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The blue waters of Kenai Lake in Alaska can take your breath away. If you’re looking for a camping spot near this beautiful lake in the Kenai Peninsula, we have a suggestion: Quartz Creek Campground. It’s minimal and primitive, but the surrounding landscape is stunning. You’ll feel like you’re in the heart of Alaska when you arrive.
So, let’s take a closer look at Quartz Creek Campground so you can decide if this is a good fit for your next Alaskan road trip!
Where Is Quartz Creek Campground?
Quartz Creek Campground offers 45 campsites on the banks of the Kenai Lake in Chugach National Forest, Alaska.
You can easily get to Quartz Creek, just off Highway 1/Sterling Highway in the Kenai Peninsula near Cooper Landing, Alaska. Turn at milepost 45 to head towards Kanai Lake. The campground entrance is about .5 miles from the highway.
What Amenities Are at Quartz Creek Campground?
Quartz Creek Campground has tent sites, double sites, pull-through sites, back-in sites, and sites for big rigs. This campground can accommodate about any type of camper, but it’s all dry camping.
It doesn’t have any hookups. Guests can access potable water, flush toilets, picnic tables, and a boat launch. Many enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
When Is Quartz Creek Campground Open?
Most of Alaska’s campgrounds operate seasonally. Quartz Creek is open from May 19th to Sept 10th. You can make reservations on Recreation.gov up to six months in advance. The standard rate is $23 a night, while double sites cost $33 a night.
Do You Need Reservations for Quartz Creek Campground?
Quartz Creek Campground has a few first-come, first-served campsites. But because of its popularity among fishermen and its small season, you’re better off making advanced reservations. It has an honor system kiosk in the parking lot for guests arriving without a reservation.
Keep in Mind: While in Hope, Alaska, we stayed at Porcupine Campground. Click to see if this campground is worth staying at!
How Big Is Kenai Lake?
Kenai Lake is the third largest lake in the Kenai Peninsula. It has a zig-zag shape and lies between the Sterling and Seward Highways. The maximum length at any point is 22 miles, but the surface area is over 13,800 acres. Its maximum depth is 540 feet, but its average depth is around 300 feet.
Furthermore, Kenai Lake is also the headwaters of the Kenai River, the longest river in the Kenai Peninsula. The river empties into the Pacific Ocean about 82 miles from Kenai Lake. Porcupine Island sits in the lake. You can reach it by boat from the Quartz Creek Campground.
Can You Swim in Kenai Lake?
Swimming is popular at Kenai Lake. It offers a few family-friendly beaches where kids can safely frolic in the water. The water is also clean. Many people bring floats and relax in the summer sun.
Fishing is also a popular activity. Kenai Lake is home to Rainbow, lake trout, and Dolly Varden. It’s no wonder that Quartz Creek is an ideal destination for fishermen, boaters, and families.
Keep in Mind: Are you able to camp anywhere in Alaska? Let’s dive in and see!
Can You Fish in the Kenai River?
At the southern end of the Kenai Lake, the Kenai River begins. Quartz Creek Campground is about two miles west of the river. This Alaskan river is world-famous for its trout and salmon fishing. You’ll find outfitters and guides who offer fishing trips and sell fishing licenses and gear.
Rafting is also popular on the river. Some of the same outfitters and guides also offer rafting or sailing trips, such as Kenai Float-n-Fish, Alaska Wildland Adventures, and Alaska River Adventures.
Enjoy Alaska’s Beauty at Quartz Creek Campground
Quartz Creek Campground offers visitors a more tranquil, natural camping experience than other RV parks in Cooper Landing, Alaska. It doesn’t have hookups, but the view of Kenai Lake and the outdoor recreation make up for the lack of amenities. Plus, no matter what type of RV you have, you’ll find a campsite to suit your size.
One happy camper wrote on Recreation.gov, “This campground is always clean, and the bathrooms are clean. It’s taken care of very well by the host. Folks seem to quiet down quickly at night and keep the music to themselves. New picnic tables and new fire pits are being installed.”
Another traveler shared, “Very clean bathrooms at the campground, and the sites were picked up and maintained…The camp host is amazing, always working.” So, if you’re willing to give up hookups for a few days, Quartz Creek Campground is a great option in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula.
For more information about traveling around Cooper Landing, check out our article “Is Cooper Landing, Alaska Worth Visiting?”
Have you ever visited Cooper Landing and the Kenai Peninsula?
