On the road with
Gypsy Louise and Me
From Seward to Kenai, Alaska and a Flight to Lake Clark National Park
After wrapping up my time in Seward, Alaska, including hiking around the Exit Glacier area of Kenai Fjords National Park, I pointed the RV north toward Kenai, Alaska. This would be my base for three nights while exploring a different side of the Kenai Peninsula, one that turned out to be quieter, more local, and surprisingly perfect for side adventures.
I booked three nights at Diamond M Ranch and RV Park, a Passport America campground just outside town. Once again, I was joined by one of my fellow solo travelers from the caravan, which made settling in feel instantly familiar.
While Kenai and Soldotna sit just minutes apart on the Kenai Peninsula, choosing Kenai as my base turned out to be a quieter, more relaxed fit for RV travel in Alaska with Soldotna an easy hop for errands when needed.
RV Camping Near Kenai Alaska: Diamond M Ranch & RV Park
Diamond M Ranch and RV Park sits about four miles from downtown Kenai, right along the highway, and yes, you truly can’t miss it. The campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, including no-hookup, electric-only, and full-hookup options.
I chose an electric pull-through site next to my caravan friend. For campers who don’t need full hookups, the park also provides potable water and a convenient dump station. The location made it easy to pop into town while still feeling like we had space to breathe.
Wildlife Sightings Near Kenai Campgrounds
Wildlife encounters around Kenai aren’t always the dramatic kind — and honestly, that’s part of the charm. While staying at Diamond M Ranch and RV Park, we were regularly visited by a group of rather large Alaskan hare (rabbits) hopping through our campsites. We spotted at least four together on more than one occasion, which made it pretty clear there were many more hiding in the surrounding brush. It was a gentle reminder that even in town-adjacent RV parks, Alaska wildlife is always nearby.
Exploring Old Town Kenai and the Kenai Peninsula’s History
My first day in Kenai was intentionally low-key one of those “get the lay of the land” days that I’ve learned not to rush. I started at the Old Town Kenai Visitor Center, which turned out to be the perfect introduction to both the town and this part of the Kenai Peninsula.
From there, I wandered through the preserved historic structures nearby. Seeing buildings from the early 1900s, and learning about the settlers who made their way to Alaska under conditions I can barely imagine, added a deeper layer to my visit. Kenai may feel small, but its history runs deep.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Alaska Adventure: Flying to Lake Clark National Park
Kenai turned out to be an ideal place to book excursions, and I managed to snag a seat on a small-plane bear viewing flight with Alaska West Air. Calling this an “excursion” almost feels inadequate, it was one of those Alaska experiences that stays with you.
The flight alone was breathtaking. We soared over Lake Clark National Park, passing icefields, glaciers, and impossibly blue lakes. Eventually, we landed on the beach at Chinitna Bay, where we hiked into the park to view bears in their natural habitat, close enough to be thrilling, but still safely distant. In total, we spotted about a dozen bears during our time on the ground, which was good considering the bears were just coming out of hibernation.
On the return flight, the pilot flew us over one of the most iconic sights in the park:
Richard Proenneke’s log cabin at Upper Twin Lake. Built entirely by hand from local spruce logs, the cabin, and Proenneke’s story, embodies the kind of solitude and self-reliance Alaska is famous for. Seeing it from the air felt like a quiet moment of respect for a life lived very differently than most.
Captain Cook State Recreation Area: Worth a Look, Not a Stay (For Me)
The following day, we drove out to Captain Cook State Recreation Area, which sits along the Cook Inlet. The area offers camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, beachcombing, picnic spots, and ATV trails.
We took a short hike and drove through the campground to check out the sites. While the setting is scenic, many of the sites were small and not very level. After seeing it firsthand, I was glad I’d chosen a private RV park closer to town with easier access and better amenities.
A Practical RV Day Before Heading to Homer
My last day in Kenai was refreshingly ordinary, laundry, grocery shopping, and a bit of trip planning before rolling on to Homer, Alaska. These in-between days don’t make flashy stories, but they’re part of what keeps long-term RV travel in Alaska sustainable.
Kenai turned out to be a calm, functional stop with just enough adventure mixed in, exactly what I needed before heading farther down the peninsula.
What Surprised Me About Kenai
What surprised me most about Kenai was how easy it felt as a place to land for a few days. Between convenient campgrounds, nearby town amenities, and even unexpected wildlife wandering through our sites, Kenai felt less like a waypoint and more like a place to exhale before continuing down the Kenai Peninsula.
Best RV Campgrounds In and Around Kenai Alaska
Diamond M Ranch and RV Park – Convenient, friendly, and close to town
Kenai River Campground – Great access to fishing and river views
Captain Cook State Recreation Area – Scenic, but better for smaller rigs
Wildman’s RV Park – Popular choice closer to Soldotna
When Is the Best Time to Visit Kenai, Alaska?
The best time to visit Kenai Alaska is generally June through August. Summer brings long daylight hours, milder temperatures, and the widest range of excursions, including bear viewing flights, fishing charters, and wildlife tours.
- June: Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, excellent wildlife viewing
- July: Peak season, warmest weather, busy but lively
- August: Great fishing, fall colors begin, slightly fewer visitors
Shoulder seasons (May and September) can be beautiful but come with fewer services and unpredictable weather.
Sample 3-Day Kenai Alaska Itinerary
Day 1:
- Arrive and set up RV
- Visit Old Town Kenai Visitor Center
- Walk historic sites and waterfront
Day 2:
- Fly to Lake Clark National Park for bear viewing
- Scenic flightseeing over glaciers and lakes
Day 3:
- Visit Captain Cook State Recreation Area
- Laundry, groceries, and prep for Homer
Frequently Asked Questions About Kenai Alaska & Kalifornsky Beach Road
What is Kalifornsky Beach Road?
Kalifornsky Beach Road (often called “K-Beach Road”) is a scenic route connecting Kenai and Soldotna, and Homer, lined with beaches, trail access, and residential areas.
Is Kenai a good base for Alaska adventures?
Yes . Kenai is centrally located on the Kenai Peninsula and ideal for day trips, flight, and fishing excursions.
Are there beaches near Kenai?
Yes, including beaches along Kalifornsky Beach Road and the Cook Inlet coastline.
What are some things to do on and around Kenai Alaska?
Bear viewing flights, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, historic sites, and scenic drives.
Is it better to stay in Kenai or Soldotna when visiting the Kenai Peninsula?
Both Kenai and Soldotna make convenient bases on the Kenai Peninsula, but they offer different experiences. Kenai tends to feel quieter and more spread out, with easier access to campgrounds, coastal areas, and excursions. Soldotna functions more as a commercial hub, with additional shopping, dining, and services. For RV travel, many travelers prefer staying in Kenai and using Soldotna for quick supply runs.
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