The best mountainous campgrounds near Cooper Landing, Alaska

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.

100% (6)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

100% (6)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Seward Camping

100%

(3)

28mi from Cooper Landing · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Seward, AK

Welcome to my property in Seward! You can enjoy rugged camping and a few basic glamping options here with us.

2. Gnome Dome & Mushroom Room Hope AK

100%

(3)

29mi from Cooper Landing · 2 sites · Lodging · Hope, AK

Come stay at the Gnome Dome & Mushroom Room in Hope Alaska. Located conveniently off Resurrection Road near the Hope airport. These spacious bell tents sleep 4. Just B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own sleeping Bag) Or we have sleeping bags to rent. We have an outdoor firepit, camp chairs, and space to enjoy our neck of the woods.

3. Orca Island Cabins

40mi from Cooper Landing · 1 site · Lodging · Lowell Point, AK

Orca Island Cabins is a remote, off-the-grid property in scenic Resurrection Bay, located 9 miles southeast of Seward, Alaska. Owned and Operated by lifelong Alaskan Jonah Swiderski and his wife Yen Ly. Orca Island Cabins invites you to enjoy comfortable and stylish overnight accommodations in yurt cabins with Alaska wildlife and marine life right outside your cabin door. Enjoy the best in Alaska whale watching, kayaking, fishing and hiking or just sit back, relax and observe scenic views and wildlife from your private deck – a very special Alaska experience.

4. Spruce Goose Lodge

27mi from Cooper Landing · 2 sites · Lodging · Seward, AK

Welcome to The Spruce Goose, a beautiful lodge nestled in the heart of Seward, AK. Surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Kenai Peninsula and only a stone's throw away from the breathtaking Resurrection Bay, our lodge offers the perfect combination of comfort and adventure. With cozy rooms, delicious dining options and a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from, The Spruce Goose is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Come experience the magic of Alaska at our unforgettable lodge. The Spruce Goose Lodge is a fully appointed home designed to provide you with everything you may need for a luxurious stay in Seward. The home has a full kitchen which is open to the sitting area, dining room with seating for 8, large living room with a sectional sofa and TV, and three bedrooms with brand new bedding and mattresses. Additional guests have use of a pull out sofa in the living room with plenty of extra pillows and linens. The primary suite has a large walk-in curb-less shower with plenty of grab bars, bench seat, double shower heads, and even a bluetooth speaker in the ceiling!

5. Central Fishing Access

17mi from Cooper Landing · 2 sites · Lodging · Seward, AK

Property is easily accessible from the Seward Highway and room for boat or RV parking. This historic old lodge " The Crown Point Lodge", was once a popular stop that offered meals, lodging, movie rentals and all the essentials but also was a moose rescue. It since has been converted to a residence and upstairs rental. Kenai lake access is 1 mile away down trail River Road (picture is of the lake shore that's accessible). Russian river is about a 25 minute drive north off the Sterling. Seward is the other direction about the same distance. Moose Pass is 5 miles away with a convenience store. Lots of great fishing in the area and this location is ideal being it is central. There are lots of hiking trails close by. We are not located in any town, but rather the Crown Point community. This listing is for the upstairs space of 2500sqft. There are 2 big living rooms, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (4 showers), kitchen and dining area, and a deck. There is also a washer and drier for your use. one room has a queen bed, one with a king bed (and a private bathroom attached), two bedrooms with twin beds. There is also an extra twin bed set up in the first living room. There is also Star Link provided for internet and a smart TV. This is an authentic Alaskan space.

6. Stoney Creek RV Park

27mi from Cooper Landing · 87 sites · Seward, AK

Discover Seward's only luxury RV park, a unique retreat nestled in a stunning natural setting that offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Located on 15 picturesque acres just 6 miles north of the vibrant downtown Seward, our full-service park provides an ideal sanctuary after a day filled with fishing, sightseeing, and exploring the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness. At our park, you can unwind and enjoy a variety of amenities designed for your convenience and relaxation. Take advantage of our satellite TV, stroll along the serene creek, or gather around a campfire in designated areas. Our facilities include hot showers and laundry services, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Each of our spacious sites is 30 feet wide, providing ample room for slide-outs and parking your vehicle. Most sites are at least 50 feet long and come equipped with power (including some 50 amp options), water, and satellite TV. With 68 sites featuring sewer connections, we can easily accommodate larger RVs. For those seeking a cozy atmosphere, our creekside sites include fire pits, perfect for enjoying evenings under the stars. Experience the beauty of Seward while enjoying the luxury and tranquility of our RV park, where adventure and relaxation await you.

Stories from the community

R

Rebecca

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Gnome Dome & Mushroom Room Hope AK

We enjoyed camping out at Annie’s land. The tent was clean and spacious. We loved having a little camp fire in the evening. It was easy to find, and a quiet spot.

N

Nancy

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Seward Camping

There was nonsafe place to put up a tent are barely park a sprinter van… essentially it is a construction site … not a remote place at all

G

Goldie

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Seward Camping

The host still has work to do before his beautiful land lives up to its full potential however his kindness & willingness to go above & beyond to accommodate more then makes up for it. We had a great time & would come again. I suspect there will be more improvements by then too (:

B

Britni

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Seward Camping

Nice quiet spot for camping. Would definitely stay there again! Troy was responsive and helpful.

Other options near Cooper Landing

Stoney Creek RV Park

27mi from Cooper Landing · 87 sites · Seward, AK

Discover Seward's only luxury RV park, a unique retreat nestled in a stunning natural setting that offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Located on 15 picturesque acres just 6 miles north of the vibrant downtown Seward, our full-service park provides an ideal sanctuary after a day filled with fishing, sightseeing, and exploring the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness. At our park, you can unwind and enjoy a variety of amenities designed for your convenience and relaxation. Take advantage of our satellite TV, stroll along the serene creek, or gather around a campfire in designated areas. Our facilities include hot showers and laundry services, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Each of our spacious sites is 30 feet wide, providing ample room for slide-outs and parking your vehicle. Most sites are at least 50 feet long and come equipped with power (including some 50 amp options), water, and satellite TV. With 68 sites featuring sewer connections, we can easily accommodate larger RVs. For those seeking a cozy atmosphere, our creekside sites include fire pits, perfect for enjoying evenings under the stars. Experience the beauty of Seward while enjoying the luxury and tranquility of our RV park, where adventure and relaxation await you.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best mountainous camping near Cooper Landing guide

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.