Centennial Park

The feel

Centennial Park is a 121.2 acre park and campground at 349 Centennial Park Road in Soldotna, with over a mile of frontage on the Kenai River. It has 25 sets of stairs to the river, two 85 ft fishing platforms (one handicap accessible) and over 650 feet of elevated boardwalk.

Crowds are high. Almost a mile of bank runs below the launch and almost another above it, and the downstream mile takes far less pressure than the platforms, so walking is worth it. A 40 ft fish cleaning platform with 8 stations, lights and running water sits on site.

What to expect

Water and access

Over a mile of Kenai River frontage with 25 sets of stairs, two 85 ft platforms (one handicap accessible) and over 650 feet of elevated boardwalk. Almost a mile of bank below the launch and almost another above it. There are 2 boat launches.

Species and timing

Sockeye in July and August at 4-8 lb. Coho (silver) in August and September at 8-12 lb.

Methods and gear

Bank, spin, fly and drift boat. A 40 ft fish cleaning platform with 8 stations, lights and running water.

License and rules

Sockeye and coho limits are set in season by ADF&G emergency order, and king fishing is often closed. Check the current regulations before you go. The launch lagoon is closed to fishing 1 Jul to 30 Aug.

Crowds and best time

High crowds. The downstream mile takes far less pressure than the platforms.

Parking

One large paved lot and two gravel lots.

Bathrooms and water

11 restrooms and 1 pavilion on site, plus running water at the fish cleaning platform.

Season and access

Overnight camping opens Memorial Day weekend. 250+ sites, no reservations, first come first served, check-out at noon. Dog friendly. The RV dump station is out of service indefinitely.

Mingo says

Time your trip for July and August sockeye, or the coho of August and September. Arrive early if you want a campsite, because none can be reserved.

Before you go

• Stop at the fee booth on the way in: day use is $8, and launch is $20 motorized or $10 non-motorized.
• Camping costs $23 a night, or $29 from July 7 to 31.
• Do not fish the launch lagoon from 1 Jul to 30 Aug.
• Check the current ADF&G regulations at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=sportbyareasouthcentral.main before you cast.

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