Just west of Cooper Landing is the Forest Service’s Cooper Creek Campground, with sites on both sides of the road. The large Russian River Campground (tents $18, RVs $28), one of the best places in the state to catch sockeye salmon when they’re running (generally mid-June and mid-July), is 1.5 miles farther.

Campsites are strung along the two-mile paved road, and the sites are large and well spaced. Campground reservations (518/885-3639 or 877/444-6777, www.recreation.gov) are strongly recommended for July for Cooper Creek or Russian River. Park in the lot if you just want to hike on the 21-mile Russian Lakes Trail or take the “fisher’s path” along the river to Russian River Falls, where salmon leap. The Russian River runs into the Kenai River near the entrance station.

Kenai Princess RV Park (907/595-1425, mid-May–mid-Sept., full hookups $35) is located at Kenai Princess Lodge and does not allow tents. Guests have access to hot tubs at the lodge. Kenai Riverside Campground and RV Park (888/536-2478, www.kenairv.com, late May–early Sept., RVs $35, tents $18) is at Mile 50.