Trail River Campground

The feel

The campground is split into three loops. Spruce Tree has shade and mountain views, Eagle Point overlooks Kenai Lake, and River Terrace is nearest the river.

The Day Use Area has beach access to Kenai Lake, which holds Dolly Varden, rainbow trout and lake trout. Kenai Lake is not open to salmon fishing. The campground has water, toilets, tables, fire pits, volleyball and a horseshoe area.

What to expect

Layout and setting

91 sites in three loops, including one group area and one loop for large RVs, with tables and fire pits at the sites.

Check-in and stay

The maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Parking and rig size

One loop is for large RVs, and there are no hookups.

Fees and reservations

$18 to $23 per night for a single site, and $200 per night for the group site, which must be reserved 5 days in advance. Reservations are optional but recommended, through Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777. A booking fee is added.

Hazards

Store all food in your vehicle or the lockers provided in the campground.

Bathrooms and water

Drinking water is on site, along with vault toilets.

Season and access

Open 24 hours a day from mid-May to mid-September, and closed in winter because of access. Turn at Mile 24.2 of the Seward Highway onto Trail River Road, 24 miles north of Seward.

Mingo says

Snow lingers in the high peaks and avalanche chutes until the end of August, so keep hikes low until then. Reserve ahead, since reservations are recommended.

Before you go

• Reserve on Recreation.gov or at 1-877-444-6777, and expect a booking fee on top of the camping fee.
• Reserve the group site at least 5 days in advance if your party needs it.
• Carry a State of Alaska fishing license if you plan to fish Kenai Lake from the Day Use Area beach.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178 with questions.

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