Notable Campgrounds
In addition to Johnson Lake’s single campground, area Hipcamps are solid options for campers.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- The campground at Johnson Lake has a mixture of first-come, first-served sites and reservable sites. Try reserving ahead if you have specific dates in mind. Summer is especially busy and reservations will ensure you have a site secured.
- Reserve well ahead for private campsites in this area during the summer. Many private spaces are limited to a few sites that can fill during the prime season. Shorter notice reservations are more likely during the shoulder seasons.
- Consider visiting Johnson Lake a little early or late in the season. While salmon runs attract anglers during specific summer months, the lake is always full of rainbow trout and visitors can paddle or fish from ice-out through the fall months.
When to Go
Johnson Lake has a long season for visitors. May is a nice, quiet month to visit with the potential for nice weather. June, July and August are the busy season on the Kenai Peninsula in general but they remain excellent for visiting. The peak summer offers longer days, active wildlife and salmon fishing in the rivers. Fall is also quiet and September can be a great time to view the night sky and experience the area after the busy months.
Know Before You Go
- Johnson Lake Campground has 51 total campsites and an additional 16 day-use area sites. RVs are limited to 35 feet in length.
- Campers are limited to 15 consecutive days of camping. The campsites offer access to water, toilets, fire rings and a developed boat launch space.
- ADA-accessible facilities are present at the campground. Walking areas are often more rugged, passing through the woods and along the lake shore.
- Campers are encouraged to be vigilant about storing food inside campers, vehicles and bear-proof containers. Bears are especially active during the summer months when keeping a clean camp is imperative.
Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
Take advantage of the waterfront access to Johnson Lake at this wooded recreation site.
On the Kenai Peninsula, Johnson Lake State Recreation area is surrounded by outdoor opportunities with Soldotna and the Kenai River just to the north. Kasilof is also nearby, and the multitude of rivers and trails at Johnson Lake are exceptional for fishing, rafting, paddling, and wildlife watching. Leaving the quiet shores of the lake will prove difficult—with more than 300 acres of woods and trout-filled waters, camping and recreating are prime right on-site. Johnson Lake is the perfect place to set up a basecamp while exploring the Kenai Peninsula.
On the Kenai Peninsula, Johnson Lake State Recreation area is surrounded by outdoor opportunities with Soldotna and the Kenai River just to the north. Kasilof is also nearby, and the multitude of rivers and trails at Johnson Lake are exceptional for fishing, rafting, paddling, and wildlife watching. Leaving the quiet shores of the lake will prove difficult—with more than 300 acres of woods and trout-filled waters, camping and recreating are prime right on-site. Johnson Lake is the perfect place to set up a basecamp while exploring the Kenai Peninsula.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
Nature buffs looking to live in harmony with wildlife can get their wish at Johnson Lake Campground, where moose, hares, lynx, squirrels, and bears are around and about. The scenic views at this mid-sized destination are equally captivating, and rainbow trout fishing is a must for any angler. Those who like to wander via foot or canoe are welcome Read more...
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Notable Campgrounds
In addition to Johnson Lake’s single campground, area Hipcamps are solid options for campers.
Notable Campgrounds
In addition to Johnson Lake’s single campground, area Hipcamps are solid options for campers.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Johnson Lake has a long season for visitors. May is a nice, quiet month to visit with the potential for nice weather. June, July and August are the busy season on the Kenai Peninsula in general but they remain excellent for visiting. The peak summer offers longer days, active wildlife and salmon fishing in the rivers. Fall is also quiet and September can be a great time to view the night sky and experience the area after the busy months.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —