Lake Camping Near Kenai, Alaska, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

You’ll find over 220 lake-focused camping spots in Kenai, each with direct access to the water. Locals come here for the clear views across the peninsula’s lakes and the easy jump into hiking, swimming, and fishing. Most sites allow campfires and welcome pets—plus, toilets are usually on hand. Want practical tips? Bring bug spray, especially after dusk. Expect plenty of activity on the water, but also some quiet stretches where it’s just you and the loons. Sites book up quickly during salmon runs, so plan ahead. This is where Alaskans camp when they want to wake up right on the lake’s edge.

96% (12)

Top-rated campgrounds

You’ll find over 220 lake-focused camping spots in Kenai, each with direct access to the water. Locals come here for the clear views across the peninsula’s lakes and the easy jump into hiking, swimming, and fishing. Most sites allow campfires and welcome pets—plus, toilets are usually on hand. Want practical tips? Bring bug spray, especially after dusk. Expect plenty of activity on the water, but also some quiet stretches where it’s just you and the loons. Sites book up quickly during salmon runs, so plan ahead. This is where Alaskans camp when they want to wake up right on the lake’s edge.

96% (12)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Evenson Heritage Lodge in Kenai

96%

(12)

9.2mi from Kenai · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Nikiski, AK

This is a lakeside spot for RV or tent camping (bring your own RV or camping gear). There is a picnic table and a fire pit. Water and solar power are available. When camping there, the private area of surrounding wilderness is about 5 acres. The cleared camp site is 45x75 feet. The property in it's entirety is about 150 acres shared with a lodge and a couple of other sites separated by wilderness and having two lakes. This site has direct access to Marie Lake which is suitable for swimming and play. Renters of the campsite will be given access to Bishop Lake, which can be fished for trout when open and your motorcraft can be used.

2. Island lake 🏝

11mi from Kenai · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Nikiski, AK

Easy access for motorhome and travel trailers. This beautiful site has full sun exposure. Great fishing. Private boat dock. Crystal clear beach great for swimming. Location is only couple miles from beach fishing , MM market, Tree house resteraunt . Boat rental available $150 24 hours Kayak two person (free) Live jackets provided.

3. Mackey Lake RV And Cabins

7.4mi from Kenai · 3 sites · RVs · Soldotna, AK

I have 3 spots available - No hook ups. Just a spot. Located kitty corner to Talon Air. 2 Acre lot with a home. RV spots are located in the front of the property. Easy in and out. Has a wrap around Driveway. I have 3 spots, 1 -34 ft RV and 2 - 24 ft RV spots. Just 3 miles from Fred Meyer and 4 miles from the Kenai River. Talon air bear and fishing trips easy to walk to accross the street.

4. Crooked Creek State Recreation Site

80 sites · Funny River, Alaska

Discover the allure of Crooked Creek State Recreation Site.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Kenai River Special Management Area

100%

(3)

128 sites · Kenai, Alaska

Discover the serene beauty of Kenai River Special Management Area.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

48 sites · Cohoe, Alaska

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

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Kenai

Crooked Creek Campground

12mi from Kenai · 80 sites · Tents, RVs · in Crooked Creek State Recreation Site

100%

(1)

Morgan's Landing State Recreation Area

12mi from Kenai · 51 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kenai River Special Management Area

Izaak Walton Campground

16mi from Kenai · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kenai River Special Management Area

100%

(2)

Bings Landing Campground

17mi from Kenai · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kenai River Special Management Area

Johnson Lake Campground

19mi from Kenai · 48 sites · Tents, RVs · in Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

Stories from the community

T

Teresa

July 2025

20 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Evenson Heritage Lodge in Kenai

Beautiful location and close to town. We rented campsite #4. It was a tight fit for our trailer (20Ft) but we managed. I would not recommend any larger travel trailer for this site. The site had access to numerous locations to walk, fish, canoe, and view an eagles nest. We had our small dogs with us and remained cautious of the nature that surrounded us. No doggie snacks for the eagles. The site has an awesome view of the lake. Plenty of sunlight to charge our solar batteries on our trailer. Once again, please do not think you can fit your 24ftr in there safely, it just shouldn't happen. The gound is a bit soft but only because its a fairly new site. Bugs were not that bad but we had our thermacells to keep insects at bay. We did not have to use any spray repellental at all. It is a bit on the spendy side, but seclusion, beauty, and tranquility are guaranteed. We are looking for to seeing The Everson Homestead again.

A

Abigail

July 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Evenson Heritage Lodge in Kenai

This was an amazing trip! There were awesome views and easy water access. Hosts had great communication yet still gave us our space. We will be back and would definitely recommend!

DanielHeidi

July 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Evenson Heritage Lodge in Kenai

We loved being able to have out dogs off leash and we loved the lakes and space we had! Would absolutely love to cone back. Hosts were so kind and helpful.

M

Monica

July 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Evenson Heritage Lodge in Kenai

We had a great time tent camping here! The lake was beautiful and the property was very private. It was a great place for our kids and dogs to play. The hosts were very helpful and provided very convenient amenities!