The best camping in Captain Cook State Recreation Area, AK

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Search for agates and wildlife or go ice-fishing at this coastal spot.  

The best camping near Captain Cook State Recreation Area, AK

No matching sites in the park — explore these options nearby.
Albatross Campground RESERVATIONS

1. Albatross Campground RESERVATIONS

94%
(24)
20mi from Captain Cook State Recreation Area · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · 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 a laundry room and outdoor kitchen area. Additionally, we provide all the essential facilities for processing and preserving your catch, such as freezers, cleaning tables, vacuum sealers, community fire pit, outdoor kitchen, and a smokehouse. Experience a seamless blend of comfort and nature at our peaceful retreat. Pricing: Cleaning table free (first come first served) Fire wood $5/bundle Showers closed for maintenance. Laundry (quarters required) $4/load Vacuum sealing $1/bag Freezing $1 per pound per day 50 fish smokehouse $20/12hrs Parking for extra vehicles $20/day (no camping/sleeping in parking spots) Cancel booking 24hrs in advance of stay for 100% refund.
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$20
 / night
Table and bench on Bluff, great place to have coffee

9. Magical Camping Ocean,Volcano Views

96%
(38)
43mi from Captain Cook State Recreation Area · 2 sites · Tents · 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.
Pets
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from 
$75
 / night
Heavenly Grounds RV Site

12. Heavenly Grounds RV Site

7.8mi from Captain Cook State Recreation Area · 1 site · RV · Nikiski, AK
Lakefront RV Site with Activities, Stunning Views, Primitive Boat Launch & Optional Ensuite Escape to our Lakefront RV Site in Nikiski, Alaska, perfect for families, fishing enthusiasts, and those seeking relaxation. Enjoy direct lake access, breathtaking lake and mountain views, and ample space for outdoor fun. Activities & Attractions • Water Activities: Swim, canoe, paddleboard, or kayak with provided equipment. • Primitive Boat Launch: Easily launch small boats for fishing or exploring. • Fishing Hotspots: o Swanson River (10 min drive) – Excellent for salmon fishing. o Kenai River (30 min drive) – World-famous for trophy-sized fish. • Relax & Explore: Spot wildlife from the fire pit or deck, take peaceful lakefront strolls, or visit local attractions: o Captain Cook State Recreation Area – Forest trails, rivers, and scenic beaches. o Nikiski Pool & Recreation Center – Heated pool, waterslide, hot tubs, gym, and skate park. o Jason Peterson Memorial Ice Rink – Seasonal covered ice skating. o Stocked Lakes – Nearby lakes offer great trout fishing. RV Site Amenities • 50 & 30 Amp Electrical Hookups • Sewer & Filtered Water Connections • Primitive Boat Launch • Outdoor Fire Pit with Seating • Two Fishing Kayaks & Canoe • Spacious Lawn for Outdoor Games Optional 750 sq ft Ensuite Upgrade your stay with our brand-new private ensuite: • Spacious & Modern – Sleeps up to four guests. • Full Kitchen – Equipped with modern appliances. • Luxury Furnishings – High-end, cozy furniture. • Private Bathroom – Shower, new countertops, sink, and fixtures. Experience the Best of Alaska Whether fishing, boating, or unwinding, our Lakefront RV Site offers the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. Stay in your RV or upgrade with the private ensuite for added comfort. Book now and experience Alaska’s pristine beauty!
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$28
 / night
The Bluff Cabin at Clam Gulch

13. The Bluff Cabin at Clam Gulch

100%
(12)
43mi from Captain Cook State Recreation Area · 1 site · Lodging · 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.
Potable water
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from 
$99
 / night
BRIDGE CABIN at Bear Creek Lodge

14. BRIDGE CABIN at Bear Creek Lodge

100%
(4)
49mi from Captain Cook State Recreation Area · 1 site · Lodging · 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.
Pets
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from 
$156
 / night
Camp Farm

15. Camp Farm

49mi from Captain Cook State Recreation Area · 1 site · Lodging · Hope, AK
Camp Farm is a small organic homestead/farm in Hope, AK. Our micro-campground offers peaceful off-grid camping. Stay in our 16' yurt, or bring your tent/fully contained RV. Our property is dry, so you'll need to supply your own water, but you are welcome to use our on-site outhouse. There is a small fire pit and communal outdoor kitchen space with a propane 2-burner stove for guest use. We do not allow visiting pets, however there are dogs on site who love belly rubs. With quick access to the Resurrection Pass Trailhead, Wagon Trail, Gull Rock and Hope Point trails and only 2.5 miles from historic downtown Hope, there is a lot to see and do here! Hope is home to about 200 year-round residents and boasts some of the rowdiest white water rafting (5+ rapids on 6-Mile Creek), most scenic hiking and best trail/mountain bike riding in the state. If you're a foodie, cruise 2.5 miles into "town" for a bite at one of 4 locally owned restaurants or a coffee at one of the coffee shops. Enjoy live music every summer weekend at one of 3 different music venues. Hope does not have a gas station, so please plan ahead and fuel up in Girdwood, Cooper Landing or Seward before heading to town. There is a small market here, so if you forget an essential, you'll be able to purchase ice, water, beer, snacks, etc. here in town.
Toilets
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Trash
from 
$100
 / night

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The best camping in Captain Cook State Recreation Area, AK guide

Overview

About

On the northwestern shores of the Kenai Peninsula, this quiet state park is a popular spot to hunt for agates or do a bit of bird-watching in the summer months, while winter is popular for ice fishing on the park's Stormy Lake. If you want to linger, the park's Discovery Campground features 53 campsites for tent or RV camping (with no size limits), along with toilets, a potable water source, and a couple of picnic shelters. There's also a bit of room for primitive tent camping right by the park entrance and a boat-in site on Stormy Lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Sites at the park’s Discovery Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. As such, it’s wise to plan your visit to start mid-week for the best chance at a spot.
  2. You can camp at the Discovery Campground for a maximum of 14 days at a time.
  3. The campground is managed by a concessionaire, Alaska Recreational Management, who can provide more information about camping.
  4. If you can't secure a spot at Captain Cook, you may have better luck seeking out private alternatives and Hipcamps around nearby Kenai.

When to go

If you're not a fan of cold weather (or aren't prepared to camp in the snow), then the best time to visit the park is in the summer, when the temperatures are relatively warm, at least by Alaskan standards. Winter is popular for ice-fishing and cross-country skiing. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, you'll have the best chances if you visit between August and April.

Know before you go

  • The best place to pick up groceries and supplies is in the town of Kenai, about a half-hour drive from the recreation area.
  • Black bears live in this area, and they can be relentless. As such, it’s wise to keep all food, cooking supplies, and toiletries (and anything with a scent) securely locked in a hard-sided vehicle or bear box.
  • Dogs are welcome, but they must remain leashed at all times.
  • The summer months get around 18 or 19 hours of daylight, so light sleepers may want to pack a sleep mask.
  • RV hookups are not available at the campground.
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