WEBSITE: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chugach/recarea/?recid=6647
LOCATION: Cooper Landing, AK
COST: $27/night + $8 reservation fee
RESERVATIONS: www.reservation.gov
OUR SITE: #57
HOOK-UPS: None
WE WENT IN: May (Memorial Day weekend)
Review: At the confluence of the Kenai and Russian Rivers, this campground is a real gem on the Kenai Peninsula. Camp sites are fairly private side to side, but you may have a neighbor across the way who is more easily seen. The campground has several loops on either side of the main road, and the flat, paved loops are ideal for bikes. Our three-year-old loved practicing with his balance bike every chance he got. If you're traveling with another group, be aware that single sites are definitely for one camping group only, and that the loops are spread out so if you need more than one site, be sure to stay in the same loop, ideally side by side.
Our site, #57, was exceptional. We had mountain views, we could hear the Russian River, and we had lots of fairly flat space for the kids to play. It came with a picnic table, fire grate/pit and bear box. There was a potable water station a few steps away and stairs to the Russian River boardwalk trail two camp sites down. The one down side was the only shaded area was away from the trailer pad and picnic table, so we got a lot of sun.
The boardwalk trail is one of two trails accessible by foot from the campground. The other trail - to Russian Lakes and Russian Falls - is less than 1/2 a mile from the campground. More on trails below.
Other Things to Note:
The trail to Russian Falls is 2.3 miles one way and (rugged) stroller friendly. I can't speak to the trail to Russian Lakes because we didn't turn that way at the junction, but I know it's a little bit further and less (not?) stroller friendly.
The boardwalk trail along the Russian River is maybe 1.5 miles long, maybe less. There is a gravel bar at one end that is perfect for dipping toes in the water. There are access points from the campground every so often, but note that they are the grate-style stairs that hurt puppy feet.
The lupine were in bloom!
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