The best camping near Kenai Fjords National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Kenai Fjords National Park adventure.

See dozens of glaciers amidst rugged sea and forest at this natural wonder.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Kenai Fjords National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Kenai Fjords National Park

99%
(68)

Seaside Farm

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Homer, AK
Seaside Farm is a 30 acre, magical, park like farm on the shores of Kachemak Bay, just outside of Homer, a few miles down from the Kilcher Homestead where I grew up in the 1940's! . Now a song bird sanctuary, with trails, lawns, gardens, trees, hay fields, and a private beach, cabins, a clover camping meadow, it was also once part of an original Alaska pioneer homestead. Although an organic farm, with hay fields, pastures, farm buildings and raspberry patch, it is also the home of hundreds of songbirds, moose, coyotes, wild hares, flocks of sandhill cranes, two sweet Morgan Horses, and an assortment of chickens. I love sharing my farm and home with travelers, and visitors seeking peace, nature, wildlife, walks on pristine beaches, and connecting with nature, in a real Alaska, original, and non touristy setting. This property has three different types accommodations: Rustic, cozy cabins (no indoor running water), a big field for tent campers only, and a few spaces reserved for 4 wheel drive vans , and similar small vehicle camping, including rooftop tents and occasionally a small pop up trailer. If you prefer camping away from the tourist crowds, you will find our soft clover meadows, surrounded by green trees and well kept lawns, a deluxe and memorable experience. The beach is a short walk down the trail, where its peaceful and private, with no motorized vehicles or noisy crowds, only the sound of the seagulls, and the waves. Van campers have a few special areas to park their vehicles, most with a stunning view of the glaciers and mountains. There is limited parking and turnaround space, and we like our farm peaceful and not too crowded to provide a special rural experience to all who visit this magical farm. It helps to call or text before you arrive to make sure we are on site and can help you with parking and other details! There are three cabins sprinkled throughout the property. Two are off grid, close to the beach, private and magical, with wood stoves. All cabins are able to use the main farm lodge amenities, just a few minutes walk away and have their own outhouses..all with amazing views! You can walk on the beach from the main lodge parking area, there is a covered camping pavilion available to all guests, a communal campfire spot and bbq grill, lovely maintained walking trails and meadows, and even wifi! We allow most types of dogs, but do ask you to contact us before booking with us, so we can let you know our rules before you travel. All dogs must be well behaved, social, on leashes and at owner's side at all times to protect our trusting wildlife from accidental harm, like our baby pheasants, moose, bunnies, and songbird nests! TOURS OPTION As the eldest of the Kilcher clan (yes, the homestead family portrayed on the "Alaska The Last Frontier" tv series), and when time allows, I'm open to give a special tour of the unique and historic Kilcher Family Homestead and original sod roofed, log cabin museum. Available only by special prior arrangement for an extra fee (donation to the museum)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(19)

Kilcher Homestead MiracleMeadow

4 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Homer, AK
A few things that make my place unique: My 5 acres is part of the famous 620-acre Kilcher Homestead, as seen on “Alaska the Last Frontier” TV show. I am the 7th of the 8 children; Atz and Otto are my brothers. There is a special feeling here vibrating in the land, and why our parents picked this spot. Full outdoor kitchen with all you need to cook and wash up; BBQ, hotplate, pure drinking water, spices, pots/pans/dishes etc. Outdoor hot shower and outhouse with great views! The atmosphere feels so pure, so silent, so wild yet comfortable. Drive-in access sometimes, or have to walk 15 minutes, and no issues with mosquitoes!!! You get to meet me and maybe other family members as you cruise around. Homer is 35 minutes away, with oodles of things to do there: great restaurants, a lap pool, fun shopping, etc. We have quite good cell reception here. Lots of options to enjoy your stay!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

The best camping near Kenai Fjords National Park guide

Overview

About

Set between Kachemak Bay State Park and the town of Seward, this massive national park protects the Harding Icefield and the wilderness around it. The only established campground in the park is in the Exit Glacier Area, which has 12 walk-in sites—two of which (sites #1 and #12) are ADA-accessible—free of charge, along with vault toilets, a pump with potable water, and a cooking area with bear-safe food storage. Backpacking is also an option, but even experienced backpackers will find this park a major challenge, so it’s wise to go with a professional guide.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Sites at Exit Glacier are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and are usually full by early evening in the July and August peak season. It’s wise to come early in the day and mid-week, to increase your odds of nabbing one of the coveted spots.
  2. There are also a couple of cabins available in the summer months (through recreation.gov) and a winter cabin that can be reserved by calling the park directly.
  3. If you can't secure a campsite at Exit Glacier, you may have better luck in the nearby Chugach National Forest or at one of the campgrounds managed by the Seward Parks and Recreation Department.

When to go

Kenai Fjords is beautiful year-round, but if you’re coming to camp, July and August are the best (albeit busiest) months. The Exit Glacier area is usually blocked to vehicular traffic from late October until sometime in the spring due to snow, but you can still drive as far as you can and then go the rest of the way by snowmobile, fat bike, dogsled, or snowshoeing.

Know before you go

  • Cooking and storing food at individual campsites is prohibited.
  • Kayaking and beach camping is popular in the park, and permits are not required, except for on beaches owned by Port Graham Village Corporation.
  • Abandoned mines sit within the park, some of which could contain explosives, unsafe chemicals, or other hazards. Be mindful and avoid investigating any old structures you come across.
  • Winter shuttles, boat tours, dog sled tours, and guided ice-climbing expeditions are available in the winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can stay in Kenai Fjords National Park, but lodging options are limited. There are no hotels or lodges within the park itself. However, you can camp at the Exit Glacier Campground, which is a walk-in tent campground with 12 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Exit Glacier Campground is open from May to September, weather permitting.

Additionally, there are numerous lodging and camping options in the nearby town of Seward, which serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. You can find cabins, campgrounds, and RV parks in the area. Some options include fishing camps and forest campgrounds.

Yes, Kenai Fjords National Park is definitely worth visiting. The park, located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, offers stunning natural beauty, unique wildlife encounters, and a variety of outdoor activities. Some highlights of the park include:

  • Glaciers: The park is home to several glaciers, including the impressive Harding Icefield, which spans over 700 square miles.
  • Marine wildlife: The park's coastal waters are home to a diverse array of marine life, including whales, seals, sea lions, and otters.
  • Birdwatching: Kenai Fjords National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 190 species of birds inhabiting the area, including puffins, eagles, and seabirds.
  • Hiking: There are several hiking trails in the park that cater to different skill levels, including the popular Exit Glacier Trail and the more challenging Harding Icefield Trail.
  • Boat tours: To fully appreciate the park's beauty, consider taking a boat tour. These tours offer an up-close look at the fjords, glaciers, and marine life.
  • Kayaking: For a more adventurous experience, kayaking in the park's fjords can provide a unique perspective on the area's natural wonders.

Overall, Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and those seeking outdoor adventure. Keep in mind that the park is quite remote, so be prepared for limited facilities and services, especially when it comes to camping options. You can find more information about camping near Kenai Fjords National Park on Hipcamp.

It is recommended to spend at least 2 to 3 days in Kenai Fjords National Park to fully experience and appreciate the park's beauty, wildlife, and activities. This allows time for exploring the park, taking a boat tour or kayaking trip, and hiking on the various trails available.

Yes, there are bears in Kenai Fjords National Park. Both black bears and brown bears (also known as grizzly bears) can be found in the park. It's important to practice bear safety measures, such as proper food storage, making noise while hiking, and carrying bear spray to ensure the safety of both humans and bears.

Top points of interest near Kenai Fjords National Park

Top cities near Kenai Fjords National Park

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.