Crooked Creek State Park
Alaska’s Premier Bank Fishing for King Salmon — 79 Campsites, Kasilof River Access, Sockeye & Silver Salmon Runs on the Kenai Peninsula
Crooked Creek State Recreation Site is a 79-campsite recreation area at the confluence of Crooked Creek and the Kasilof River on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. The site provides direct bank fishing access to one of Alaska’s most productive salmon rivers — King salmon in May and June, sockeye salmon in summer, and silver salmon through fall. Located just off the Sterling Highway, Crooked Creek is one of the most accessible and popular salmon fishing destinations in southcentral Alaska.
The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with primitive camping (no hookups) — fire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. There is no boat launch at this site; the primary draw is walk-in bank fishing at the creek-river confluence. Wildlife viewing is excellent — moose, black bears, brown bears, and lynx frequent the area. For visiting anglers chasing Alaska salmon without a boat, Crooked Creek delivers the quintessential Alaska fishing camp experience.
Fishing
Species & Seasons
| Species | Peak Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| King Salmon (Chinook) | ⭐ May–June | The primary draw; the Kasilof River’s king run is world-class. Bank fishing from Crooked Creek confluence. |
| Sockeye Salmon (Red) | June–August | Heavy runs; excellent numbers. Tuskegee Lake sockeye migrate through. |
| Silver Salmon (Coho) | August–October | Fall run; aggressive fish; exciting on fly gear. |
| Dolly Varden | Year-round | Arctic char relative; available throughout the river system. |
| Steelhead | Spring & Fall | Small run; catch-and-release recommended. |
Access
- Bank fishing only: Walk to the confluence of Crooked Creek and the Kasilof River
- No boat launch at this specific site
- Alaska fishing license required — plus any species-specific stamps (king salmon stamp required for kings)
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sites | ~79 campsites (first-come, first-served) |
| Type | Primitive — no hookups; tent and RV (max 35 ft) |
| Facilities | Vault toilets; drinking water; fire rings at each site |
| Day-Use Parking | ~36 day-use sites with picnic areas |
| Season | May through September |
Wildlife
- Bears: Both black bears and brown (grizzly) bears frequent Crooked Creek, especially during salmon runs. Store food in bear-resistant containers. Carry bear spray.
- Moose: Common in the campground and along trails — give them wide berth, especially cows with calves.
- Other: Lynx, bald eagles, osprey, river otters
Best Time to Visit
| Period | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| May–Jun | ⭐ KING SALMON: World-class Chinook run; long daylight; spring wildflowers | Fills fast; arrive early; cold mornings; rain gear essential |
| Jul–Aug | ⭐ Sockeye peak; warmest temps; wildlife active; full services | Crowds; mosquitoes; bears frequent; secure food |
| Sep–Oct | Silver salmon; fall color; quieter; bears feeding heavily pre-hibernation | Cooling fast; rain; services winding down; bears very active |
Visitor Tips
- First-come, first-served: Sites fill quickly during king salmon season (May–June). Arrive early in the day — or mid-week — for best site selection.
- Bear safety: This is prime bear country. Store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers. Carry bear spray. Cook away from your tent. Never leave fish unattended.
- King salmon stamp: Fishing for king salmon requires an Alaska fishing license PLUS a king salmon stamp. Purchase both before arriving.
- No boats: There is no boat launch at Crooked Creek. The site is designed for bank fishing. Nearby boat launches on the Kasilof River are available at other access points.
- Supplies: The town of Kasilof is a short drive away for groceries, fuel, and basic services. Stock up before setting up camp.
- Sterling Highway: The site is accessed from the Sterling Highway via North Cohoe Loop Road (~1.8 miles). Well-signed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of salmon can you catch at Crooked Creek Alaska?
Crooked Creek State Recreation Site provides bank fishing access to the Kasilof River, which supports runs of king salmon (Chinook) from May through June, sockeye salmon (reds) from June through August, and silver salmon (coho) from August through October. The site also supports Dolly Varden year-round and a small steelhead run in spring and fall. King salmon fishing requires both an Alaska fishing license and a king salmon stamp. The primary fishing access is walk-in bank fishing at the confluence of Crooked Creek and the Kasilof River — there is no boat launch at this site.
Are there bears at Crooked Creek campground?
Yes — both black bears and brown (grizzly) bears are regularly seen at Crooked Creek, especially during salmon runs from May through October. Bears are attracted to the salmon-rich waters and to improperly stored food. Campers must store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers, carry bear spray, cook away from sleeping areas, and never leave fish or fish waste unattended. Moose are also common in the campground area. Maintaining a safe distance from all wildlife is essential.
Last updated: May 2026
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