Cooper Creek Campground

The feel

The campground sits at the confluence of the Kenai River and Cooper Creek, among spruce and cottonwood. It has 26 sites, including 3 tent sites, with tables, fire pits and dumpsters provided. River and stream fishing is available here.

Sites north of the highway are first-come, first-served, and tent campers should know that bears have damaged tents and soft-sided trailers here.

What to expect

Layout and setting

26 sites, including 3 tent sites, at the confluence of the Kenai River and Cooper Creek in a spruce and cottonwood forest. Tables, fire pits and dumpsters are provided. Sites north of the highway are first-come, first-served.

Check-in and stay

The maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Crowds and best time

Reservations are required and recommended for summer.

Parking and rig size

Parking aprons are gravel and parking is limited. A dump station is available for a fee at nearby Quartz Creek Campground.

Fees and reservations

$23 per night for a single site and $33 for a double, plus a Recreation.gov booking fee. Reserve at Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777, up to 180 days before arrival in summer.

Hazards

Bears have damaged tents and soft-sided trailers here. A bear incident can trigger an immediate ban on tent and soft-sided camping, and those campers must leave. Store food, garbage, hygiene items and anything with a smell in a hard-sided vehicle or the storage locker on site.

Bathrooms and water

Bring your own drinking water, since potable water is not available. A vault toilet is on site.

Season and access

Generally open mid-May to September 30. The campground is at Milepost 50.7 of the Sterling Highway. From the Seward Highway, turn toward Soldotna at the Y.

Mingo says

Come between mid-May and September 30, when the campground is open. Book early for summer, since reservations are required then.

Before you go

• Book at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777, up to 180 days before arrival, and expect a booking fee.
• Bring drinking water, since none is available at the campground.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, closed 12:00 to 1:00 pm.

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