Lake Camping in Cooper Landing, Alaska, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
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Alaska
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Cooper Landing

50% (1 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cooper Landing

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

BRIDGE CABIN at Bear Creek Lodge

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Hope, AK

Welcome to The Bridge Cabin, a charming dry cabin nestled on two private acres in the historic town of Hope, Alaska. Part of the Bear Creek Lodge community, this cabin offers a serene and secluded retreat surrounded by natural beauty. The cabin itself is one of eight individual cabins within the Bear Creek Lodge property. It provides a cozy and rustic atmosphere, perfect for immersing yourself in the peaceful ambiance of the Alaskan wilderness. While the cabin does not have plumbing or electricity, there is convenient access to an old outhouse nearby. For added comfort and convenience, guests of The Bridge Cabin have access to modern indoor facilities located across Bear Creek at the main lodge. Here, you'll find shared showers, toilets, and sinks, ensuring that you can freshen up after a day of outdoor adventures. During your stay, be sure to explore the nearby amenities, including a coffee shop at the lodge and the Dirty Skillet evening dinner house. Whether you're seeking outdoor activities or simply want to relax and unwind in a tranquil setting, The Bridge Cabin offers the perfect retreat in scenic Hope, Alaska.

Living Alaska

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · AK

Historic Wharfsite at Sunrise AK

10 sites · Tents10 acres · Sunrise, AK

Learn more about this land: Sixmile Creek empties into Turnagain Arm next to this picturesque area. River rafting and fishing is nearby as well as the goldrush town of Hope just eight miles away. High tides twice a day can turn this into an island if they are over 29 feet. This property is about a half mile walk down a gold-rush era road to the wharf site of the gold rush town of Sunrise City. The buildings and tents of the approximately 10,000 miners who lived in this area are long gone. But the scenic views, peacefulness and quiet of this rugged area of south central Alaska are not soon forgotten. There are no paved trails or boardwalks. No crowds or hot dog vendors. Imagine fishing without crowds--catching pink and silver salmon or trout with awesome views of the Chugach National Forest. Don't expect amenities. This is camping outdoors in Alaska. There is a communal firepit with a portable firepit and grill that can be moved to whereever you set up your tent. Usually your group will be alone on your adventure here. There is nothing like this location anywhere else along Turnagain Arm.

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.

5 top lakeside campgrounds near Cooper Landing

Booked 3 times

Historic Wharfsite at Sunrise AK

10 sites · Tents10 acres · Sunrise, AK

Learn more about this land: Sixmile Creek empties into Turnagain Arm next to this picturesque area. River rafting and fishing is nearby as well as the goldrush town of Hope just eight miles away. High tides twice a day can turn this into an island if they are over 29 feet. This property is about a half mile walk down a gold-rush era road to the wharf site of the gold rush town of Sunrise City. The buildings and tents of the approximately 10,000 miners who lived in this area are long gone. But the scenic views, peacefulness and quiet of this rugged area of south central Alaska are not soon forgotten. There are no paved trails or boardwalks. No crowds or hot dog vendors. Imagine fishing without crowds--catching pink and silver salmon or trout with awesome views of the Chugach National Forest. Don't expect amenities. This is camping outdoors in Alaska. There is a communal firepit with a portable firepit and grill that can be moved to whereever you set up your tent. Usually your group will be alone on your adventure here. There is nothing like this location anywhere else along Turnagain Arm.

Kayak In, Backcountry Yurt Camp

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Crown Point, AK

We offer overnight stays in an Alaskan made backcountry yurt located on stunning Grant Lake, a 1 mile kayak and 1 mile hike from Moose Pass, Alaska. Moose Pass is an hour and a half South of Anchorage, just 30 miles from Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park. Access to the yurt requires boating to the trailhead. It's not for everyone, as it does require basic backcounty knowledge, preparedness for potential wildlife encounters and an ability to kayak and pack your own equipment in and out of the area. However, if you're comfortable with that, we are able to provide certain gear if you just aren't travelling with your personal equipment. Once at camp, our overnight yurt guests have included access to our kayaks for paddling around Grant Lake from the designated time of Check-In until the time of Check-Out each day. The yurt sleeps up to five guests in one double and three twin beds. There is a coleman stove up at camp with some basic pots and pans, a cast iron woodstove and a nice handmade spruce table for a good game of cards or some board games.

BRIDGE CABIN at Bear Creek Lodge

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Hope, AK

Welcome to The Bridge Cabin, a charming dry cabin nestled on two private acres in the historic town of Hope, Alaska. Part of the Bear Creek Lodge community, this cabin offers a serene and secluded retreat surrounded by natural beauty. The cabin itself is one of eight individual cabins within the Bear Creek Lodge property. It provides a cozy and rustic atmosphere, perfect for immersing yourself in the peaceful ambiance of the Alaskan wilderness. While the cabin does not have plumbing or electricity, there is convenient access to an old outhouse nearby. For added comfort and convenience, guests of The Bridge Cabin have access to modern indoor facilities located across Bear Creek at the main lodge. Here, you'll find shared showers, toilets, and sinks, ensuring that you can freshen up after a day of outdoor adventures. During your stay, be sure to explore the nearby amenities, including a coffee shop at the lodge and the Dirty Skillet evening dinner house. Whether you're seeking outdoor activities or simply want to relax and unwind in a tranquil setting, The Bridge Cabin offers the perfect retreat in scenic Hope, Alaska.

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.

Living Alaska

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · AK

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(3)

Kenai River Special Management Area

Crooked Creek State Recreation Site

Funny River, Alaska

Safety Cove State Marine Park

Lowell Point, Alaska

Lakeside camping near Cooper Landing guide

Overview

It’s hard to beat this location for outdoor recreation on the Kenai Peninsula. Cooper Landing is the jumping-off point for many rafting and fishing trips, and is central to many Alaskan hiking and wildlife opportunities. The outlet for Kenai Lake is adjacent to town, and the road system connects to Seward, Soldotna, and the primary hubs on the peninsula. Anchorage is two hours to the north with an international airport that delivers visitors to rental vehicles and transportation for this area, Denali National Park, and much more. If you want to explore Alaska where roads meet wild spaces, Coopers Landing is a great basecamp.

Where to go

Kenai River

Explore the Kenai River from shore, or better yet, book a whitewater rafting trip. While the lower river is broad and mellow, the upper stretches have powerful, thrilling rapids. If rafting isn’t enough, try out the world-class salmon and trout fishing—king and sockeye salmon are abundant in peak summer months, and coho are entering August through October. Fill your freezer with fresh fish while enjoying the boat ride on a wild river system.

Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area (KMTA)

This is a large area on the Kenai Peninsula that includes Cooper Landing, Seward, and the many mountains, glaciers, and valleys in the region. Explore historic mining camps and fishing camps important to the history of Alaska.

Skilak Lake Drive

For wildlife viewing and stellar scenery, the Skilak Lake Drive is a wonderful option near Cooper Landing. At just under 20 miles, it’s not a long drive but you can certainly take your time, spending a few hours stopping to watch bears, moose, and wildlife along the route. Views of big peaks and glaciers are also prominent on clear days. Here you’ll find camping options plus several boat launches, trails, and access to other lakes with overlooks off the road.

Area Hiking Trails

Hiking trails around Cooper Landing give visitors numerous options for remote lake access, peak climbing, and hiking adventures. Consider hitting Devil’s Pass Trail for 10 miles that are both mountain bike- and hiker-friendly. The Ptarmigan Lake trail is another great option, as is the unique Crown Point Mine trail. To experience the best of the Kenai Peninsula mountains on foot, there are endless hiking trails and backcountry areas to roam.

When to go

There isn’t a bad time to visit Cooper Landing, so planning a trip really depends on your activity preferences. Summer is perfect for fishing, rafting, and boating on the lake or rivers in the area, when long days and plenty of daylight make it easy to spend time outside. Good fishing continues into the fall, and although winter brings cold weather, recreation continues on the ice and snow. Take a winter dog sledding trip, snowshoe or ski the trails, snowmobile through wide open valleys, and enjoy starlit skies with the occasional northern lights display.