Beach camping near Homer with hiking
Camp near Homer for some of coastal Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula’s best wilderness.
- Homer
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6 top beach campgrounds near Homer with hiking
Dog-friendly getaways
Beach camping near Homer with hiking guide
Overview
At the western edge of the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is an Alaskan adventure outpost that puts world-class parks, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating within arms’ reach. Birders are drawn to the area each summer to view migratory bird rookeries by boat, while the surrounding Kachemak Bay State Park and Kenai Glacier National Park offer backcountry camping and extraordinary access to glaciers, mountains, and rugged coastal Alaskan terrain. Hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking are popular summer activities, while winter features opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Where to go
Homer Surrounds
Just 25 minutes outside of Homer, the Stariski State Recreation Site has mind-blowing views of the Cook Inlet and snow-capped Aleutian Range peaks, plus a number of nearby private campsites. A bit further north, the famous king salmon runs at Deep Creek State Recreation Area attract anglers in June and July. In town, the Homer Spit is a great place to catch a water taxi to Gull Island for the chance to spot puffins and other seabirds. You can also embark from Homer on an epic birding trip to Kodiak via a ferry route that traverses the Barren Islands and parts of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.
Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park
Across the water from Homer (and accessible via water taxi), the Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park provide superb wilderness access, including over 80 miles of hiking trails covering mountains, glaciers, forests, coastlines, and lakes. Visitors may spot seabirds; marine mammals such as whales, otters, or sea lions; and land animals like moose, bears, and mountain goats.
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife refuge protects much of the central Kenai Peninsula, and Homer is near the Skilak Lake and Kenai River sections of the refuge. This area is home to numerous rafting, canoeing, and hiking opportunities, all within striking distance of Homer campsites and RV parks.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Although Homer appears close to Kenai Fjords National Park on a map, the primary point of entry to this park is through Seward, which is roughly a 3.5-hour drive from Homer. If you can make it to Seward, this area is home to various ferries and charter boats that can take you into the park’s fjords and waterways. There is also hiking access to the park’s Exit Glacier Area just outside of Seward.
When to go
Alaska’s summers have long days, great weather, mosquito pressure, and lots of campers, so plan your activities accordingly. Peak birding and fish run seasons are roughly from May to September. Winters are frigid and dark, but travelers may be rewarded with snowsports and a glimpse of the northern lights.
