Russian River Campground has got to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest in Kenai and maybe all of Alaska. It is a massive, sprawling complex that encompasses many camping areas, day uses areas, trails, and of course river access for fishing.
I HIGHLY recommend bringing a bike, scooter, skateboard or roller blades if you plan to stay here because of the distance from one area to the next. You definitely need bear spray and or a gun as well. One of the things that makes Russian River unusual is it actually has an TV dumpster AND limited running potable water for drinking (both if which are unusual in state and federal parks in Alaska). Most parks have hand pump water. Pit toilets, no sinks, no showers. The camp sites can accommodate large RVs. Some are pullthrough, but most are not. The sites are very functional, but much to close together for my liking. I wonder if that was deliberate to discourage the bears... There's no privacy in 98% of the camp sites. They all have a picnic table, bear box and fire pit.
You DEFINITELY need to make reservations online during peak season. This campground runs at capacity during fishing season. Sites are 18 bucks. I personally wouldn't stay here because of how close together the campsites are and none of them have water view. I definitely will be making use of the day use areas and trails in the future. I think most people staying here will find it satisfactory all in all. read more