We stopped by this campground this weekend and while we didn't stay the night, it was so nice that…read morewe're planning on going back. We stopped off at most of the campgrounds in the area as we passed through on our way to Soldotna, checking them out, and this was one of our favorites. It's located in Sterling, not too far from Soldotna, and sits at the confluence of the Moose and Kenai Rivers. The rivers are beautiful and the campsites are nice and shaded. The only fishing allowed is fly fishing. Check the website for all the details -- there are camp sites, picnic tables, firepits, toilets, it's handicap accessible, boat ramp, and an onsite campground host. There's a cute little old sod-roof cabin at the entrance and an interpretive sign explaining how people have lived in the area for a loooonnnnnggggg time.

The Garden Cabin was spacious, clean and cozy providing a perfect ambiance for relaxation. Shirley…read moreand Max were warm and welcoming, always ready to assist with any request. Their attentiveness made us feel valued and at home. To our delight, there was a camp gathering to celebrate the Fourth of July. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with other campers and enjoy the festivities together.

Should've reviewed earlier because we had great service here. One of the few places that rents…read morerafts and drift boats for the Kenai. Pick up on time and good suggestions for fishing the river late season.

Disabled vets get in for free. Caught a 28" Sockeye off the fishing platforms here. Camping is 21…read morea night no discounts. DAVs camp for free at state sites. Get your sticker from the parks office. 10% from Ohio...doesn't matter...you camp for free in Alaska.

Located in the city of Soldotna, Swiftwater Park is a fee-based, public-use park with several…read moreamenities for those who want to get outdoors. There are campsites for tents and RVs, firepits, toilets, water, boat launch and a fishing platform. Camping sites are first-come, first-served and check out time is noon. Since everybody knows about this place, it's hardly a secret so there's definitely combat fishing during the high season. If you get there early you can enjoy some serious fishing and it's a great place to relax and enjoy Alaska.

Super relieved to be able to confirm after my visit that Hidden Lake was essentially unaffected by…read morethe Swann Lake fire. All the services (toilets, dump site, amphitheater, boat launch, campsites, etc) were not touched by the flames. However, from the lake shore (boat launch and day use area) there is visible fire damage so the fire came VERY VERY close. So if you intend to hike while in Skilak you'll likely want to go southerly, as we observed heavy fire damage from mile zero through mile 4. But the fire did jump all over the place so you may want to confirm with the park service if you have specific questions about trails or the back country.

Awesome well laid out USDA campground!…read more Great place to stay for fishing at the Russian River, floating the Kenai river, or hiking the numerous trails. Just remember to bring bear spray and/or firearm for bear protection. Numerous parking available if you arrive early enough and with a reservation.

Russian River Campground has got to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest in Kenai and maybe…read moreall of Alaska. It is a massive, sprawling complex that encompasses many camping areas, day uses areas, trails, and of course river access for fishing. I HIGHLY recommend bringing a bike, scooter, skateboard or roller blades if you plan to stay here because of the distance from one area to the next. You definitely need bear spray and or a gun as well. One of the things that makes Russian River unusual is it actually has an TV dumpster AND limited running potable water for drinking (both if which are unusual in state and federal parks in Alaska). Most parks have hand pump water. Pit toilets, no sinks, no showers. The camp sites can accommodate large RVs. Some are pullthrough, but most are not. The sites are very functional, but much to close together for my liking. I wonder if that was deliberate to discourage the bears... There's no privacy in 98% of the camp sites. They all have a picnic table, bear box and fire pit. You DEFINITELY need to make reservations online during peak season. This campground runs at capacity during fishing season. Sites are 18 bucks. I personally wouldn't stay here because of how close together the campsites are and none of them have water view. I definitely will be making use of the day use areas and trails in the future. I think most people staying here will find it satisfactory all in all.

Lower Skilak Lake Campground is one of 9 campgrounds in the Skilak Lake Recreation Area portion of…read morethe Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Of the 9 campgrounds, this is one of 3 that can accommodate RVs. From the east entrance to Skilak Lake Road this campground is located at mile 13.6 turnoff and then a bit of a ways down an unnamed road. There's a boat launch, potable water, and pit toilets. There's a total of 14 camping spots which are $5-10 a day. There's some really pretty views from this particular campground. Be aware that although this is not considered "back country" it's still Alaska and fairly remote, so come prepared with everything you might need, including bear spray, clothing for all types of weather, camping and fishing supplies, and all the food you might need. And you'll love this- there's no cell service! So if you want to unplug, this is the place to do it ----------------------------------------- On a weird, but noteworthy issue- If you've got young children, you'll definitely want to bring a potty seat insert for the pit toilets so they don't fall in. That's actually a real thing that could happen and the pit toilets can be fairly stressful for parents of toddlers so come prepared.

20 bucks to camp regardless of if you are a a tenter or RVer. RV sites do not have hook ups of any…read morekind, but compared to most RV places, the spots are bigger and offer more privacy. The sites along the river have lower numbers, and are a sunnier and less private and have less trees (they'll be on your right when you drive in). Maps at the gate house, ask for one. Tent only sites and RV sites are also on the left, although tenters can tent wherever they want. The tent only sites are HEINOUSLY exposed- sardine like spots. But if you're the kind of person who is afraid of wildlife, likes people and wants zero privacy and no trees, head for the tent only sites. The picnic tables and fire rings in this campground are in very good shape here. You can cook on the grate without your food falling through. My one gripe is the waste dump is an extra 20 dollars!!! That's an outrageous charge. Drive 2 miles down the street to Fred Miles to access the free waste dump and water. There is free water near the guard house if you want to fill up on your way in or out, but it's not on the map.

I asked to drive through and look for my husband who was camping there for over a week. The kid at…read morethe booth seemed surprised that I even stopped and said sure go ahead kinda laughing at me. I found my husband and talked to him. A grumpy old man in a golf cart came and yelled at me, he said the kid told me I could turn around only. I tried to calm him down and said I would remember, but he was very angry, and aggressive. They want $8 to just drive through the campground to talk to someone.

Despite the horrific fire damage resulting from the 2019 Swann Lake Fire, Skilak Lake recreational…read morearea remains one of our family's favorite places to recharge. It's remote enough to unplug from the world (no cell.service in about 80% of this huge park) but close enough to basic services like toilet paper, gas and a latte if you REALLY need it that you won't freak out. There's an enormous variety of activities in the wonderful park, and the fire opened up huge fields of wild flowers and fungi that were previously much harder to access. In some places the fire damage is very very disturbing and sad, but if you like being alone, like me, and enjoy rebirth and photography, coming here can be a very beautiful and centering experience.