Discover the best beach campgrounds in Alaska with campfires

United States
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Alaska

98% (282 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Alaska

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top beach campgrounds in Alaska with campfires

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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)

Valdez Adventure Alliance

27 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Valdez, AK

Once run by the state but is now managed by VAA. The beautiful Blueberry Lake campground on Thompson Pass has spectacular 360-degree mountain views. 20 sites are available on a paved loop road near the lake. Vault toilets and a water pump are available for use. Several sites work well as group camping sites. There are no RV hookups or pull-throughs. The McAllister cabin, at the mouth of Shoup Bay Marine State Park, is best accessed by kayak or boat. There is a narrow, tide dependent channel that leads to the inner lagoon where Moraine and Kittiwake cabins are located. Kayaks recommended for access.

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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!

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Grizzly Annie’s, bunk beds

9 sites · Lodging11 acres · Talkeetna, AK

Grizzly Annie’s Cabin, has an arctic entry, small sitting and eating area, gallery kitchen with stove, microwave, air fryer, refrigerator. The bathroom has toilet, sink, shower. On demand hot water. There is a washer and a dryer (fee). The bunk beds are in a tiny nook. There is one other room, staff quarters. There are many back country trails, promising a true wilderness experience to off roaders whether on foot, on a bike, or atv. Our dock is a good place to launch small craft. A paved bike trail connects to Talkeetna or the Parks Highway. Monday - Thursday, available for one night stays. Friday - Sunday, minimum two night stay

Wildrose Cabins

3 sites · Lodging3 acres · Clam Gulch, AK

Forested land with direct trails to hundreds of miles of trailsLearn more about this land:Real log cabins located in a forested view, very quiet local.

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AK Fisher Family Glamping

5 sites · Lodging, Tents3 acres · Anchor Point, AK

Welcome to our beautiful, small home-big view property! We are a family of 5 (mom, dad, 3 kids*), plus a dog** and a cat***. Our home is just north of Anchor Point, and about 20 miles north of Homer. We have spectacular views of Cook Inlet, the volcanoes across the bay, Anchor Point Beach, and the mouth of the Anchor River. We know all the best activities and things to see and do, best restaurants, fishing charters, river and lake fishing spots, kayaking/canoe spots, and more! Let us know what you’re into and we can help you find so many fun things to keep you busy on the Kenai Peninsula! Our property has lots of space for tent camping, room for one or two RV’s (depending on size), and we have a 16 ft heated yurt with king bed (no running water, but we have power via extension cord. Yurt has a wood stove and natural gas heater.) Our family lives on the property, in a small cabin, which is attached to the yurt (although they are entirely separate and have no connected door area at this time). We are in the process of building an outhouse, and it should be completed by mid-May. It will be a shared outhouse close to both the yurt and the camping spaces. You will find our family hanging out on the property quite often, working on our land and gardening, exploring outside, or beachcombing down at the Anchor Point beach, just a short drive from our home. Amenities (available to tent campers and yurt guests): Outhouse (connected to our septic, so no smell!), charcoal grill (bring your own charcoal) and propane grill (we provide propane), metal fire pit, roasting sticks, firewood, picnic table, water from hose, table/food prep area, some camp chairs and yard furniture, yard toys for kids, etc. and a large, lovely, mostly flat yard for setting up tents. Yurt Amenities: The private entryway into the yurt is its own extra space for you to use. We have it set up with a mini fridge, microwave, basic cooking utensils, pots/pans, dishes, a basic sink (no running water, but use of water jugs), a hot plate, and a few other basic kitchen amenities. Outhouse is shared with other campers on the property, and is only a short walk. King sized bed inside the yurt, with all bedding supplied (lots of pillows and blankets). Firewood supplied, if you want to heat with wood stove. Some kids books and toys are inside the yurt, but kid things are well contained and not readily noticeable or in the way, for those without kids. Yurt has two windows, which have covers to block out our many hours of daylight in summertime, when you’re trying to sleep. Our home and property are safe for all - we are allies to the LGBTQ+ community, as well as people of all colors, ahe’s and walks of life! We are very accepting and loving, and want everyone to feel like they are safe and welcomed with us. We are a very kid-friendly property, with lots of outdoor yard toys to share, various sized bikes, beach toys, and more! (In some circumstances, we can also give access to additional things, like extra camping gear, life jackets, camp chairs, coolers, short-term freezer space, etc.) At this time, we are not allowing people to bring pets to our property. * Our teenager works away from home in summertime. We have a 5 yr old boy and almost 4 yr old girl, who will be on the property with us. They are very friendly and social and love meeting new people! They will ask you lots of questions and tell you all about themselves. ** Our dog is a 1.5 yr old Labrador-golden retriever mix. He is very friendly and loving, but is also still a puppy and sometimes jumps and gets excited. Overall, he is very well behaved. He wanders the property with our kids, but never strays far. We have a fully enclosed, fenced-in area for him, if anyone is uncomfortable with him being loose in the yard, and he is perfectly happy in there! When you first arrive, he might bark at you once, until you pet him and he realizes you’re his friend, and then he’ll stay by your side and ask for constant pets! *** Our cat is an outdoor cat and is very social and loves people! Yurt is 100% cat-free, for those with allergies.

MIRAMAR ALASKA

2 sites · Tents1 acres · Juneau, AK

I bought this property in the middle of a pandemic to get away or society I found out these beautiful and amazing inspired to do things the society Cant offer me. If you want to experiment and get away and try to find yourself or just be yourself this is the e best place in the work. At night you can admire the stars.Learn more about this land:You can appreciate the best sunrise in this spot with from view to the Ocean. Through the summer this is the best spot to do different activities like Hiking, Exploring, Fishing, Meditation, Swimming, Kayaking. In the area is full with old building from the mining ⛏ just 15 minutes from the property is the Nevada mine and just cross to the property is the Nevada Creek.

Chief Anaxootz Campground

2 sites · Tents2 acres · Craig, AK

Learn more about this land:Be one of the first to experience the beach front camping, serenity and views of our little slice of paradise. Pitch your tent and get out there to see what Prince of Wales Island has to offer! We are 3 miles out of the largest town on the island, yet close enough to walk if needed. A husky and mini dachshund on property, other pets allowed as long as they get along!

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The Octagon at Port Protection

1 site · LodgingPort Protection, AK

After the first octagon burned in a mighty blaze, the village of Port Protection rallied to rebuild what was lost. What was built, was a mighty 8 sided dwelling fit for a king of the muskeg!!! Still in the family, the octagon is set betwixt the beautiful and mysterious Tongass National Forest and the sea. Just steps away is Keleske's 'woodin' wheel cove, an idyllic sandy pebbly sunset beach where you can launch a kayak, beach comb for ancient native american artifacts, or just lounge around with a beer in one hand or a joint in the other. Port Protection has always been cannabis friendly, and as of 2015, it was officially written into the village charter! Come and experience a place that even National Geographic couldn't pass up. Or you could just sit at home and watch the show ... its up to you!Learn more about this land:The Octagon is a rustic three-bedroom cabin with a full bath and kitchen set just steps from a beautiful, sandy sunset beach in Port Protection, Alaska. It's perfect for a family or a large group of campers. The cabin comfortably sleeps 4, but I will accept up to 8. To get a better idea of the area, check out the NatGeo show, Port Protection!

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Magical Camping Ocean,Volcano Views

2 sites · Tents5 acres · Clam Gulch, AK

Learn more about this land: This Clam Gulch 5.5 acre property offers Bluff tent camping in two locations: Campsite 1 The Meadows, a very large meadow overlooking Cook Inlet and Campsite 3 The Sweet Spot, a secluded meadow with an unbelieveable view of Cook Inlet and Mount Redoubt . Wake up and watch the surf roll in from 200' up. The only thing you will hear is birds and surf. The Site 1 The Meadows, is a very large meadow which is kept mowed. It is accessed by foot on a loop trail from the parking area (the Moose Trail) or from parking near the Pink Shed. It is close to the outdoor table and gazebo allowed for guest use. This site can accomodate three tents. Site 3 The Sweet Spot is the newest campsite. It is also accessed by the Moose Trail, and has an unbelievable view of Cook Inlet and Mount Redoubt. Have coffee and watch the sun rise. It is about 100 yards from the parking area Trails to the meadows are maintained and marked. Campers may use the gazebo, picnic table, swing, charcoal barbecue, and the granite table located on the Bluff near the Owner's cabin, next to the gazebo. Vehicles must park in designated campsite parking areas, and campers take the short walk to Site 1 or Site 3 camping meadows. There is a Porta-Potty Near the Bluff Cabin. There is also a first aid kit. Campers please bring your own water. We recommend 8 gallons for two days. Closest potable free water for refills is Rocky's in Kasilof. Volcano and ocean views to die for! This is approximately 3.5 hours from Anchorage. Clam Gulch Beach is 4 miles, Deep Creek Beach and Ninilchik Beach is 14 miles. Anchor Point and Homer are less than an hour's drive.

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The Bluff Cabin at Clam Gulch

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Clam Gulch, AK

The Bluff Cabin at Clam Gulch is located at Magical Camping! The cabin is 12' x 24' with a great layout. The cabin includes a kitchen area, a full size murphy bed that looks out over Cook Inlet and Mt Reboubt, and a sweet one burner Jotul wood stove for heat and cooking. The cabin comes with enough firewood for a two-night stay. Wake up and have French press coffee in bed looking at the eagles fly by, riding the thermals. This is the dream romantic getaway! Hear only the surf crashing, and birds!! There is a porta potty located between two outbuildings near the cabin. Please park in front of the Bluff Cabin. Guests will enjoy the grassy bluff and the built-in fire pit, the gazebo and the granite table for cooking and washing. There is a charcoal barbeque available for guests, bring your own charcoal. The cabin is dry and non-electric. There is no wifi, but has cellular connectivity. The cabin will be supplied with 8 gallons of potable water, but guests can always bring extra, or refill water at the Kasilof Mercantile just 7 miles away. They also have groceries! The closest gas station is also 7 miles away in Kasilof. Clam Gulch Beach Access is just 4 miles away, with miles and miles of beach to walk! Ninilchik is 14 miles down the road where guests can find the Old Ninilchik Beach Access, or the Deep Creek Beach Access, and also the Three Bears Grocery Story and Roscoe's Pizza.

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Driftwood Wilderness Lodge

1 site · Lodging13 acres · Larsen Bay, AK

Learn more about this land:Create your own adventure in the wonders of the wilderness. Fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, nature photography, and hiking are just the beginning. Contact Nick to create a week of activities customized for you and your group. Make sure to take time to enjoy the silence, where the only noise is the occasional bush plane.If you appreciate recycling and upcycling, you’ll love the hand-made touches at Driftwood Wilderness Lodge. The lodge was built by hand by Nick and DWL volunteers – and all the dimensional lumber used for the buildings was salvaged from the sea and milled onsite.Driftwood Wilderness Lodge is located on a secluded lagoon with views of Uyak Bay, which is 60 miles southwest of the city of Kodiak. The nearby village of Larsen Bay is home to about 100 people and according to Travel Alaska is next to some of the best fishing grounds in the Kodiak Archipeligo. During the summer, when the local cannery is open, the population of Larsen Bay swells to 300, and a local mercantile store is open. The store supplies locals and visitors with food, gear, and most importantly – a rare Alaskan treat for those who are off the grid, ice cream!Larsen Bay is surrounded by Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, a 2,812-square-mile preserve that covers most of Kodiak Island. The refuge offers rugged mountains and alpine meadows, wetlands, and spruce forests. Wildlife viewing is excellent there, and it is home to the giant Kodiak brown bear and more than 200 different species and 600 breeding pairs of bald eagles. Marine life includes seals, sea lions, porpoises, sea otters, whales and puffins. There are no roads, and no maintained trails, so the best way to view wildlife is by chartered boat or plane.Fishing is the main interest of most visitors to Larsen Bay. The area features protected bays and inlets near the village or the open ocean for salmon, halibut, lingcod and rockfish. DWL is a boat ride away from stream fishing for salmon, steelhead and Dolly Varden. Guests enjoy trips to the Karluk River, which is world famous for its sockeye salmon and king salmon runs.Your stay includes 3 meals per day, transport from Larsen Bay Airport to the Wilderness Lodge, and bear and whale watching from the lodge deck. I recommend booking your flight with Vertigo Air Taxi or Island Air Service. Please let me know if you have any questions, happy to help you organize your trip out to the Driftwood Wilderness Lodge.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Chugach National Forest

Tatitlek, Alaska

The gentle trail hugs the water’s edge for a mile upstream, continuing over a small wood bridge and returns in the same fashion on the other side. Look up to spot wildlife in the rocky outcrops on both sides of the valley.

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Denali National Park & Preserve

Petersville, Alaska

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Tongass National Forest

Sitka, Alaska

Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park

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Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park

Halibut Cove, Alaska

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Kenai River Special Management Area

Quartz Lake State Recreation Area

Big Delta, Alaska

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Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

Big Lake, Alaska

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Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area

Fox, Alaska

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Stariski State Recreation Site

Nikolaevsk, Alaska

Beach camping in Alaska with campfires guide

Overview

Alaska is a bucket list trip for people around the globe thanks to some of the world's largest intact ecosystems and the chance to spot incredible wildlife. Here you'll find wild salmon runs filling the ocean bays and rivers where brown bears feast, plus giant moose roaming the big river valleys and mountains. While some incredible parts of Alaska are accessible by highways, many areas are so remote that road systems don't exist, meaning access is by bush flight, boat, or on foot. Camping in Alaska can mean everything from pitching tents on a riverbank or enjoying comfortable RV parks adjacent to wild areas.

Where to go

Bristol Bay

Bristol Bay is an expansive region with massive lakes, huge ocean bays and wild rivers. It’s known for abundant salmon runs that draw anglers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Visit Katmai National Park and Preserve to watch bears catch salmon on Brooks Falls or fish for salmon and giant rainbow trout on the mighty Kvichak River. Lake Iliamna and the rivers in this area offer incredible fishing, sightseeing and boating.

Kenai Peninsula

Some areas in Alaska are road accessible, making them perfect for camping and exploring at your own pace. The Kenai Peninsula is one of those special places where you can experience the best of Alaska from RV sites and tent camping areas at private and public campgrounds in places like Soldotna. Go fishing on the mighty Kenai River for salmon and trout, take a cruise through the Kenai Fjords National Park, take a dog sledding tour or go hiking on the many miles of trails on this wild peninsula.

Southeast Alaska

The rugged Southeast coastline is dotted with small communities, many of which are isolated from any highway systems. Ketchikan and Juneau are two hubs to visit for access to the expansive Tongass National Forest. Prince of Wales Island has limited services but rental vehicles and island roads allow for access to go fishing and hunting in this remote area.

Denali National Park

Accessible by road system, Denali National Park leads many visitors to fly into Anchorage and rent a vehicle or RV to visit. The incredible peak is more than 20,000-feet high and the surrounding Alaska Range is absolutely stunning. If you want an unforgettable view, consider flightseeing tours to gain elevation and really get into the mountains. Moose and bear sightings are common and the trails offer a range of hiking options for visitors. This park is fantastic and is accessible for a wide range of budgets and camping styles.

Alaska is a two-season state where it’s either feeling like summer or winter. In summer, the days are long, leaving plenty of time to explore and very little darkness to help you sleep. The inverse is true during the winter months. The first snowfall, also called termination dust, typically arrives sometime in September and it coincides with rapid color changes and shorter days. Most visitors arrive during summer when the salmon are running and bush flights operate in places like Bristol Bay on regular flight schedules. Although summer is ideal for most campers, winter does have special events like dog sledding races and views of the northern lights.