, RV parking ranges from basic lots to sites with electric, water and waste hookups.
For those looking to see a bit more of the outdoors, salmon and trout fishing are available at many campgrounds, including sites along the Kenai, Russian, Ninilchik and Anchor rivers.
Kachemak Bay State Park offers backpacking with a breathtaking view, and Chu-gach National Forest and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge provide trails for those looking to take a stroll.
For boaters, Kachemak Bay State Park and Kenai Fjords National Park provide ample opportunities for boating and kayaking trips.
The Swan Lake and Swan-son River Canoe Trails let campers get far off the beaten path. Skilak and Tustumena lakes also offer wilderness camping but beware, these waters can be dangerous with big waves when it's windy.
Whatever the site, remember to practice safe and responsible camping. Campers and hikers need to take trash with them to leave trails, beaches and campsites clean.
Campers also should re-member to pack adequate food, clothing, rain gear, a map and compass, a first-aid kit, matches and bug repellent. Boaters need safety gear, charts and a tide book.
Campers also should re-member to practice bear safety. Store and cook all food away from tents and sleeping bags. Make plenty of noise in foliage areas and avoid feeding sites, such as streams with spawning salmon, carcasses and large berry patches.
If faced with a bear, individuals should talk in a normal voice and wave their arms before backing away slowly. Do not run.
Alaska State parks
Sterling-Funny River:
Bing's Landing, Mile 79 Sterling Highway, boat launch, picnic shelter, fishing
Izaak Walton, Mile 81 Sterling Highway, boat launch, fishing
Morgan's Landing, Mile 85 Sterling Highway, fishing
Scout Lake, Mile 85 Sterling Highway, picnic shelter, fishing
Funny River, Mile 11 Funny River Road, fishing
North of Kenai:
Captain Cook, Mile 36-39 Kenai Spur Highway, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, picnic shelter
Kasilof-Clam Gulch:
Crooked Creek, off Cohoe Loop in Kasilof, hiking, fishing
Johnson Lake, off Mile 110 Sterling Highway, fishing, picnic shelter, boat launch
Clam Gulch, off Mile 117 Sterling Highway, clamming, picnic shelter, fishing
Kasilof River, Mile 109 Sterling Highway, hiking, boat launch, fishing
Ninilchik:
Ninilchik, Mile 135 Sterling Highway, boat launch, picnic shelter, fishing
Deep Creek, Mile 138 Sterling Highway, fishing, boat launch
Anchor Point-Stariski:
Stariski, Mile 151 Sterling Highway, picnic shelter
Anchor River, off Mile 157 Sterling Highway, fishing
Homer:
Kachemak Bay State Park, boat access only, camping, hiking, fishing, beachcombing, cabins
Seward:
Caines Head, boat or trail access only, abandoned World War II fort, hiking, picnic shelter, camping, cabins, fishing
Thumb Cove, boat access only, hiking, cabins, fishing
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
There are several developed campgrounds along the Swanson River road system. There are three between Sterling and Cooper Landing on Skilak Lake Road, two on Skilak Lake and one on Hidden Lake. All have boat ramps.
There are a number of campgrounds along the Sterling Highway between Sterling and Cooper Landing. The largest is the Kenai-Russian River Ferry at Mile 55 of the Sterling Highway.
U.S. Forest Service
For reservations at Forest Service campgrounds, call toll free (877) 444-6777.
Turnagain Pass:
Bertha Creek Campground, Mile 65.5 Seward Highway
Granite Creek Campground, Mile 63 Seward Highway
Hope:
Porcupine Campground in Hope, Mile 17.8 Hope Highway
Coeur d'Alene Campground, Mile 16.2 Palmer Creek Road
Summit Lake:
Tenderfoot Campground, Mile 46 Seward Highway
Moose Pass:
Trail River Campground, Mile 24.4 Seward Highway
Ptarmigan Campground, Mile 23.1 Seward Highway
Primrose Campground, take Primrose Road from Mile 17 Seward Highway
Cooper Landing:
Crescent Creek Campground, take Quartz Creek Road from Mile 45 Sterling Highway
Quartz Creek Campground, take Quartz Creek Road from Mile 45 Sterling Highway
Cooper Creek Campground, Mile 50.7 Sterling Highway
Russian River Campground, Mile 52.8 Sterling Highway
Cooper Lake Dispersed Camping Area, end of Snug Harbor Road.
City and Private
Cooper Landing:
Gwin's Lodge, Restaurant and Bar, Mile 52 Sterling Highway, 595-1266
Hamilton's Place, 595-1260
Kenai Princess Lodge, 595-1425 or (800) 426-0500
Miller Homestead Inc., Mile 49.7 Sterling Highway, 595-1406
Sunrise Inn and RV Park, Mile 45 Sterling Highway, 595-1222
Soldotna:
Across the River RV Park, 262-0458
Best Western King Salmon Motel, 262-5857
Soldotna Sports Center (city), 262-3151
Centennial Campground (city), 262-3151
Swiftwater Campground (city), 262-3151
Edgewater RV resort, 262-7733
Kenai Riverbend Campground and Resort, 283-9489
Kenai Wilderness Lodge, 262-4390
River Quest RV Resort, 283-4991
River Terrace RV Park, 262-5593
Riverside House, 262-0500
Sterling:
Alaska Canoe and Campground, 262-3583
Cast Away Riverside RV Park, 262-7219
Fish On Inn and RV Park, 262-5297
Jana House, 260-4151
Kenai:
Beluga Lookout RV Park, 283-5999
Betty's RV Park, 283-9351
Diamond M Ranch, B&B, cabins, RV spaces, 283-9424
Eagle Rock Enterprises, 283-7717
Kenai RV Park, 398-3382
Overland RV Park, 283-4512
Robinson's Mini-Mall, RV Park and Storage, 283-9384
Stedi RV Park, Mile 11.5 Kalifornsky Beach Road, 283-2056
Kasilof:
Cohoe Cove, 262-1939
Crooked Creek RV Park, 262-1299
Kasilof RV Park, 262-0418 or (800) 264-0418
Clam Gulch:
Falls Creek Cabins and Camping, 262-8796
Ninilchik:
Alaskan Angler RV Resort, 567-3393 or (800) 347-4114
Country Boy Campground, 567-3396
D&M Charters and RV Park, 567-4368
Flying Bear Charters, B&B, cabins & RV, 567-3356
Black Goat's Bluff RV Camp, 567-7395
Ninilchik Point Overnighter, 567-3423
Reel 'Em Inn, 567-7335
Scenic View RV Park, 567-3909
Anchor Point:
Eaglecrest RV Park, 235-6851
Kyllonen RV Park, 235-7762
Short Stop Storage and Camping, 235-5327
Homer:
Driftwood Inn RV Park, 235-8019
Homer Spit Campground, 235-8206
Hornaday Campground (city), 235-3170
Mariner Park, the fishing lagoon and other public and city facilities, 235-3170
Ocean View RV Park, 235-3951
Seaside Farm Accommodations, 235-7850
Sportsman's Supply and Rental, 235-2617
Village Barabara Texaco and RV Park, 235-6404
Seward:
A Creekside RV Park, 224-3647
Bear Creek Mobile Home and RV Park, 224-5725
Miller's Landing, 224-5739
Seward RV Park & Campground, 224-2723
Spring Creek Campground (city), 224-4055
Waterfront Park (city), 224-4055
Hope:
Henry's One-Stop, 782-3222