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 reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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.  
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$500
 / night
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(6)

The Bluff Cabin at Clam Gulch

1 site · Lodging6 acres · 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.
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$99
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BRIDGE CABIN at Bear Creek Lodge

1 site · Lodging2 acres · 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.
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$156
 / night
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(36)

Magical Camping Ocean,Volcano Views

2 sites · Tents5 acres · 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.
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$75
 / 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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