Russian River, Cooper Landing, AK
Russian River Campground – Cooper Landing, Alaska
Russian River Campground is a Forest Service campground near Cooper Landing on the Kenai Peninsula, tucked between the Russian River and Kenai River. It's an excellent location for fishing, hiking, and exploring the Cooper Landing area, but we found it decidedly not big-fifth-wheel friendly.
Quick Facts
Location: Cooper Landing, Alaska
GPS: Approximately 60.4840, -149.9740
Campground: Russian River Campground – Chugach National Forest
Sites: 83 campsites
Roads/Sites: Paved roads and parking spurs
Amenities: Water, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and dumpsters
Reservations: Available through Recreation.gov
Best For: Fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the Kenai River
Cell Service: Limited and variable
Bear Country: Bears are common around the river and campground
Fifth Wheel Warning
I would use caution bringing a large fifth wheel here.
We managed the campground with our 43-foot fifth wheel, but I would not consider Russian River Campground particularly friendly for larger fifth wheels.
Check the listed site length carefully before booking.
Don't assume every RV-designated site will work for a long fifth wheel.
Maneuvering can be tight in parts of the campground.
If you're traveling with a 40+ foot fifth wheel, I would have a backup plan.
Smaller campers, vans, and truck campers will have a much easier time.
Hikes From Russian River Campground
Russian River Falls
One of the best hikes directly from the campground.
About 2.3 miles each way from the campground
Easy to moderate
Wide, established trail
Ends at a viewing area overlooking Russian River Falls
During salmon runs, you may be able to watch salmon making their way upstream
Russian Lakes Trail
The trail to Russian River Falls continues as part of the much longer Russian Lakes Trail.
About 21.8 miles one way if completing the entire trail
Passes Lower and Upper Russian Lakes
Backpacking and public-use cabin opportunities
The shorter section to Russian River Falls makes an easy day hike from camp
Angler's Trail
About 1.25 miles
Runs along the Russian River
Multiple river-access points
Continues toward the Russian River/Kenai River confluence
Primarily used by anglers but also useful for exploring the river corridor
Other Hikes Near Cooper Landing
Resurrection Pass Trail – Long-distance trail between Cooper Landing and Hope with hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
Crescent Lake Trail – Popular hiking and biking trail near Cooper Landing.
Slaughter Ridge Trail – Much steeper option with views over the Cooper Landing area.
Things to Do Nearby
Fish the Russian River
Fish or float the Kenai River
Watch salmon at Russian River Falls
Look for wildlife along the river corridor
Visit the K'Beq Interpretive Site
Visit the Cooper Landing Museum
Take a rafting trip on the Kenai River
Mountain bike Resurrection Pass or Crescent Lake
Explore Cooper Landing
Use the campground as a base for exploring more of the Kenai Peninsula
Bear Safety
This is very active bear country, especially when salmon are running.
Keep food and other attractants secured.
Keep dogs leashed.
Carry bear spray while hiking.
Make noise on trails.
Be especially alert near the river.
Our Take
Would we stay again? Yes, mainly because the location is excellent.
Russian River Campground puts you right in the middle of one of the best outdoor recreation areas around Cooper Landing. Being able to hike directly from camp and access the Russian River is a major advantage.
The biggest downside for us was navigating the campground with our 43-foot fifth wheel. If you're traveling with a large fifth wheel, check the individual campsite dimensions carefully before booking and have a backup location in mind. Even though we technically fit, we had to cut down branches and were about 6” from scraping in many places on the camp loop.
