Anchor River State Recreation Area

The feel

Five campgrounds make up this recreation area: Coho, Silverking, Slidehole, Steelhead and Halibut. It sits on the most westerly point of the U.S. Highway System, where the Anchor River meets Cook Inlet.

People come to camp, fish, hike, kayak, boat and watch wildlife. Moose, beaver, mink, bald eagles and ducks live along the river, and harbor seals, sea otters and beluga whales swim near shore. Across the inlet you can see Mount Augustine, Mount Iliamna and Mount Redoubt.

What to expect

Layout and setting

46 campsites spread over five campgrounds, with 20 picnic sites. River and beach access are close.

Check-in and stay

14 days is the camping limit.

Parking and rig size

An RV size limit applies to campers. Day-use parking is $5, and overnight parking takes two payments of the daily parking fee.

Fees and reservations

Camping is $20 per site at each campground. Sites are first come, first served.

Bathrooms and water

Accessible toilets and water are available.

Season and access

May through September. The area is at milepost 157 of the Sterling Highway, address 157 Sterling Highway.

Mingo says

Aim for May through September, when the sites are open. Check the tractor boat launch hours if you plan to put a boat in.

Before you go

• Budget $20 per site plus $5 for day-use parking.
• Call Alaska Recreation Management at (907) 522-8368 or (907) 242-0859 before you drive out.
• Launch hours run 6:00 am to 6:00 pm from the last weekend in April through May 15, 5:00 am to 8:00 pm from May 16 through August 15, and 6:00 am to 5:00 pm from August 16 through September 5. Call (907) 399-2686 to confirm.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.