car camping Kenai

Question

Hi - we are travelling to the Kenai Peninsula late July/ early August with a travel trailer (dry camping) and see that all public recreation sites and state park campgrounds are first come first served. Its the height of fishing season, so what are the chances of getting a site at one of the campgrounds along the Sterling Highway between Kenai, Soldotna area and Homer? Are any less campgrounds less busy?

Answer

Car camping on the Kenai Peninsula during late July and early August can be challenging, especially with a travel trailer and during peak fishing season. This is the busiest time of year, coinciding with the sockeye salmon runs, so many campgrounds along the Sterling Highway and in popular fishing areas fill quickly.

Public Recreation Sites and State Park Campgrounds:

Most of these campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Popular spots like those near Kenai River, Soldotna, and Homer will often fill early in the day, particularly on weekends.

Kenai River State Recreation Sites (Soldotna area): High demand due to prime fishing access; arriving early in the morning is essential.
Cup’it Creek, Funny River, and Centennial Campgrounds: Also busy; weekends are particularly crowded.
Homer Spit Campgrounds: Very popular for access to the spit and Halibut fishing; limited spaces for larger rigs like travel trailers.

Strategies for Finding a Site:

Arrive early in the day, preferably before 10 am, to secure a spot.
Consider weekdays instead of weekends, as midweek sites are generally less crowded.
Be flexible with campground choice; some lesser-known sites along the Sterling Highway may be less busy.

Less Busy Alternatives:

Public recreation sites north of Soldotna, closer to Cooper Landing, may be less crowded.
Some dispersed camping options exist on Forest Service lands, but check regulations and access for travel trailers.
Minor state recreation areas south of Soldotna or off the beaten path near Kasilof can sometimes have availability.

Other Tips:

Have backup campground options in mind, as first choices may be full.
Travel trailers may have limitations on smaller sites, so consider shorter rigs or camping pads that accommodate larger vehicles.
Be prepared with supplies, as some campgrounds may have limited amenities.

Overall, late July and early August on the Kenai Peninsula is extremely popular, and first-come, first-served camping can be unpredictable. Early arrival, weekday visits, and flexibility in campground selection are key to successfully finding a site during this peak season.

car camping Kenai

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