Overview
Cooper Creek South Campground is a secluded and picturesque campground located in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. Nestled along the banks of Cooper Creek, this campground offers stunning scenery, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and easy access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and boating areas. The campground is surrounded by towering spruce and aspen trees, and the sound of the creek babbling through the forest creates a soothing background noise that will lull you into a peaceful slumber. With its unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and remote wilderness setting, Cooper Creek South Campground is a must-visit destination for any Alaska outdoors enthusiast.
One of the unique features of this campground is its proximity to the Cooper Creek Trail, a 5.5-mile hiking trail that takes you through a stunning valley surrounded by mountains and filled with wildflowers, berries, and wildlife. The trail is moderately difficult and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the campground is situated near the confluence of Cooper Creek and the Kenai River, providing easy access to world-class fishing and boating opportunities.
Location & Directions
To get to Cooper Creek South Campground, take the Seward Highway (AK-1) from Anchorage to mile marker 45.5, then turn left onto the Sterling Highway (AK-1) and continue for approximately 20 miles. Turn left onto Skilak Lake Road and follow the signs to the campground. The GPS coordinates for the campground are 60.4333° N, 150.1667° W. The driving distance from Anchorage is approximately 120 miles and takes around 2.5 hours, depending on road conditions.
The road to the campground is paved and well-maintained, but it can be narrow and winding in some areas. Be sure to check the road conditions before heading out, especially during the spring and fall when the roads can be slippery and icy. Additionally, be aware of the highway mile marker system, which can be helpful in navigating the roads and finding the campground.
Campground Details
Cooper Creek South Campground has 24 campsites, including 10 tent-only sites, 10 RV sites with electric hookups, and 4 walk-in sites. The maximum RV length is 35 feet, and the campground has a dump station and potable water available. The current fees for the campground are $18 per night for tent sites and $28 per night for RV sites with hookups. Reservations can be made through reserve.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. The campground is open from May 15 to September 15, and the check-in time is 2 pm, while the check-out time is 12 pm.
The campground has a first-come, first-served policy for unreserved sites, so be sure to arrive early to secure a spot. Additionally, be aware of the quiet hours, which are from 10 pm to 6 am, and the generator use policy, which is limited to certain hours of the day.
Site Types and Amenities
- Tent-only sites: 10 sites with picnic tables and fire rings
- RV sites with hookups: 10 sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings
- Walk-in sites: 4 sites with picnic tables and fire rings, located near the creek
- Max RV length: 35 feet
- Fees: $18 per night for tent sites, $28 per night for RV sites with hookups
- Reservations: reserve.gov or (877) 444-6777
Facilities & Amenities
Cooper Creek South Campground has a range of facilities and amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The campground has potable water available at the entrance, as well as a hand pump for filling up water containers. The restrooms are vault-style and are located near the entrance and in the middle of the campground. Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table, and bear boxes are available for storing food and other scented items. The campground also has a boat launch and a dump station, making it a great base for boating and fishing trips.
In addition to these facilities, the campground has a day-use area with picnic tables and a fire ring, as well as a short trail that takes you to the nearby Cooper Creek. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, and there is a strict policy of only burning locally-sourced firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Amenities List
- Potable water
- Hand pump for filling up water containers
- Vault-style restrooms
- Fire rings and picnic tables at each campsite
- Bear boxes for storing food and other scented items
- Boat launch
- Dump station
- Firewood available for purchase
Hiking & Activities Nearby
Cooper Creek South Campground is surrounded by a range of hiking trails, fishing spots, and boating areas, making it a great base for outdoor enthusiasts. The Cooper Creek Trail is a 5.5-mile hiking trail that takes you through a stunning valley surrounded by mountains and filled with wildflowers, berries, and wildlife. The trail is moderately difficult and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to hiking, the campground is situated near the confluence of Cooper Creek and the Kenai River, providing easy access to world-class fishing and boating opportunities. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon and trout fishing, and there are several fishing guides and charters available in the area. The campground is also a great base for berry picking, with a range of wild berries available in the surrounding area, including blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries.
Nearby Trails and Activities
- Cooper Creek Trail: 5.5 miles, moderately difficult
- Kenai River: fishing, boating, and kayaking
- Berry picking: blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries
- Wildlife viewing: moose, bears, eagles, and other wildlife
Fishing Opportunities
The Kenai River is famous for its salmon and trout fishing, and the area surrounding Cooper Creek South Campground is no exception. The river is home to a range of fish species, including king salmon, sockeye salmon, coho salmon, and rainbow trout. The best time for fishing is from June to September, when the salmon are running, and there are several fishing guides and charters available in the area to help you make the most of your fishing trip.
In addition to the Kenai River, there are several lakes and streams in the area that are home to a range of fish species, including trout, grayling, and char. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has a range of regulations in place to ensure the sustainability of the fish populations, so be sure to check the current regulations before you head out.
Fishing Regulations and Tips
- King salmon: June to July, catch-and-release only
- Sockeye salmon: July to August, bag limit 3 per day
- Coho salmon: August to September, bag limit 2 per day
- Rainbow trout: year-round, bag limit 2 per day
- Regulations: check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for current regulations
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cooper Creek South Campground is from May to September, when the weather is warm and the days are long. The peak season is from June to August, when the salmon are running and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and the campground can be crowded. If you prefer a more peaceful experience, consider visiting in the shoulder season, from May to June or September to October, when the weather is still mild and the crowds are smaller.
Be aware of the mosquito season, which typically runs from June to August, and bring plenty of insect repellent and protective clothing. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack layers and rain gear, and check the forecast before you head out.
Weather and Mosquito Season
- Peak season: June to August, warm and sunny
- Shoulder season: May to June, September to October, mild and fewer crowds
- Mosquito season: June to August, bring insect repellent and protective clothing
- Weather: unpredictable, pack layers and rain gear
Wildlife & Bear Safety
Cooper Creek South Campground is located in bear country, and there are several species of bears in the area, including black bears, brown bears, and grizzly bears. Be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your food, including storing food and other scented items in bear-proof containers and making noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears.
In addition to bears, the area is home to a range of other wildlife, including moose, eagles, and other birds. Be sure to keep a safe distance and not approach or feed the wildlife, as this can be dangerous for both you and the animals. If you encounter a bear, stay calm and follow the proper procedures, including speaking calmly and slowly, giving the bear a clear path to leave, and avoiding eye contact.
Bear Safety Tips
- Store food and other scented items in bear-proof containers
- Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears
- Keep a safe distance from bears and other wildlife
- Avoid eye contact and do not approach or feed bears
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it
What to Bring
When packing for your trip to Cooper Creek South Campground, be sure to bring the essentials, including a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad, as well as clothing and gear for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Don’t forget to pack layers, as the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, and bring rain gear and insect repellent to protect yourself from the elements.
In addition to these essentials, be sure to bring a first aid kit, a map and compass, and a headlamp or flashlight, as well as a camp stove and cooking gear. If you plan to fish, be sure to bring your fishing gear, including a rod, reel, and tackle, as well as a fishing license and any necessary permits.
Packing List
- Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
- Clothing and gear for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities
- Layers for unpredictable weather
- Rain gear and insect repellent
- First aid kit
- Map and compass
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camp stove and cooking gear
- Fishing gear, including rod, reel, and tackle
- Fishing license and permits
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to Cooper Creek South Campground is Soldotna, which is located approximately 20 miles away. Soldotna has a range of amenities, including grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, as well as a few shops and galleries. The town is also home to the Kenai River, which offers world-class fishing and boating opportunities.
In addition to Soldotna, the nearby town of Homer is worth a visit, with its charming downtown area and stunning waterfront views. The town is also home to a range of art galleries, museums, and outdoor gear shops, as well as a few restaurants and cafes. If you’re looking for other camping options in the area, be sure to check out the nearby Skilak Lake Campground, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
Nearby Towns and Attractions
- Soldotna: 20 miles away, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations
- Homer: 30 miles away, charming downtown area, waterfront views, art galleries, museums, outdoor gear shops
- Skilak Lake Campground: stunning views of surrounding mountains and lake
Tips from Experienced Campers
If you’re planning a trip to Cooper Creek South Campground, be sure to take the advice of experienced campers, who recommend arriving early to secure a spot, especially during peak season. Be sure to bring plenty of insect repellent and protective clothing, as the mosquitoes can be fierce, and don’t forget to pack layers, as the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable.
In addition to these tips, be aware of the cell service in the area, which can be spotty, and be sure to let someone know your itinerary and expected return time. The campground can be noisy, especially during peak season, so be sure to bring earplugs or a white noise machine if you’re a light sleeper. Finally, be sure to take in the stunning sunrises and sunsets, which are truly unforgettable.
Insider Tips
- Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak season
- Bring plenty of insect repellent and protective clothing
- Pack layers for unpredictable weather
- Be aware of cell service, which can be spotty
- Let someone know your itinerary and expected return time
- Bring earplugs or a white noise machine if you’re a light sleeper
- Take in the stunning sunrises and sunsets