How much does camping cost at Cooper Creek South?

Camping fees at Cooper Creek South range from $23-$33/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cooper Creek South first-come first-served or reservation?

Cooper Creek South accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Cooper Creek South?

Cooper Creek South is open May 23, 2025 - September 9, 2025. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cooper Creek South?

Cooper Creek South does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cooper Creek South have?

Cooper Creek South has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cooper Creek South?

Pets are not allowed at Cooper Creek South. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cooper Creek South?

Cooper Creek South offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cooper Creek South?

Popular activities at Cooper Creek South include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cooper Creek South

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cooper Creek South?

Fire policies at Cooper Creek South: Campfires are permitted in designated rings. Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent tree pests.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.38

111 reviews

Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA

Family FriendlyFishingTent Camping

Featured in:Camping Near Kenai Fjords National Park#2 Summer Camping Alaska RV Camping Alaska +2 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

400 ft

Price

$23 - $33/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Only 20 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

400 ft

Price

$23 - $33/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Cooper Creek South

$23.00 - $33.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $23 to $33 per night depending on the site type. Additional reservation service fees may apply: $8 for online bookings, $9 through...

Standard Site Fee$23.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(907) 522-8368 or (907) 288-3178

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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 111 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanspaciouslocation

Some mention

noise

"The campground is consistently praised for its cleanliness, privacy, and attentive camp hosts. Complaints focus on proximity to the highway resulting in road noise and occasional issues with campsite features such as large rocks obstructing RV access."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA

Cooper Creek South

Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA

Nearby places

Seward (approximately 50 miles, 1 hour drive)

Soldotna (approximately 40 miles, 45 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Within a 5-mile drive, visitors can access a grocery store, laundry facilities, gas stations, charter fishing, ebike rentals, and tourist shopping. Additional amenities like a nearby restaurant are within walking distance.

Driving directionsFrom Anchorage, go south on Seward Highway to Sterling Highway. Turn towards Soldotna at the 'Y' junction. Cooper Creek Campground is at Milepost 50.7 of the Sterling Highway, on the opposite side of the river.

The campground is accessible via paved roads. It is situated close to Sterling Highway, making it convenient for travelers. However, proximity to the highway may result in noise disturbances, as noted in user reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Cooper Creek South

Summer is the clear winner here. June and July deliver 16-20+ hours of daylight and daytime highs around 50-65°F, with periodic rain and active mosquitoes. Salmon fishing, Kenai River boating, and wildlife viewing peak during these months. The campground sees higher visitor numbers in July, so reserve ahead. Winter transforms the area into deep snow and single-digit temperatures. Strong enough cell signal for streaming was reported by at least one camper, which is unusual for Alaska's backcountry.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 13% in AK

June–July long daylight, peak salmon fishing and boating; peak season May–Sep.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 9, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season starts May 23, 2025, and closes September 9, 2025.
Current Alerts: Bears have damaged tents and soft-sided trailers in past years within these campgrounds. For your safety and the safety of others, please store all attractants - food, garbage, hygiene items, anything with a smell - within a hard-sided vehicle or in the storage locker provided on site. Be aware and advised that bear incidents within either campground may trigger immediate prohibitions on tent and soft-sided vehicle camping through an Emergency Order signed by the Forest Supervisor and campers us

About Cooper Creek South

Cooper Creek South sits at 400 feet elevation where Cooper Creek meets the Kenai River in Chugach National Forest. The 20-site campground charges $23-33/night and fills a niche for campers who want fishing and hiking access without driving deeper into the backcountry. Spruce and cottonwood trees provide decent privacy between sites, though highway noise is a persistent tradeoff.

Cooper Creek South Campground caters to standard nonelectric campsites for a variety of camping preferences. RV camping is supported with gravel parking aprons.

Historical Significance

The Resurrection Pass Trail, a 38-mile route used by gold rush prospectors and earlier travelers, runs through the area. The campground's heritage tags note indigenous presence, but no specific tribal names, sites, or cultural details appear in the source data.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the clear winner here. June and July deliver 16-20+ hours of daylight and daytime highs around 50-65°F, with periodic rain and active mosquitoes. Salmon fishing, Kenai River boating, and wildlife viewing peak during these months. The campground sees higher visitor numbers in July, so reserve ahead. Winter transforms the area into deep snow and single-digit temperatures. Strong enough cell signal for streaming was reported by at least one camper, which is unusual for Alaska's backcountry.

ElevationPerched at a comfortable 400 feet above sea level, Cooper Creek South offers the perfect elevation for those seeking Alaska's raw beauty without the challenges of high-altitude camping. This sweet spot provides refreshingly moderate temperatures throughout the camping season, allowing you to wake up energized rather than breathless. The gentle elevation means you can focus on adventure rather than acclimatization, making it an ideal choice for families and casual campers who want to experience the Chugach's majesty without the thin air of mountain peaks.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies terrain carved by ancient glaciers, with jagged Chugach peaks rising in the distance and glacier-fed streams visible from some sites. Spruce and cottonwood forests create overhead canopy and visual screening. The Kenai River runs nearby, supporting salmon runs that attract eagles and bears during summer months. At 400 feet elevation, the setting is relatively low and forested rather than alpine. Vegetation between sites varies: some spots have thick understory that blocks sightlines, while others offer less screening and more exposure to neighbors.

Geological RegionCooper Creek South occupies a geological sweet spot where the raw power of the Chugach National Forest's formation is on full display. Ancient glaciers carved this dramatic landscape of soaring peaks and plunging fjords, leaving behind a 400-foot perch perfectly positioned among protective spruce and cottonwood forests. The campground sits in a region where tectonic forces created jagged mountain spires that pierce the sky, while patient rivers of ice sculpted valleys now filled with pristine, mineral-rich waters. This dynamic landscape continues to evolve, offering campers a front-row seat to millions of years of Earth's artistry.

Scenic ViewsMany campsites offer views of Cooper Creek and the Kenai River. Site #18 is noted in reviews as having optimal proximity to the creek.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo onsite lodging accommodations, such as cabins or other hotel-style options, are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is generally after noon
exact time not specified.

Check-out

Check-out is before 11:00 AM
exact time not specified.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Groups

No group camping information is available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites arrange in loops with spacing that feels snug in spots but generally workable. Some sites are described as huge, while others pack campers closer together. A few sites have large rocks that complicate RV positioning. Bear lockers are standard at each site.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through its mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability may be possible during off-season or non-peak dates. Some user reviews mention hosts accommodating walk-up visitors.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before check-in; however, cancellations close to the check-in date will incur fees ($10 cancellation fee plus the forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations). After the check-in date, modifications depend on local staff policies.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described, but users mention 'friendly and helpful' hosts who assisted campers with specific needs.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious, with one user noting, 'Our spot was huge and really felt like we had a good amount of privacy next to our neighbors.

PrivacyMany users mention good privacy between campsites due to vegetation. For example, 'Sites are very snug but the location is great!' and 'The sites were ready and exactly as expected.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near the creek to reduce highway noise. Avoid sites close to the road for added privacy.

Best CampsitesSite 18 gets mentioned repeatedly in reviews for its creek proximity, which cuts down on highway noise and adds moving water sounds. Sites closer to the Seward Highway will hear more traffic. Look for spots with heavier vegetation if privacy matters to you.

Need help booking Cooper Creek South?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Cooper Creek South Campground offers a blend of essential camping amenities in the Chugach National Forest at an elevation of 400 feet. The facility includes approximately 20 reservable campsites with features such as drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, campfire rings, and dumpsters. Parking aprons are gravel, and parking is limited. Notable amenities include a nearby dump station at Quartz Creek Campground that charges a fee.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Cooper Creek South offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing for sockeye salmon on the Kenai and Russian Rivers, hiking and biking along the Resurrection Pass Trail, and wildlife viewing. Boating activities are also available.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are a recurring concern; attractants must be stored properly. Beetle infestations have caused tree clearing, affecting shade and scenery.

Active AlertsBears have damaged tents and soft-sided trailers in past years within these campgrounds. For your safety and the safety of others, please store all attractants - food, garbage, hygiene items, anything with a smell - within a hard-sided vehicle or in the storage locker provided on site. Be aware and advised that bear incidents within either campground may trigger immediate prohibitions on tent and soft-sided vehicle camping through an Emergency Order signed by the Forest Supervisor and campers us

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at each campsite for bear safety.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in designated rings. Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent tree pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced, as noted in user reviews. Exact times are not provided.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are likely in Seward or Soldotna, with hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations available in these cities. Exact distances are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available onsite, including dumpsters. However, one user suggested, 'It would be **REALLY NICE** if DNR/FS campsites had recycling containers.'

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated near Cooper Creek and the Kenai River, providing opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Camp HostHosts Julie and John are highly praised for their attentiveness, cleanliness, and hospitality. Some reviews note negative experiences with hosts, highlighting inconsistency.

Cell CoverageNo explicit information is available on cell phone service; however, one user review states, 'I had strong enough cell signal the entire stay that I actually was able to stream a movie one rainy night when it was too cold and gloomy to do anything else.'

Weather at Cooper Creek South

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

111 reviews

Recommended

Cooper Creek South is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is consistently praised for its cleanliness, privacy, and attentive camp hosts. Complaints focus on proximity to the highway resulting in road noise and occasional issues with campsite features such as large rocks obstructing RV access.

Review Summaries

Based on 111 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean and well-maintained facilities - Friendly and helpful camp hosts - Beautiful location near Kenai and Russian Rivers - Spacious sites with good privacy - Great proximity to fishing and hiking...

Based on 111 reviews

Common Concerns

- Proximity to the highway causing noise - Lack of recycling facilities - Specific site concerns such as rocks obstructing RV parking - Some confusion with reservations and check-in process

Based on 111 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Book sites near the creek to minimize highway noise. - Bring bear spray and store all attractants properly, as bear activity has been reported. - Select sites with better vegetation for more...

Based on 111 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season (May-September) sees the highest usage, with consistent praise for fishing and hiking opportunities. Off-season camping is quieter but still enjoyable for its clean facilities and scenic...

Based on 111 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground is beautiful and I would love to come back here and camp!" - Nate Sims "Camped during the off-season at #18 which seems like the best spot because it’s next to the creek." - Mandy...

Based on 111 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site #18: Next to the creek, highly recommended for its noise-dampening quality. - Site #6: Noted for large rocks obstructing RV parking. - Site #21: Praised for its size and proximity to the river.

Based on 111 reviews