Russian River sits among the stunning landscapes of Chugach National Forest in Alaska . With 83 campsites (RV-friendly up to 45 feet feet) , restrooms, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are Jun-sep when the weather is most comfortable .
🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.
🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of Chugach National Forest
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: May, Jun, Aug
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
Russian River located in Alaska, offering 83 camping sites.
Russian River
A Rural campground in Alaska
Overview
The Campground Sits at an Elevation of 400 Feet on the Eastern Kenai Peninsula in the Chugach National Forest. the Forest, Spanning More Than 5 Million Acres, Is Comprised of Jagged Mountains, Deep Fjords and Glacier-Fed Rivers. the Campground Sits at an Elevation of 400 Feet on the Eastern Kenai Peninsula in the Chugach National Forest.
Nearby Attractions
Resurrection Pass Trail: This Trail Climbs From 500 to 2,600 Feet Over 38 Miles. It Lies Within Driving Distance of Two Main Population Centers, 110 Miles South of Anchorage and 40 Miles East of Soldotna, Surrounded by the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. It Connects the Towns Hope and Cooper Landing Via a Historic Route.Beginning Aug. 15, 2024, the Russian River Campground Will Be Closed to the Public for Construction.
Construction Crews Will Rebuild and Widen One Mile of the Access Road, Making It More Stable and Resistant to Frost Heaves. During the Closure, All Vehicle and Pedestrian Access Will Be Restricted and Campground Reservations on Recreation. Gov Will Be Unavailable. the Forest Service Anticipates the First Day for Reservation Arrivals Will Be June 5, 2025.
Russian River Campground Is Perched Between the Russian and Kenai Rivers in South-Central Alaska.
Each Year, This Area Is Visited by Over 100,000 People Who Recreate at the Russian River Campground, Ferry Access Site, Sportsman’S Boat Launch, Russian Lakes Trail and K’Beq Site. Hiking, Biking and Fishing Are Popular Pastimes.
the Russian River Is the Most Popular Sockeye Salmon Stream in Alaska and a Top-Rated Spot for Rainbow Trout. Retention of Sockeye Salmon Is Legal From June 11Th to August 20Th. Silver Salmon Can Be Retained From July 1St to September 30Th. Trout Can Be Retained From June 11Th Through April 30Th. Anglers Are Required to Have a State of Alaska Fishing License and Obey All Regulations and Emergency Orders.Kenai Peninsula Is Also a Hiker’S Paradise, Boasting Hundreds of Miles of Maintained Trails. the Following Two Trails Are Accessible From the Campground.
the Russian Lakes Trail Begins in the Campground, and Is the Most Popular Trail on the Chugach National Forest. Most Hikers Travel Only 2.3 Miles to Russian River Falls Where a Viewing Platform Allows Views of Leaping Salmon. More Ambitious Hikers and Backpackers Can Travel Another 19 Miles Past Two Lakes to the Upper Trailhead on Snug Harbor Rd. Along the Trail, Three Public Use Cabins Can Be Reserved; Barber Cabin, Aspen Flats Cabin and Upper Russian Lake Cabin.
the Angler’S Trail Also Begins in the Russian River Campground and Travels 1.25 Miles From the Russian River Canyon to the Kenai-Russian River Confluence. Along the Way, 22 Sustainable River Access Points Allow Anglers to Enter the Russian River. at the Confluence, Hardy Anglers Can Cross the Russian River (Hip-Waders Recommended) and Continue Along the Kenai River, Where Another 15 Access Points Are Located. Staircases Lead to This Trail From Campground Loops As Well As Day Use Parking Lots. the Campground Consists of 83 Campsites and 130 Day-Use Parking Spaces. the Campground Is Open with Full Service From May Through September with 24-Hour Operation at the “Contact Station.” Compliance with All Campground Rules and Regulations Is Necessary to Insure a Safe Experience for Everyone.
Water, Vault Toilets, Tables, Fire Pits and Dumpsters Are Available, As Well As Paved Roads and Parking Spurs.
Russian River Ferry: the Ferry Transports Anglers Across the Kenai River.
Sportsman’S Boat Launch: the Boat Launch Provides Boat Access to the Kenai River.
K’Beq Interpretive Site: at This Site, Tribal Members Share Traditions, Stories and Culture with Visitors Through Interpretive Walks Featuring Archeological Sites, Traditional Plant Use, Informational Signs, and Artifacts. the Gift Shop Features Native Art.
Contact Info
for Local Information, Please Call (907) 522-8368 or Call (907) 288-3178 for General Information.Managed by: Usda Forest ServiceSite Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 83
- Hookup Types: Full Hookup
- Max RV Length: 45 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: No
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: No
- 🛝 Playground: No
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: No
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address:
City: , Alaska
Coordinates: 60.4835139, -149.9734861
Area Type: Rural
Phone: (907) 522-8368
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Fishing|hiking|biking|water|lake|river|trail|rv|tent|cabin
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: No
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: $30-45
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS
Signal Quality: Fair
Total Stations: 5 stations
Nearest Market: Anchorage/Fairbanks
Notes: Signals FROM Anchorage/Fairbanks MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 11 stations (3 AM, 8 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Fair
Major Formats: Country, ADULT Contemporary, NEWS/TALK
Local News: KENI 650 Am
Market: Anchorage
Notes: 3 AM, 8 FM Stations from Anchorage
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ Three Bears – Sterling
Distance: 26.2 miles away
Address: 33035 Sterling Hwy, Sterling, AK
Network: evgateway
Charging Type: Fast-charging-available • CHAdeMO-J1772
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 232213
- Managing Agency: Usda Forest Service
- Agency Email:
- Agency Website: https://Recreation.gov
- Parent Park: Chugach National Forest
- Park Website: /parks/chugach-national-forest/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: National Forests
- Parks Post Name: chugach-national-forest
- Parent Park Name: Chugach National Forest
- Correct Park Type Mapping: chugach-national-forest
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 58.0
- States Covered: Alaska
- Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 131.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 2337
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 2337, 2337.0
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: alaska
- Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
- Park Type Slug: national-forests
- Parent Park Slug: chugach-national-forest
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
Explore More Camping Options
View all campgrounds in Alaska | Browse our Alaska camping guide
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