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Quartz Creek Campground is tucked between Kenai Lake and Quartz Creek in Cooper Landing, Alaska. Boating, hiking, nature-viewing and fishing are popular pastimes at this family-friendly campground, where most campsites offer sweeping views of the lake. At an elevation of 500 feet, the campground is relatively flat with small spruce trees dotting the area. Natural Features: Chugach National Forest covers more than 5 million acres and is comprised of ice fields, alpine tundra, jagged mountains, dense forests, glacier-fed rivers and the Prince William Sound. Bears, moose, mountain goats and wolves call the area home. Recreation: Kenai Lake is the third largest lake in the Kenai Peninsula. It is over 20 miles long and 500 ft. deep. It boasts about 14,000 acres of water as well as one island the three remote campsites at Ship Creek, Meadow Creek and Porcupine Island. These can be reached by boat from the boat launch at Quartz Creek Campground. Fishing is also popular in the area. Rainbow, lake trout and Dolly Varden are found in Kenai Lake, with rainbow and Dolly Varden found in Quartz Creek later in the summer. About two miles east of Quartz Creek Campground, Kenai Lake becomes Kenai River. Kenai River is world-famous for its trophy trout fishing as well as salmon fishing. Rafting and drifting are both popular on the river. Many outfitters and guides in the area can help anglers understand local fishing regulations as well as increase your chances of fishing success. Kenai Lake and River, offer unparalleled nature and wildlife viewing. However, they are also very cold and conditions can quickly deteriorate from calm to rough. If you plan to venture on the water, always let someone know where you are, when you will return and wear your life jacket at all times. Facilities: The campground provides a boat ramp to access the expansive lake. Quartz Creek offers 46 campsites for both tent and RV camping. Drinking water, flush toilets and picnic areas are provided at the campground. The west loop has parking spurs and firewood is sometimes sold on-site. Nearby Attractions: Quartz Creek Road leads to Crescent Creek Campground, Crescent Creek Trail and eventually becomes the Old Sterling Highway. The bridge over Quartz Creek is a great place to view salmon spawning from late July through September. The Crescent Creek Trail follows the creek for six miles to Crescent Lake where Crescent Lake Public Use Cabin can be reserved. Grayling fishing is popular in Crescent Lake. More adventurous hikers can continue on a primitive trail another eight miles along the lake to the Crescent Saddle Cabin. Beyond Crescent Lake, hikers traverse another three miles of beautiful alpine wildflower meadows and pass Carter Lake to end at the Seward Highway in Moose Pass. The Old Sterling Highway is open to motorized use, and great for OHV enthusiasts and wildlife viewers. It leads five miles through the woods above open marshy areas from Quartz Creek Road to the Tern Lake Day Use Area. Observant hikers may spot wood frogs, moose, hawks, owls and bears. The Tern Lake Day Use Area has picnic tables, vault toilets and a salmon viewing platform. Tern Lake is a premier spot for bird watching and photography. Throughout the summer arctic terns, trumpeter swans, and many types of ducks, wading birds and songbirds can be identified. This shallow, marshy lake often has a perfect reflection of the steep surrounding mountains making it a great spot to enjoy nature and wildlife. Other popular trails in the area include the Resurrection Pass Trail which takes hikers and bikers on a 38-mile scenic adventure that climbs from 500 to 2,600 feet. ACTIVITIES Biking: Mountain Biking Boating: Canoeing Fishing Hiking Wildlife Viewing
From Anchorage, Alaska, take Seward Highway to Sterling Highway south for 100 miles and turn onto Quartz Creek Road before reaching Kenai Lake.
Great Campground with spacious sites; convenient access to lake shore for a nice stroll enjoying the emerald green water of the Kenai Lake. Close to some of the best fishing spots for wild Alaskan salmon; makes a great home base for exploring everything the upper Kenai Peninsula has to offer.
We love coming out here with family. It’s a beautiful campground with lots of tables for picnics that are only a short walk to the beautiful beach and it is really easy to bring a kayak (inflatable or hard shell) to go out paddling in the pristine Kenai Lake. I love the quick and easy access by vehicle and great scenery for taking pictures and enjoying a nice day out with family and friends. Definitely come spend the day here in the summer if you’re looking for a laid back easy trip. Great for little ones and pets too since the lake is steps from the car and you can leave easily should you need to.
A beautiful campground next to Quartz Creek and Kenai Lake, with large, flat, private sites. Fresh water available. Dump station is just across the road from the campground entrance. Lake access is closest to sites 4 and 5. Creek access is via a lovely walking platform near sites 22, 23, 24. Friendly camp hosts.
Nice quiet place to stay. Nice rv spots for dry camping. No one answers the phone if trying to make reservations. 1st come 1st serve most sights. The camp manager is useless.
