Established Camping
Caines Head State Recreation Site Public Use Cabins
Description
Caines Head State Recreation Area, the scenic site of an abandoned World War II fort, can be reached by boat or foot from Seward. The massive headland rises 650 feet above Resurrection Bay, against a back drop of rolling alpine meadows and sharp peaks, giving way to a sweeping view of the North Pacific Ocean.
The shale-covered, forest-framed beaches of Caines Head have long been stopping points for boaters and fisherman. But early in World War II, as the territory of Alaska was attacked and occupied by Imperial Japanese ground forces, Caines Head and other Resurrection Bay vantages became strategic spots for defending the Port of Seward. The port was the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad, a critical supply line for the war effort and for Alaskans.
Dock at North Beach Visitors are invited to explore the remains of Fort McGilvray, the South Beach Garrison and the many natural attractions of this 6,000 acre state recreation area.
Trash collection in not provided. Pack out what you pack in. When latrines are not available, bury human waste away from trails and sources of water, both fresh and salt.
Open fires are permitted only on ocean beaches, preferably below mean high tide. Fires elsewhere must be in a portable stove, metal-bottomed container or designated fire site.
Fishing and hunting regulations may be obtained from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
Discharge of firearms is prohibited within 1/2 mile of developed facilities. Target shooting is prohibited in all areas of the recreation area.
Be prepared to handle emergencies yourself. The recreation area is staffed seasonally by a ranger and volunteers who are not always available.
Location
Caines Head State Recreation Site Public Use Cabins is located in Alaska
Directions
Caines Head State Recreation Area lies approximately seven nautical miles south of Seward in Resurrection Bay. The park and cabins can be accessed by a 4.5 mile trail. The trail begins at Lowell Point, with two miles of the trail on beach. The beach portion of the trail must be crossed at low tide, so time your trip with the tides. Recommended tide levels are plus 4 foot low tide or lower during the summer months and plus 3 foot low tide or lower during the winter months. This is to avoid getting stranded between the sea and the cliffs. If you are coming by boat, you should be forewarned that no mooring buoy exists at either cabin. Anchoring is at your own risk. When pulling a skiff, kayak or inflatable ashore, be sure to secure it to avoid losing it at high tide or to surf conditions. Charter boats are available in Seward and provide shuttle services to and from the park and it's cabins.
Address
P.O. Box 1247
Soldotna, AK 99669
Coordinates
60.012069834634744 N
149.41503132513816 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
