Quartz Creek Campground
4.63153 reviewsSeward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, SEWARD, AK, 99664, USA
Quick Facts
500 ftPrice
$23 - $33/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
46 campsites
Season
Open from May 17, 20...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
500 ftPrice
$23 - $33/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
46 campsites
Season
Open from May 17, 20...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuartz Creek Campground
$23.00 - $33.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $23 to $33 per night for standard non-electric sites during the peak season. Additional reservation service fees may apply ($8-$9).
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
Total Campsite Fees$23.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(907) 288-3178
What Campers Say
4.63
Top-Rated
Based on 153 reviews
106 Google reviews
Most mentioned
clean
"Most campers praised Quartz Creek Campground for its cleanliness, scenic views, and spacious sites. Positive reviews frequently highlighted the helpful camp hosts and the well-maintained facilities. Negative feedback focused on noise levels and the reservation system."
Fees & Passes at Quartz Creek Campground
$23 - $33/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.
Cancellation: Changes to your reservation ahead of arrival date incur a $10 fee. Cancellations before arrival incu...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Chugach National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Quartz Creek Campground
Summer in this corner of Alaska brings a delightful mix of mild temperatures and those famous long daylight hours that let you hike, fish, or explore well into the evening. While the weather can shift from sunshine to rain showers in minutes—this is Alaska, after all—the ever-changing skies only add to the drama of the landscape. Pack your rain gear and embrace the occasional windstorm; they're all part of the authentic Alaskan experience that makes every camping trip here an adventure.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 17, 2025 - September 9, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from May 17, 2025, to September 9, 2025. Reservable from June 26, 2025.
- Current Alerts: Seasonal roadway conditions and possible closures due to snow melt, wind damage, or weather-related issues.
About Quartz Creek Campground
Nestled where crystal-clear Quartz Creek meets the stunning Kenai Lake, this 46-site campground in Cooper Landing offers adventurers a perfect basecamp for exploring Alaska's untamed wilderness. Whether you're pitching a tent under towering spruce trees or parking your RV with views of emerald waters, Quartz Creek Campground places you at the heart of some of Alaska's most spectacular outdoor recreation. From your campsite, you'll wake to the sound of rushing water and fall asleep under the endless summer twilight that makes Alaskan camping truly magical.
Quartz Creek Campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. It has 46 campsites and allows pets, making it family-friendly. "Big, clean campsites for both tents and RVs," observed one reviewer. Another noted, "Spacious sites, great for families and pets."
Historical SignificanceWhile Quartz Creek Campground itself may not bear ancient markers, you're camping on lands that have sustained indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The surrounding Chugach National Forest tells countless stories through its landscape—from traditional hunting grounds to historic resource management practices that have shaped this wilderness. Every trail you walk connects you to generations of people who have found sustenance, shelter, and spiritual connection in these forests and waterways.
Weather and SeasonsSummer in this corner of Alaska brings a delightful mix of mild temperatures and those famous long daylight hours that let you hike, fish, or explore well into the evening. While the weather can shift from sunshine to rain showers in minutes—this is Alaska, after all—the ever-changing skies only add to the drama of the landscape. Pack your rain gear and embrace the occasional windstorm; they're all part of the authentic Alaskan experience that makes every camping trip here an adventure.
ElevationAt a comfortable 500 feet above sea level, Quartz Creek Campground offers level, accessible camping without the thin air of higher elevations. This gentle terrain makes it ideal for families with young children or anyone seeking the beauty of Alaska's wilderness without the challenge of steep climbs to reach their campsite. The relatively low elevation also means warmer temperatures and a longer growing season, surrounding you with lush vegetation and vibrant wildflowers throughout the summer months.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to have your breath taken away by the emerald-green waters of Kenai Lake, the peninsula's third-largest lake, stretching before you like a jewel set among jagged peaks. The campground sits in a pristine pocket of the Chugach National Forest, where ancient spruce trees tower overhead and Quartz Creek tumbles over smooth stones on its journey to join the lake. Every direction offers a postcard-worthy view—from mist-shrouded mountains at dawn to the play of light on glacier-carved valleys at sunset.
Geological RegionYou're camping in one of Earth's most dramatic geological theaters. The Chugach National Forest showcases nature's raw power through massive ice fields that feed pristine rivers, alpine tundra that blooms in brief but brilliant summers, and mountains that rise like fortress walls from the forest floor. This landscape tells the story of glaciers that carved deep valleys, tectonic forces that thrust peaks skyward, and the patient work of water and weather that continues to shape this magnificent wilderness with each passing season.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details about accessibility features were noted.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large and level. For instance, one user noted, "Spacious, private sites that are easy to access with a variety of RVs." Another stated, "Sites are large, well kept, and private."
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are described as private, though less so after beetle-kill tree removal. "Sites are private... but not as private after spruce beetle mitigation," noted a camper.
Total Campsites46 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLake access is near sites 4 and 5, while creek access is best near sites 22-24.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is at 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests per site not specifically mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops, with some sites offering lakefront access and others closer to the creek or wooded areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 17, 2025, to September 9, 2025. Reservable from June 26, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or through the associated mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not detailed explicitly. It appears this campground is heavily dependent on reservations.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to your reservation ahead of arrival date incur a $10 fee. Cancellations before arrival incur a $10 fee plus the forfeit of reservation fees. Late cancellations (from midnight one calendar day prior to check-in) forfeit the first night's use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Quartz Creek Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities. Popular activities include fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Kenai Lake and Kenai River are world-famous for outdoor recreation. "Fishing is top notch," one user mentioned, while another highlighted, "Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant." Hiking and biking are also encouraged, with access to nearby trails.
Hiking
The campground is close to several trails, including Crescent Creek Trail and Resurrection Pass Trail. "Follow Crescent Creek Trail for six miles to Crescent Lake," stated an authoritative source. Resurrection Pass Trail offers a 38-mile adventure with elevation gains ranging from 500 to 2,600 feet.Fishing
Fishing is exceptionally popular, with the Kenai River being world-renowned for salmon and trophy trout fishing. "Fishing is top-notch," said one reviewer. Another noted, "Challenging but rewarding fishing opportunities for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden."Swimming
Swimming is available in Kenai Lake, but the water is very cold. One camper mentioned, "The lake was cold, but so needed during the hot summer days we've been experiencing."Biking
The campground features paved roads suitable for biking. "Great for biking," noted one user. Another said, "Easy to ride bikes around the loop and nearby trails/road."Boating
Boating is a highlight, with a boat launch available at the campground for access to Kenai Lake. Reviewers mentioned, "Great for kayaking and paddleboarding," and "Easy access to the lake for boating."Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to see bears, moose, mountain goats, and salmon spawning. "Bonus brown bear sighting walking through the campground," noted one camper. Another described, "The bridge over Quartz Creek is a great place to view salmon spawning."Beach activities
The lakefront is described as lovely, with activities such as sunbathing and photography. "The lakefront is lovely," noted one camper. Another mentioned, "Always enough beach to go around."Winter Activities
Not specified, but the area may offer winter recreation.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are popular. "Great for kayaking and paddleboarding," noted one reviewer.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted only in designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include potential wildlife encounters with bears and moose. Campers are advised to store food securely and be bear-aware.
Active alertsSeasonal roadway conditions and possible closures due to snow melt, wind damage, or weather-related issues.
Weather at Quartz Creek Campground
10
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 69%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services can be accessed in Seward (~50 miles), which has medical facilities and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 17, 2025 - September 9, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are well-maintained. Reviewers frequently praised the cleanliness of the campground. "Trash emptied regularly," one noted.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly located between Kenai Lake and Quartz Creek. Many sites offer lake and creek access.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include noisy generators running during quiet hours and lack of enforcement of quiet hours by campground hosts.
HostHosts have been widely praised for their friendliness and maintaining clean facilities. Jerry has been a recurring host, described as exceptional by visitors.
Campground Map
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, SEWARD, AK, 99664, USA
Driving directionsFrom Anchorage, Alaska, take Seward Highway to Sterling Highway south for 100 miles and turn onto Quartz Creek Road before reaching Kenai Lake.
Accessible via paved roads. The location is reached by taking a combination of major highways (Seward and Sterling) and a local road (Quartz Creek Road). Conditions may vary seasonally due to snow melt or wind damage.Nearby places
Seward (~50 miles, ~1 hour drive)
Cooper Landing (~10 miles, ~15 minutes)
Kenai (~60 miles, ~1 hour 15 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Cooper Landing (~10 miles), and more extensive options are available in Seward (~50 miles).
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
153 reviews
Quartz Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most campers praised Quartz Creek Campground for its cleanliness, scenic views, and spacious sites. Positive reviews frequently highlighted the helpful camp hosts and the well-maintained facilities. Negative feedback focused on noise levels and the reservation system.
Review Summaries
Based on 153 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's cleanliness, proximity to recreational activities, and the helpfulness of the camp hosts are often highlighted. "Best campground I've ever been to," stated one reviewer.
Based on 153 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users expressed frustration with the reservation system and noise levels. "Quiet hours were not enforced," noted one camper. Another mentioned, "The reservation system is a joke!"
Based on 153 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bikes and kayaks to make the most of your visit. Reserve early due to the campground's popularity.
Based on 153 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest in the summer, with positive reviews focusing on activities like kayaking and fishing. However, some noted challenges like generator noise during peak months.
Based on 153 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great host and very nice camping." "Fishing is top-notch." "The lake view was amazingly beautiful."
Based on 153 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Sites closer to the creek and lake are highly praised. Site 45 received criticism for being difficult to access for larger RVs.
Based on 153 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews noted.
Based on 153 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is pet-friendly, but some campers were concerned about unleashed dogs.
Based on 153 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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