Three Days in Cooper Landing, Alaska: My RV Travel Adventure on the Kenai Peninsula

Arriving in Cooper Landing, Alaska: RV Travel on the Kenai Peninsula

After wrapping up my Alaska adventures in Homer, I headed north on the Sterling Highway and rolled into Cooper Landing, a place that feels less like a destination and more like a pause button. Part of a longer RV travel in Alaska, Cooper Landing turned out to be exactly the kind of stop I didn’t know I needed. 

Cooper Landing sits along Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and makes an ideal base for RV travelers exploring the Kenai River corridor. Cooper Landing wasn’t loud or dramatic, it was quietly unforgettable.

I snagged a spot at Russian River Campground in Chugach National Forest, conveniently located just off the highway. The campground is impressively maintained, with paved roads and spurs, potable water, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, dumpsters, and a dump station. It’s also active bear country, so tent camping restrictions can apply when bear activity increases.

Camping Options in Cooper Landing: Russian River & Cooper Creek Campgrounds

Russian River Campground is one of the most popular places to stay when visiting Cooper Landing Alaska, and for good reason. It offers direct access to both the Russian and Kenai Rivers, hiking trails, and fishing spots, making it a solid base for Alaska adventures.

The campground has a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites, but by mid-afternoon most were already full. Thankfully, the overflow dry-camping lot saved the day. At just $10 per night (or $5 with an NPS Lifetime Senior Pass), it’s a great option for self-contained RVers who don’t mind skipping hookups.

Another option nearby is Cooper Creek Campground, a smaller and quieter campground with 26 sites. It offers water, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and dumpsters — a good alternative if Russian River is full.

Reservations for both campgrounds are available through Recreation.gov, and I’d strongly recommend booking ahead during summer weekends.

Can You RV Camp in Cooper Landing, Alaska?

Yes, RV camping in Cooper Landing is absolutely doable. Options range from forest service campgrounds like Russian River and Cooper Creek, to full-service stays like Princess Resort RV Park, plus dispersed camping on public lands within Chugach National Forest.

Exploring Cooper Landing: Things to Do Along the Kenai River

Cooper Landing sits right in the middle of some of the best outdoor experiences on the Kenai Peninsula. Fishing the Kenai River, scenic boat tours, hiking to waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and easy day trips make it an ideal stop for travelers who prefer nature over crowds.

After setting up camp, I took a slow drive around town to get my bearings and research excursions. I quickly found a local outfitter offering both fishing trips and sightseeing boat tours down the Kenai River. Since the fishing season was just beginning, I opted for a late-afternoon sightseeing float instead.

Fishing the Kenai River and Russian River is tightly regulated, with daily limits changing based on fish counts, something worth checking before planning a fishing trip.

Kenai River Boat Tour Highlights

Our tour launched near the bridge, and almost immediately the pace of everything slowed down. No rapids, no adrenaline, just smooth water, wide views, and quiet stories. A big shout out to Bill, one of the owners of Alaska Trout Fitters for an amazing boat sightseeing tour of the Kenai River.

My captain, a local from Soldotna, shared bits of Cooper Landing history as we drifted downstream. We stopped on a small island and scanned the mountains for Dall sheep using a telescope, eventually spotting a few perched high above us. Bald eagles and ducks made regular appearances, and he pointed out several eagle nests tucked into the trees along the riverbank.

The salmon run was just beginning, and we floated past the Russian River Ferry, a well-known fishing hotspot where salmon funnel upstream toward their spawning grounds. Fishing the Kenai River is officially on my list for a future visit.

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Dining with a View: Princess Resort in Cooper Landing

During the tour, my captain pointed out the Princess Alaska Wilderness Lodge, located across the river about 15 minutes from my campsite. After the boat tour wrapped up, I drove over and decided to stay for dinner.

Sitting by the river with the evening light settling in felt like the right way to end the day — relaxed, scenic, and unhurried. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, it’s worth stopping by for the views alone.

Hiking Russian River Falls: A Classic Alaska Experience

The next morning, I headed out early for the Russian River Falls Trail, one of the most popular hikes in the area. The trail starts out shaded and cool before opening into sunnier sections, with just enough elevation change to keep things interesting.

While often described as family-friendly, the trail does include several uphill sections, and if you park in the overflow lot, there’s a steep climb just to reach the trailhead. At the end, a two-tiered viewing deck overlooks the falls, one of the best spots on the Kenai Peninsula to watch salmon battling upstream (and, later in the season, bears doing the same).

I was a bit early for peak wildlife viewing, but even without bears or salmon, the falls were absolutely worth the effort.

The trail also connects to Upper and Lower Russian Lakes, where backcountry camping and public use cabins are available.

Wandering Cooper Landing: Slowing Down on the Kenai Peninsula

After the hike, I spent the rest of the day doing exactly what Cooper Landing seems built for, slowing down. Short walks, scenic pullouts, and simply sitting by the river filled the hours. There’s no pressure here to rush through a checklist, which is part of what makes visiting Cooper Landing Alaska feel different from other Kenai Peninsula stops.

Day Trip to Hope, Alaska: A Step Back in Time

On my final morning, I packed up camp and detoured to Hope, Alaska, a small historic town tucked along Turnagain Arm. Recommended by a fellow traveler, Hope felt quiet and almost frozen in time — likely because I was there early in the season.

Founded during Alaska’s gold rush, Hope still has historic buildings, dirt roads, and a lived-in feel that’s easy to miss if you’re only chasing highlights. I stopped at the Hope Café for brunch before continuing north toward Anchorage.
Interested in more history of the local area? Visit Hope, Alaska Historical Society

Best RV Campgrounds in and Around Cooper Landing, Alaska

Cooper Landing offers one of the most flexible camping mixes on the Kenai Peninsula — forest service campgrounds, public lands, private RV parks, and historic lodges all within a short drive. Whether you’re fully self-contained, want hookups and a hot shower, or prefer a cabin-by-the-river stay, there’s a solid option here for nearly every RV travel style in Alaska.

Public Campgrounds & Public Lands

Russian River Campground (Chugach National Forest)
Best for: First-time visitors, fishing access, hiking, backup dry camping
This is the most popular campground in Cooper Landing and fills quickly in summer. Well-maintained sites, flush toilets, hiking access, and proximity to both the Russian and Kenai Rivers make it a great base camp. The overflow dry-camping lot is a major plus when the main campground is full.

Cooper Creek Campground (Chugach National Forest)
Best for: Quieter stays, smaller rigs, tent campers
A smaller forest service campground tucked away from the main traffic corridor. It offers a more relaxed feel while still providing basic amenities like water, toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits.

Quartz Creek Campground (Kenai Lake)
Best for: Lake views, fishing, kayaking
Located on Kenai Lake, this campground is popular with anglers and paddlers. It’s a good alternative when river campgrounds are full and offers a different perspective of the Kenai Peninsula.

Bings Landing Campground – Kenai Peninsula Borough
Best for: River access, fishing-focused stays
A mix of day-use and camping areas along the Kenai River, often used by anglers. It’s more utilitarian but offers great river access.

Dispersed Camping & Cabins (Chugach National Forest)
Best for: Self-contained rigs, solitude seekers
Dispersed camping and backcountry cabins are available throughout the forest, offering a more rustic Alaska experience for those comfortable without services.

Private Campgrounds & Lodges (Cooper Landing Area)

Private campgrounds and lodges around Cooper Landing add flexibility — especially if you’re looking for hookups, cabins, dining, or a softer landing after time on public lands.

Kenai Princess RV Park / Princess Alaska Wilderness Lodge
Best for: Full hookups, amenities, easy comfort
Located near Cooper Landing, this RV park pairs resort-style amenities with access to dining and river views at the Princess Alaska Wilderness Lodge.

Eagle Landing Resort (Cabins and Camping)
Best for: Cabin stays with camping flexibility
A hybrid lodge offering both cabins and campground-style accommodations, appealing to travelers mixing RV travel with lodging.

Grizzly Ridge Cabins & Camping
Best for: Rustic stays with a great location
Known for its quiet setting and mix of cabins and camping options, Grizzly Ridge works well for travelers who prefer low-key, scenic stays.

Riverhaven Cabins & Camping
Best for: River proximity, relaxed lodge atmosphere
Offers cabins and camping spots close to the river, ideal for slower-paced stays centered around scenery and fishing.

Salmon Run Lodge
Best for: Convenient overnight stops, fishing-focused trips
A lodge and cabin/campground option located along the drive, often used as a practical base for Kenai River activities.

Gwin’s Lodge (Camping, Cabins, Dining, Music)
Best for: Historic atmosphere, food, live music
One of the most iconic stops in the area, Gwin’s Lodge combines lodging with camping options and is a popular gathering spot during the season.

Alaska Wildland Adventures (Kenai Riverside Lodge)
Best for: Guided adventures, riverfront lodging
A riverside lodge offering lodging and camping-style accommodations, often paired with guided outdoor experiences.

Other Nearby Options

Stoney Creek RV Park
Best for: Backup RV park option
Another RV park in the broader Cooper Landing area, useful when closer campgrounds are full.

Cooper Landing Campground Comparison Table

How to Choose Where to Stay in Cooper Landing

The best place to stay in Cooper Landing depends on your travel style:

• Choose Russian River Campground for fishing, hiking, and classic forest service camping
• Choose Kenai Princess RV Park if you want full hookups and amenities
• Choose Quartz Creek Campground for Kenai Lake views and fishing
• Choose Gwin’s Lodge or Riverhaven for a lodge-style stay with camping options
• Choose dispersed camping if you’re fully self-contained and want solitude

This variety makes Cooper Landing especially well-suited for RV travelers exploring the Kenai Peninsula at their own pace.

Finding Availability & Amenities

Many private campgrounds and lodges in Cooper Landing are independently run, and amenities can change seasonally. For the most accurate details on hookups, tent sites, pricing, and availability, search each campground by name using Google, The Dyrt, or Campendium (be sure to use this special promo code BTR5QTP.

That flexibility from full-service resorts to quiet forest pullouts is part of what makes visiting Cooper Landing Alaska such a rewarding stop during RV travel in Alaska.

Plan Your Stay in Cooper Landing, Alaska

Cooper Landing is one of those Kenai Peninsula stops where planning just a little ahead makes a big difference, especially in summer.

Before you arrive:

• Reserve Russian River Campground or Quartz Creek Campground early if you want a public campground with prime river or lake access.
• If you prefer hookups, showers, or a softer landing, check availability at Kenai Princess RV Park or nearby private lodges.
• Traveling without reservations? Keep the Russian River overflow dry-camping lot and nearby private parks in mind as backups.

While you’re there:

• Expect campgrounds to fill by early afternoon during peak season.
• Carry bear spray and follow posted food-storage rules, this is active bear country.
• Check daily fishing regulations if you plan on fishing the Kenai River or Russian River, as limits can change quickly.

Helpful resources for planning & availability:

• Reserve public campgrounds: https://www.recreation.gov
• Forest conditions & closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/chugach
• Private campground reviews & updates: https://www.campendium.com

Whether you’re dry camping under the spruce trees, plugged in at a full-service RV park, or staying in a riverside cabin, Cooper Landing rewards travelers who slow down and stay a little longer.

Cooper Landing FAQs