ARCHES On-Site Camping | Salmonfest 2026

Welcome to ARCHES On-Site Camping, Salmonfest Alaska's most convenient and magical campground with the "best campfire jams on the planet," according to one of our world traveling resident troubadore. The ARCHES campground is being improved each year but will continue to be a work in progress. Over the last few years we have made some major additions and some improvements to the grounds, but it remains largely an ‘unimproved’ campground. Water and porta-potties will be available within a reasonable distance to all campsites. We are also working to improve lighting in the campground 💡

We learn more each year and we thank you for your patience.

Spawning Return: Those who bought reserve camping last year and plan to camp with us again this year will have first right of refusal to purchase camping as well as early access the campground the Thursday before the festival. If you are a reserve camper and fail to arrive at the campground during the early check in window, we cannot guarantee your exact space from last year and you may need to find a new spot.

If you have any questions about this process, or if you have suggestions for us, contact us at camping@salmonfestalaska.org or calling 907.435.0525

We'll see you in Ninilchik this summer!

Salmonfest has become widely recognized both nationally and within the state as the most compelling and dynamic event in Alaska. Every year over 8,000 people turn the Kenai Peninsula village of Ninilchik into a small city as families and friends fill the region with music, food, fish and love. Over the three day weekend many of Alaska’s top food, crafts, art and brews are available throughout the grounds and a family friendly atmosphere, including a daily children’s program and science symposium, is part of the four stage extravaganza that includes over 60 acts. Now there is an option to camp on a beautiful lightly wooded acreage that is adjacent to the back of the Fairgrounds. Access is from Oilwell Road (by the gas station), taking a right on Kingsley and driving a short distance to the entrance at Bluff Road. Staff and signage will be present.

FAQs

How many days can we camp?

Camping opens on Thursday afternoon prior to the festival and is available through Sunday night with check out Monday by noon after the festival. Your pass is valid for up to 4 nights (Thurs - Sun). You will receive a detailed check in letter that will provide additional information and specific check in times.

Can I camp with my friends/what's the deal with group sites?

We recommend arriving Thursday afternoon with your entire party to ensure your group camps together. If your entire group cannot arrive Thursday, please inform our staff at check in that you have additional ticketed campers/vehicles coming and we will do our best to help you save space around your site. Please be conscientious of sprawling but please place chairs and other objects in adjacent spaces to save space.

What can't I bring to the campgrounds?

Fireworks, guns, unruly pets, bad attitudes and illegal drugs are not allowed in the campgrounds.

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

Salmonfest is open to all ages. Certain areas including beer gardens are only open to adults over the age of 21. Children 6 and under are free when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Youth tickets are available for ages 6-12 and teen tickets are available for youth age 13-17. Senior tickets are for those who are 65+. Adult tickets apply to those who are age 18-64.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Day parking is available for a small fee next to the Fairgrounds in the St. Peter's church lot. All proceeds support local youth organizations. Because of limited parking space, please park at your campground and make use of the free Salmonfest shuttle that runs all weekend. More information can be found on Salmonfests' website (www.salmonfestalaska.org)

What can't I bring to the festival event?

Guns, glass, pets, outside alcohol and illegal drugs are not permitted anywhere on the festival site.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You can reach Salmonfest by emailing info@salmonfestalaska.org , you can email camping staff at camping@salmonfestalaska.org or by calling 907-435-0525.

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

You may transfer your ticket to another person. Click here for additional instructions.

Please email info@salmonfestalaska.org for help with festival passes and camping@salmonfestalaska.org for camping questions

Can I update my registration information?

You can update your information via your Eventbrite account.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Yes. Please bring either the print out of your ticket, or the PDF confirmation file on your phone. For camping, the information should be printed and must match the vehicle you are driving.

What is the refund policy?

Tickets + camping passes are non-refundable. You can, however, transfer your ticket/pass to someone else's name.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?

It's best to transfer the ticket into a different name. Please email camping@salmonfestalaska.org for help. It is okay if you give your print out to someone with a different name. For this reason, be very careful with your ticket printout. Once the ticket is used and checked off our list, another person will not be able to enter with the same ticket.

PASS TYPE SPECIFICS

ARCHES Reserve Camping

1 vehicle up to 22 feet (cars/trucks/campver vans/tents)

The park-like ARCHES reserve campground is close to the Salmonfest festival main stage and is an easy walk from all festival stages. Choose this camping reservation if you plan to bring one vehicle/camper van/tent up to 22' feet in length. Please note that some parts of this campground are lush, wild and as such contain natural features like low lying trees and potentially muddy roadways. If you plan on bringing a trailer or RV over 22' to the festival do not choose this camping type.

ARCHES Campsites are15'x30' - If you need more space to fit your vehicle + tents +chairs+ free standing fire pit, etc... please purchase a 2nd site.

Reserved Campers will be given an early entry window on Thursday afternoon to secure preferable sites.

ARCHES General Camping

1 vehicle up to 22 feet (cars/trucks/campver vans/tents)

Your campsite will be assigned at arrival. ARCHES Campsites are15'x30' - If you need more space to fit your vehicle + tents +chairs+ free standing fire pit, etc... please purchase a 2nd site.

If you purchase a general camping pass we cannot guarantee that your vehicle will be parked next to your camping spot. You may need to park close-by and carry some items a short distance.

General Campers will be allowed in after the initial reserve camping arrival window closes on Thursday late afternoon.

Camping in a non-reserved General Space is first come, first serve. You may arrive on Thursday late afternoon or any time after that. Just know that your options will diminish as the weekend progresses and the campground fills.

RV/Vehicles +Trailer Camping

We have plenty of beautiful, accessible land for larger campers, vehicles with trailers and RVs of all sizes on our camping reservation menu.

If you are bringing a vehicle + trailer or RV please be sure to choose the correct reservation type to ensure you have enough space and safe access to your site. PLEASE NOTE: the length of your truck and trailer are what count toward your combined length, NOT just the length of your trailer.

If you have any questions about the selection process we are here to help, do not hesitate to contact us. Camping@salmonfestalaska.org & 907.435.0525

Arrival Times will be issued in camping & RV check in letters emailed prior to the festival.