🌝 2024 Solar eclipse: Book now for 4/8

The best camping near Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Johnson Lake adventure.

Take advantage of the waterfront access to Johnson Lake at this wooded recreation site.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

Booked 4 times

Albatross RV Park & Camp Ground

10 sites ¡ RVs, Tents2 acres ¡ Kalifornsky, AK
Discover tranquility at our campground, boasting serene surroundings and offering full hookup RV sites, as well as tent sites. Immerse yourself in the convenience of our amenities, including showers and a laundry room. Additionally, we provide all the essential facilities for processing and preserving your catch, such as freezers, cleaning tables, vacuum sealers, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and a smokehouse. Experience a seamless blend of comfort and nature at our peaceful retreat.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
94%
(50)

Lazy J Ranch

7 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Homer, AK
My grandparents, Stany and Nelda Jones homestead here, my father was just a toddler when they moved here with his family from Texas. They homestead this area before there were roads, and could only travel to this location via the beach and climbing the bluff. My mothers family also Homestead on the Kenai, in Ninilchik, she was born and grew up there in the small river village. When her and my dad married they continued the Jones family tradition of ranching and farming. We decided to offer our family land and share its beauty with others. Your camping spaces are on a corner of the ranch property, near the shared gazebo fire pit. We hope you love it as much as we do!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
100%
(43)

Seaside Farm

16 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres ¡ Homer, AK
Seaside Farm is a 30 acre, magical, park like farm on the shores of Kachemak Bay, just outside of Homer. A song bird sanctuary, with trails, lawns, gardens, trees, hay fields, and a private beach, cabins, a clover camping meadow, and It is part of an original Alaska pioneer homestead from the 1940's. Although its an organic farm, with its hay fields, pastures and raspberry patch. its primarily the home of hundreds of songbirds, mama moose and her baby, coyotes, flocks of sandhill cranes, two sweet Morgan Horses, an assortment of chickens and two happy cows. I love sharing my farm with travelers, visitors and folks seeking peace, who love nature and outdoor living, and who enjoy getting close to nature, in a real Alaska, original, non touristy setting. This property has three different types accommodations: Rustic, cozy cabins (no indoor running water), a big field for tent campers only, and a few spaces reserved for 4 wheel drive vans , and similar small vehicle camping, including rooftop tents and occasionally a small pop up trailer. There is limited parking and turnaround space, and we like our farm peaceful and not too crowded to provide a special rural experience to all who visit this magical farm There are four cabins sprinkled throughout the property. Two are off grid, close to the beach, private and magical, with wood stoves. All cabins are able to use the main farm lodge amenities, just a few minutes walk away and have their own outhouse.. You can walk on the beach from here, there is a covered camping pavilion available to all guests, a campfire spot and bbq grill, lovely walking trails and meadows, lots of wildlife, and even wifi!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(1)

Kenai Kabin

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Kenai, AK
One acre south of the Kenai River off of K-Beach Road. There is one RV site next to the Kabin with water, electrical and sewer. Nothing fancy, but all that you need. The acre routinely has moose roaming across it. It is within a mile of multiple spots to fish on the Kenai river and within walking distance of a restaurant and Food Cart setup. Caribou roam nearby and Eagles are routinely seen in the area. It's a bare bones site in a residential neighborhood that used to be a moose calving area. The moose still calve in the residential area and ignore all of us who live there.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$48
 / night
96%
(34)

Magical Camping Ocean,Volcano Views

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Clam Gulch, AK
Learn more about this land: This Clam Gulch 5.5 acre property offers Bluff tent camping in two locations:  Campsite 1 The Meadows, a very large meadow overlooking Cook Inlet and Campsite 3 The Sweet Spot, a secluded  meadow with an unbelieveable view of Cook Inlet and Mount Redoubt .   Wake up and watch the surf roll in from 200' up.  The only thing you will hear is birds and surf.  The Site 1 The Meadows, is a very large meadow which is kept mowed.  It is accessed by foot on a loop trail from the parking area (the Moose Trail) or from parking near the Pink Shed.  It is close to the outdoor table and gazebo allowed for guest use. This site can accomodate three tents. Site 3 The Sweet Spot  is the newest campsite.  It is also accessed by the Moose Trail, and has an unbelievable view of Cook Inlet and Mount Redoubt.  Have coffee and watch the sun rise. It is about 100 yards from the parking area Trails to the meadows are maintained and marked. Campers may  use the gazebo, picnic table, swing, charcoal barbecue, and the granite table located on the Bluff near the Owner's cabin, next to the gazebo. Vehicles must park in  designated campsite parking areas, and campers take the short walk to Site 1 or Site 3 camping meadows.   There is a Porta-Potty Near the Bluff Cabin.  There is also a first aid kit.   Campers please bring your own water.   We recommend 8 gallons for two days.  Closest potable free water for refills is Rocky's in Kasilof.  Volcano and ocean views to die for! This is approximately 3.5 hours from Anchorage. Clam Gulch Beach is 4 miles, Deep Creek Beach and Ninilchik Beach is 14 miles.  Anchor Point and Homer are less than an hour's drive.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
100%
(13)

Kilcher Homestead MiracleMeadow

6 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents5 acres ¡ Homer, AK
A few things that make my place unique: My 5 acres is part of the famous 620-acre Kilcher Homestead, as seen on “Alaska the Last Frontier” TV show. I am the 7th of the 8 children; Atz and Otto are my brothers. There is a special feeling here vibrating in the land, and why our parents picked this spot. Full outdoor kitchen with all you need to cook and wash up; BBQ, hotplate, pure drinking water, spices, pots/pans/dishes etc. Outdoor hot shower and outhouse with great views! The atmosphere feels so pure, so silent, so wild yet comfortable. Drive-in access sometimes, or have to walk 15 minutes, and no issues with mosquitoes!!! You get to meet me and maybe other family members as you cruise around. Homer is 35 minutes away, with oodles of things to do there: great restaurants, a lap pool, fun shopping, etc. We have quite good cell reception here. Lots of options to enjoy your stay!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

Earthship Campground

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents6 acres ¡ Kasilof, AK
Learn more about this land:There is an earthship building project onsite with projects ongoing. Kasilof is close to fishing and many other outdoor activities on the beautiful kenai peninsula. Fire rings are provided with firewood available for sale as well as grocery service provided by Where It’s At mindful food & drink.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$22
 / night
91%
(11)

Wildrose Cabins

3 sites ¡ Lodging3 acres ¡ Clam Gulch, AK
Forested land with direct trails to hundreds of miles of trailsLearn more about this land:Real log cabins located in a forested view, very quiet local.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$125
 / night
100%
(16)

Mt. Redoubt. / Aksupperclub

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents6 acres ¡ Ninilchik, AK
Learn more about this land: Great ocean views, on occasion moose, usually lots of eagles and other birds, depending on the season. Near by access to the beach. Five miles from Ninilchik. Located next to Aksupperclub
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(1)

The Bluff Cabin at Clam Gulch

1 site ¡ Lodging6 acres ¡ Clam Gulch, AK
The Bluff Cabin at Clam Gulch is located at Magical Camping! The cabin is 12' x 24' with a great layout. The cabin includes a kitchen area, a full size murphy bed that looks out over Cook Inlet and Mt Reboubt, and a sweet one burner Jotul wood stove for heat and cooking. The cabin comes with enough firewood for a two-night stay. Wake up and have French press coffee in bed looking at the eagles fly by, riding the thermals. This is the dream romantic getaway! Hear only the surf crashing, and birds!! There is a porta potty located between two outbuildings near the cabin. Please park in front of the Bluff Cabin. Guests will enjoy the grassy bluff and the built-in fire pit, the gazebo and the granite table for cooking and washing. There is a charcoal barbeque available for guests, bring your own charcoal. The cabin is dry and non-electric. There is no wifi, but has cellular connectivity. The cabin will be supplied with 8 gallons of potable water, but guests can always bring extra, or refill water at the Kasilof Mercantile just 7 miles away. They also have groceries! The closest gas station is also 7 miles away in Kasilof. Clam Gulch Beach Access is just 4 miles away, with miles and miles of beach to walk! Ninilchik is 14 miles down the road where guests can find the Old Ninilchik Beach Access, or the Deep Creek Beach Access, and also the Three Bears Grocery Story and Roscoe's Pizza.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$99
 / night
Saved 9 times

Cozy Cabin Retreat

1 site ¡ Lodging4 acres ¡ Soldotna, AK
We bought these 4.5 acres so we could build our new home on the back lot while living in the small house in the front. We were thrilled to find that the small (slightly ugly) 12x12 cabin on the property was in great shape and could be used for hosting. Initially, we used it only for our personal guests, but soon we were excited to share it with travelers visiting Alaska's beautiful Kenai Peninsula. Fishermen, backpackers and local Alaskans have enjoyed our cabin since we've owned it. We hope to update the {ugly} outside eventually, but until then, we are remembering: it's just looks -- it's the inside that counts! :)Learn more about this land:Come here to enjoy the beauty of Alaska from your own little cabin! Our clean & cozy dry cabin is located conveniently between the famous Kenai River and the Kasilof River, just 10 minutes south of Soldotna. The Homer Spit, Exit Glacier, Cooper's Landing and many other gorgeous attractions are within about a 2 hour drive. The Kasilof Beach with an amazing view of the inlet and mountains is only a 10 minute drive. You will have your own heated cabin with a private outhouse.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$69
 / night
50%
(6)

Nikiski Village

5 sites ¡ RVsNikiski (N. Kenai), AK
This property has been in my family since 1987.  My parents bought it after they retired from teaching native children in an isolated village on the Bering Sea.  I retired from my career, and came here to help my mom. After she was gone, I married my fish buddy and I stayed.Learn more about this land:Are you traveling to the Kenai Alaska area in your RV? Need an RV SPACE with FULL HOOK-UPS? Bring your rig and come stay with us. Only $20.00 per night or monthly rates -- available May through October. Our nightly fee includes water, sewer, electric and trash services. We’re in Nikiski, which is located north of the City of Kenai and the world famous Kenai River. Find us at mile marker 25.2, on Spur Highway. The Kenai Peninsula is a mecca for salmon and other sports fishing, outdoor activities and wild life viewing.
Pets
Potable water
Showers
from 
$25
 / night

The best camping near Johnson Lake State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

On the Kenai Peninsula, Johnson Lake State Recreation area is surrounded by outdoor opportunities with Soldotna and the Kenai River just to the north. Kasilof is also nearby, and the multitude of rivers and trails at Johnson Lake are exceptional for fishing, rafting, paddling, and wildlife watching. Leaving the quiet shores of the lake will prove difficult—with more than 300 acres of woods and trout-filled waters, camping and recreating are prime right on-site. Johnson Lake is the perfect place to set up a basecamp while exploring the Kenai Peninsula.

Notable campgrounds

In addition to Johnson Lake’s single campground, area Hipcamps are solid options for campers.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. The campground at Johnson Lake has a mixture of first-come, first-served sites and reservable sites. Try reserving ahead if you have specific dates in mind. Summer is especially busy and reservations will ensure you have a site secured.
  2. Reserve well ahead for private campsites in this area during the summer. Many private spaces are limited to a few sites that can fill during the prime season. Shorter notice reservations are more likely during the shoulder seasons.
  3. Consider visiting Johnson Lake a little early or late in the season. While salmon runs attract anglers during specific summer months, the lake is always full of rainbow trout and visitors can paddle or fish from ice-out through the fall months.

When to go

Johnson Lake has a long season for visitors. May is a nice, quiet month to visit with the potential for nice weather. June, July and August are the busy season on the Kenai Peninsula in general but they remain excellent for visiting. The peak summer offers longer days, active wildlife and salmon fishing in the rivers. Fall is also quiet and September can be a great time to view the night sky and experience the area after the busy months.

Know before you go

  • Johnson Lake Campground has 51 total campsites and an additional 16 day-use area sites. RVs are limited to 35 feet in length. 
  • Campers are limited to 15 consecutive days of camping. The campsites offer access to water, toilets, fire rings and a developed boat launch space.
  • ADA-accessible facilities are present at the campground. Walking areas are often more rugged, passing through the woods and along the lake shore.
  • Campers are encouraged to be vigilant about storing food inside campers, vehicles and bear-proof containers. Bears are especially active during the summer months when keeping a clean camp is imperative.

Top cities near Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.