Overview
The Kasilof River State Recreation Site is a hidden gem located on the Kenai Peninsula, offering stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and access to world-class fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities. This campground is special due to its serene setting, surrounded by tall spruce trees and situated along the banks of the Kasilof River. The unique feature of this campground is its proximity to the river, providing campers with easy access to fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The scenery is breathtaking, with the Kenai Mountains rising up in the distance and the river flowing gently through the valley.
One of the highlights of this campground is the opportunity to see wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. The Kasilof River is also famous for its salmon runs, and campers can witness the spectacle of thousands of fish swimming upstream to spawn. The campground is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area, with numerous hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic drives within easy reach.
Location & Directions
The Kasilof River State Recreation Site is located at GPS coordinates 60.3417, -151.2333, near mile marker 109 on the Sterling Highway. To get to the campground from the nearest city, Kenai, take the Sterling Highway south for approximately 20 miles. The road is paved and well-maintained, but be aware that it can be narrow and winding in some areas. The campground is located on the west side of the highway, and a sign marks the entrance.
Driving directions from Kenai: Take the Sterling Highway south from Kenai for 20 miles. Turn left at the sign for the Kasilof River State Recreation Site, and follow the access road for 1 mile to the campground. The road conditions are generally good, but be prepared for potential delays due to road construction or maintenance.
Campground Details
The Kasilof River State Recreation Site has 15 campsites, including 10 RV sites and 5 walk-in tent sites. The RV sites have electric hookups, and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. The walk-in tent sites are located in a separate area, and campers must park their vehicles in the designated parking lot and walk to their site. The fees for camping are $20 per night for RV sites and $15 per night for tent sites, with a $5 discount for Alaska residents.
Reservations can be made through reserveamerica.com or by calling (800) 456-2267. The campground is open from May 1 to September 30, and check-in time is 2 pm, with check-out time at 12 pm. The campground is first-come, first-served during the off-season, but be aware that facilities may be limited during this time.
- Number of sites: 15
- Site types: RV, walk-in tent
- Hookups available: Electric
- Max RV length: 35 feet
- Fees: $20 per night (RV), $15 per night (tent)
- Reservation info: reserveamerica.com or (800) 456-2267
- Check-in/check-out times: 2 pm/12 pm
- Season open dates: May 1 – September 30
Facilities & Amenities
The Kasilof River State Recreation Site has a range of facilities and amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The campground has potable water available at the hand pump, and vault toilets are located throughout the campground. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table, and bear boxes are provided for food storage. A boat launch is located near the campground, and a dump station is available for RVs.
Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, but be aware that there may be restrictions on burning wood during certain times of the year. The campground also has a day-use area with picnic tables and a playground, making it a great spot for families to spend the day.
- Water: Potable (hand pump)
- Restrooms: Vault
- Fire rings: Yes
- Picnic tables: Yes
- Bear boxes: Yes
- Boat launch: Yes
- Dump station: Yes
- Firewood availability: Yes (for purchase)
Hiking & Activities Nearby
The Kasilof River State Recreation Site is surrounded by a range of hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Kasilof River Trail is a 3-mile trail that follows the river and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area is also nearby, with numerous hiking trails and opportunities to see wildlife such as bears, moose, and eagles.
Fishing is also a popular activity in the area, with the Kasilof River offering world-class salmon and trout fishing. The nearby Skilak Lake is also a great spot for fishing, with a range of species including salmon, trout, and char. Boating is also a popular activity, with a boat launch located near the campground and numerous lakes and rivers to explore.
Berry picking is also a great activity in the area, with numerous species of berries including salmonberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Wildlife viewing is also a highlight of the area, with opportunities to see bears, moose, eagles, and numerous other species of wildlife.
- Kasilof River Trail: 3 miles
- Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area: numerous trails
- Fishing spots: Kasilof River, Skilak Lake
- Boating: Kasilof River, Skilak Lake
- Berry picking: numerous species
- Wildlife viewing: bears, moose, eagles, numerous other species
Nearby Trails
The Kasilof River State Recreation Site is surrounded by a range of hiking trails, including the Kasilof River Trail and the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area trails. The Hidden Creek Trail is a 2-mile trail that follows a scenic creek and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The Skilak Lake Trail is a 4-mile trail that follows the lake and offers opportunities to see wildlife such as bears and moose.
Fishing Opportunities
The Kasilof River State Recreation Site is located on the banks of the Kasilof River, which offers world-class salmon and trout fishing. The river is home to numerous species of fish, including king salmon, sockeye salmon, and rainbow trout. The nearby Skilak Lake is also a great spot for fishing, with a range of species including salmon, trout, and char.
The best techniques for fishing in the area include fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulates fishing in the area, and anglers must have a valid fishing license and follow all regulations. The best times for fishing are typically in the early morning and late evening, when the fish are most active.
- Species: king salmon, sockeye salmon, rainbow trout, char
- Rivers/lakes: Kasilof River, Skilak Lake
- Regulations: Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Best techniques: fly fishing, spin casting, trolling
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Kasilof River State Recreation Site is during the summer months, from May to September. The peak season is typically in July and August, when the weather is warm and the fishing is at its best. However, be aware that this is also the busiest time of the year, and the campground may be fully booked.
The weather in the area is typically cool and rainy, with average highs in the mid-60s to low 70s. The mosquito season is typically from June to August, and bug repellent is a must-have during this time. The best time to avoid crowds is during the shoulder season, in May and September, when the weather is still mild and the fishing is good.
- Season dates: May 1 – September 30
- Peak times: July and August
- Weather patterns: cool and rainy
- Mosquito season: June to August
Wildlife & Bear Safety
The Kasilof River State Recreation Site is located in an area with a high concentration of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. It is essential to take bear safety precautions when visiting the area, including storing food and trash properly and making noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game recommends that visitors to the area take the following precautions to avoid encounters with bears:
- Store food and trash properly in airtight containers
- Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears
- Stay in groups and avoid hiking alone
- Avoid hiking at dawn, dusk, or night when bears are most active
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it
In the event of a bear encounter, stay calm and follow the recommended procedures. For more information on bear safety, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.
What to Bring
When visiting the Kasilof River State Recreation Site, it is essential to bring the right gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. The following is a list of essential items to bring:
- Tent and camping gear
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Backpack and hiking gear
- Fishing gear and license
- Bear spray and bear-resistant containers
- Food and cooking gear
- Water and water purification tablets
- First aid kit and emergency supplies
- Layers for Alaska weather, including rain gear and warm clothing
- Bug repellent and sunscreen
It is also essential to follow the campground’s firewood policy, which prohibits the collection of firewood in the area. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, and visitors are encouraged to use it to minimize the risk of spreading invasive species.
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The Kasilof River State Recreation Site is located near the town of Kenai, which offers a range of amenities and services, including grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. The nearby town of Soldotna is also a great place to visit, with its charming downtown area and numerous shops and restaurants.
Other campgrounds in the area include the Skilak Lake Campground and the Hidden Creek Campground. The Kenai Fjords National Park is also located nearby, offering stunning views of glaciers and fjords and opportunities to see wildlife such as whales and sea lions.
- Nearest town: Kenai
- Other campgrounds: Skilak Lake Campground, Hidden Creek Campground
- Nearby attractions: Kenai Fjords National Park, Soldotna
Tips from Experienced Campers
Experienced campers recommend the following tips for visiting the Kasilof River State Recreation Site:
- Arrive early to secure a campsite, especially during peak season
- Bring layers for Alaska weather, including rain gear and warm clothing
- Be prepared for mosquitoes and other bugs, and bring bug repellent
- Follow bear safety precautions and store food and trash properly
- Take advantage of the campground’s amenities, including the boat launch and fishing spots
- Explore the surrounding area, including the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area and the Kenai Fjords National Park
Cell service is limited in the area, so be sure to plan ahead and make arrangements for communication. Noise considerations are also important, as the campground is located in a quiet area and visitors are asked to respect other campers.
The sunrise and sunset times in the area are typically early, with the sun rising around 5 am and setting around 10 pm. Be sure to take advantage of the beautiful views and photo opportunities during these times.