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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Stay at a public campground in Kenai River Special Management Area

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Morgan's Landing State Recreation Area

51 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

from

$15

/ night

Izaak Walton Campground

31 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 Campground RESERVATIONS

10 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Kenai, 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

Keegan's Alaska Hideaway

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Nikiski, AK

Get away from it all when you stay under the stars. This open lot allows you to travel free and rustic, just like we used to! This lot allows for RV, with no hookups, or tent, or open stars camping. Perfect for those looking for a memorable camping or travelling experience. Easy to access right off the highway, and perfect for a quick stay without the hassle or expense of hotels free standing buildings. Spend your money on experiences, not on sleeping!

Booked 1 time

Janinne Price

6 sites · Tents2 acres · Ninilchik, AK

We are a self employed family of 10. You will be in good company, in a safe , luxurious ride, because everyone deserves the chance to feel pampered at a fraction of the cost!! Learn more about this land: Empty, Raw site -$25 single Person. Extra Ppl. $10 a head!!Limited Power is provided to charge small devices on requestBring Your Own Tent/camping supplies!!15 Designated Rustic, Rugged, and Simple Campsites Food/Water/loo not Provided Artistic Afterthoughts is a Solar/Wind Campground located in Ninilchik, Alaska. Our Campground is located on 2 acres in a prime location!Directly over looking the Ninilchik River, the Cook Inlet, and the entire Ninilchik Village site, and Neighbor to the Historic Russian Orthodox Church. We offer 1800 watts Solar Power, 1900 watt Freedom 2 permanent magnetic wind turbine, and our battery back-up system to power your simple needs during your stay. The Ninilchik River is stocked with King Salmon. The Ninilchik Boat harbor is below at the Mouth of the Ninilchik River and the Cook Inlet! The Ninilchik Beach is moments away just walking!In the right seasons, pick blueberries, cranberries, cloud berries, crow berries right from the property!Moose, Eagles, Bear, etc. all wander through our land, so you won't miss you chance to get a photo before you leave!!The view is one of a kind gorgeous, just like All of Alaska!! We also have the most outstanding view of the Volcanoes across the inlet! About Our Volcanoes on The Kenai Peninsula The Kenai Peninsula is home to quite a few volcanoes. Three of which are plainly visable on most days, and three that can be seen on good clear days from Artistic Afterthoughts home in Ninilchik, Alaska. The Volcanoes visible from the Kenai Peninsula, starting from the north and going south, are:Mount Spurr, which erupted in 1953 and again in 1992, standing 11,070 feet tall. Mount Redoubt, standing 10,197 feet sigh, erupted on March 15, 2009 and sent ash plumes as high as 60,000 feet. Mount Redout also erupted for 7 months starting in December 1989 and ending in June 1990 creating ash clouds 12 miles high!Mount Illiamna is a non-active volcano since 1741, at least not in recorded events. She stands a good 10, 016 feet into the clouds. Fourpeaked Mountain stands 6904 feet tall. Across the Cook Inlet, her first recorded eruption wasn't recorded until 2006. This is one of the lesser known volcanoes North East of Katimai National Park. Fourpeaked Glacier covers most of the surface of the Volcano. Mount Augustine is a volcanic island in Kamishak Bay, which lies directly across from Kachemak Bay. Although she stands only 4,134 feet tall, Mount Augustine is quite active, erupting in 1883, 1908, 1935, 1963-64, 1976, 1986, and 2005-2006. Mount Douglas is dormant volcano that hasn't erupted since the ice age. She stands 7,020 feet tall.

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.

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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.

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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

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.