Trail River

Star4.29
125 reviews
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Family FriendlySummer Destination

Quick Facts

450 ft

Price

$23 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

232 campsites

Season

Open from May 17th t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Chugach National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Trail River
$23.00 - $200.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual tent and RV sites are priced at $23 per night during the peak season. Group shelter non-electric sites are priced at $200 per night.
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$200.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(907) 522-8368, (907) 288-3178
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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 125 reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslake

Some mention

reservationcell service

"User reviews reveal mixed sentiments about Trail River Campground. While many praise its natural beauty, cleanliness, and friendly hosts, others criticize infrastructure issues like road conditions, poor cell service, and bear management."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Trail River

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

Driving directionsFrom Anchorage, go south on Seward Highway approximately 100 miles to Crown Point. Turn at Milepost 24.2 on Trail River Road for 2 miles to campground.
Access involves driving on Seward Highway, then turning onto Trail River Road which has been reported as having large potholes and a bridge in poor condition. This requires caution and slow driving, especially for larger vehicles.
Nearby places
Seward (24 miles north, approx. 30-40 minutes), Cooper Landing (40 miles east, approx. 50-60 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Seward (24 miles away) or Cooper Landing (40 miles away), which include groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Trail River

From May through September, Trail River Campground awakens to its most vibrant season, welcoming visitors with mild temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. While Alaska's famously unpredictable weather brings frequent rain showers that keep the landscape lush and green, these passing storms only add to the wilderness experience. As summer transitions to fall, crisp mornings and cooler evenings signal the changing seasons, and the increased moisture can make evening campfires a bit more challenging—though the spectacular autumn colors more than compensate for any inconvenience.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Open May 17–Sept 9; peak season for hiking, fishing and lake access with mild temps.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into early Sept; late-summer/early-fall rain and mosquitoes can reduce enjoyment.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens May 17; spring is shoulder/closed period with limited access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed during winter months; only limited Nordic skiing on entrance roads.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 17th to September 9th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 17th to September 9th during peak season. Closed during winter months with Nordic skiing available on groomed entrance roads.
  • Current Alerts: None specified, though ongoing construction and bridge repair are planned.

About Trail River

Nestled in the embrace of Alaska's wilderness, Trail River Campground offers an unforgettable escape where the rushing waters of Trail River meet the pristine shores of Kenai Lake. This spectacular retreat unfolds across three distinct camping loops, each with its own personality: the intimate Spruce Tree Loop sheltered beneath towering evergreens, the breathtaking Eagle Point Loop perched above Kenai Lake's turquoise waters, and the peaceful River Terrace Loop where you'll fall asleep to the gentle melody of flowing water. Snow-capped peaks frame every view, creating a dramatic backdrop that transforms from dawn's first light to sunset's golden glow.
Trail River Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is unspecified.
Check-out
Check-out time is unspecified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Trail River Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities. The Day Use Area provides access to Kenai Lake for beach-related activities like fishing, driftwood collecting, and rock skipping. There are five trails within a one-mile radius of the campground entrance. Winter activities include freestyle and Nordic skiing when the campground is closed.
HikingHiking opportunities include five trails within a one-mile radius: Falls Creek Trail, Crown Point Mine Road, Ptarmigan Creek Trail, and Vagt Lake Trail. These trails connect to the Iditarod National Historic Trail. Trails offer diverse experiences, from steep OHV paths to scenic lake views.
FishingFishing is productive for species like Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and lake trout. However, salmon fishing is prohibited, and anglers must observe special restrictions.
BikingBiking is supported on trails in the area, including the Crown Point Mine Road and Falls Creek OHV Trail.
BoatingBoating activities are possible on Kenai Lake, but no specific details about types of boats or docking facilities are provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include moose, brown and black bears, sheep, and goats. Seasonal salmon spawning can be observed at the Ptarmigan Creek Trail's fish-viewing platform.
Beach activitiesActivities include walking, driftwood collecting, and rock skipping along the Kenai Lake beach.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReported hazards include active bear presence, dangerous bridge conditions, and potholes on access roads. Mosquito infestations are frequent during warmer months.
Active AlertsNone specified, though ongoing construction and bridge repair are planned.

Weather at Trail River

Reviews

4.3
125 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Trail River is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reveal mixed sentiments about Trail River Campground. While many praise its natural beauty, cleanliness, and friendly hosts, others criticize infrastructure issues like road conditions, poor cell service, and bear management.
Review Summaries
Based on 125 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include spacious and private sites, clean facilities, beautiful views of Kenai Lake and the mountains, and helpful camp hosts.
Based on 125 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the poor condition of the entrance road and bridge, bear activity due to improper trash management, and issues with the reservation system.
Based on 125 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent and be prepared for generator limitations. Walk around to find faint cell service. Arrive early to secure first-come, first-served spots.
Based on 125 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquito activity peaks in the summer, while rainy weather in late summer and early fall may hinder campfires. Winter activities include skiing.
Based on 125 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great campground with private lots and close access to the beautiful Kenai Lake." "Road in was very dusty and needed a grader." "Spot is flat and required no additional leveling of camper."
Based on 125 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 040: "Very spacious, no additional leveling required." Site 056: "Tucked back in the woods, very private." Site 072: "Quiet, hardly any others around."
Based on 125 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not directly addressed in the reviews.
Based on 125 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies or experiences are not discussed in the reviews.
Based on 125 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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