The best camping near Captain Cook State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Captain Cook State Recreation Area adventure.

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

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Top-rated campgrounds near Captain Cook State Recreation Area

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Foster's Alaska Cabins

4 sites · LodgingKenai, AK
My family started the development of the property back in the 1980's.  Since then it has been narrowly used and kept in pristine shape.  My Uncle Gary is the primary person who kept up with the property and he's the type of person that pays close attention to detail.  Cyndi and I are honored to have taken over the property in 2016 and we hope to always leave a legacy that Uncle Gary will be proud of.  Learn more about this land:This is a quaint 140 SF cabin on the property that has 4 bunks for people that are just looking for a nice warm bed.  This is one of 5 cabins we operate that are primarily for fishing as they are right on Beaver Creek which flows into the mighty Kenai River.  Boats at the dock take people out fishing for salmon on the daily in the summer.  The cabin has full electrical, heat, and a kitchenette as well.  There is a small covered front porch for people to socialize on and a freezer to store your fish in if you're here for that.  The cabin itself does not have running water, but the bath house only 15' away has a full shower, toilet, and sink and it's designated for the cabin guests.  
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$500
 / night

The best camping near Captain Cook State Recreation Area 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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