Best Camping in and near Kenai River Special Management Area

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Discover the serene beauty of Kenai River Special Management Area.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Kenai River Special Management Area

Izaak Walton Campground

31 sites · RVs, Tents In Kenai River Special Management Area

from

$15

/ night

Funny River Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Kenai River Special Management Area

Bings Landing Campground

36 sites · RVs, Tents In Kenai River Special Management Area

Morgan's Landing State Recreation Area

51 sites · RVs, Tents In Kenai River Special Management Area

from

$15

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Kenai River Special Management 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.

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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.

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.

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.

Dirksen Family Camp

2 sites · Tents42 acres · Nikiski, AK

We are remote, while only being about 10 miles from town. 42 acres of mostly untouched Alaskan wilderness with a 13 acre lake that can be accessed with 2 kayaks and a skinoo. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is our big backyard. Wildlife viewing, from ducks, loons, osprey, and cranes, to martens, moose, and even bears and wolves. Hike into the KNWR or along the power line trail.

Kenai River Salmon Camp

4 sites · RVs3 acres · Soldotna, AK

We are located directly on the Kenai river just 3 miles from the center of Soldotna, Alaska. You will have direct access to a fishing platform right on the river. Your campsite includes a large leveled gravel pad with access to both water and sewer. You are approximately 1000 feet from the rivers edge. The area includes hiking trails and views of the natural wildlife including moose, caribou and bear adjacent to a wildlife preserve.Learn more about this land:We are located directly on the Kenai river just 3 miles from the center of Soldotna, Alaska. You will have direct access to a fishing platform right on the river. Your campsite includes a large leveled gravel pad with access to both water and sewer. You are approximately 1000 feet from the rivers edge. The area includes hiking trails and views of the natural wildlife including moose, caribou and bear adjacent to a wildlife preserve.

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.

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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.

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Alaska L.’s Land

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Kenai, AK

Experience breathtaking Island lake. Nestled in the stunning trees on 5 acres. This cozy gem is just minutes from world renown salmon fishing, Kenai and Nikishka beach. Spectacular location for the family to enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, ATVs, snow machines or simply meditate while watching the eagles soar. Please ask about our tour guides, ATV and equipment rentals.

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Foster's Alaska Cabins

4 sites · LodgingKenai, AK

My family started the development of the property back in the 1980's. Since then it has been narrowly used and kept in pristine shape. My Uncle Gary is the primary person who kept up with the property and he's the type of person that pays close attention to detail. Cyndi and I are honored to have taken over the property in 2016 and we hope to always leave a legacy that Uncle Gary will be proud of. Learn more about this land:This is a quaint 140 SF cabin on the property that has 4 bunks for people that are just looking for a nice warm bed. This is one of 5 cabins we operate that are primarily for fishing as they are right on Beaver Creek which flows into the mighty Kenai River. Boats at the dock take people out fishing for salmon on the daily in the summer. The cabin has full electrical, heat, and a kitchenette as well. There is a small covered front porch for people to socialize on and a freezer to store your fish in if you're here for that. The cabin itself does not have running water, but the bath house only 15' away has a full shower, toilet, and sink and it's designated for the cabin guests.

91%

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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.

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.

The best camping near Kenai River Special Management Area guide

Overview

About

Okay, let’s get straight to the point here—the Kenai River is a special, special place. It’s considered the world’s best fishing river, and it’s also one of the most well-loved freshwater fisheries in all of Alaska. With accolades like that, it’s no surprise that this is one busy river. Over 105 linear miles of rivers and lakes are protected under the Kenai River Special Management Area, set aside in 1984. Anglers wanting to snag king salmon will hardly find a better place! You’ll find developed campsites dotted throughout the area, and those are the spots where you can pitch your tent (camping on undeveloped lands and islands is a big no-no). And, because this place is so unique and special, be extra sure to be respectful of this glorious natural resource.

When to go

The Kenai River Special Management Area is most inviting during the summer months, from June to August, when the salmon runs are at their peak and the weather is mild. Conversely, winter can be harsh, with limited access and activities due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, making it less ideal for visits.

Know before you go

Check the latest river conditions and fishing regulations before your trip to ensure a safe and compliant experience.
Be bear-aware; carry bear spray and know how to store food properly to avoid encounters.
Accessibility may vary across the area; some trails and facilities are designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities.
Prepare for the weather; layers are recommended to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
Respect the natural habitat by following Leave No Trace principles, keeping the park pristine for all.