Best Campgrounds near Homer, AK
Campgrounds and dispersed camping options surround Homer, Alaska, a coastal destination known for its scenic beaches and mountain views. The area includes several established campgrounds including Homer Spit Campground along the shoreline and Heritage RV Park, both offering full-service camping with RV hookups. Baycrest RV Park, located further from town, provides cabins and yurt accommodations in addition to traditional tent and RV sites. Mariner Park provides more basic facilities with vault toilets but no hookups, making it suitable for self-contained camping. Accommodation types range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks with water, sewer, and electric connections.
Most Homer area campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September due to Alaska's harsh winters and limited daylight hours in the off-season. The prime camping season coincides with summer tourism, with many facilities closing by mid-September. Several campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak fishing seasons when anglers visit for halibut and salmon. Homer Spit facilities experience high winds due to their exposed beachfront location, while inland sites offer more protection. A camper noted, "We ended up finding this campground which was the only with availability in the woods. It was located in the neighborhood behind the playground/Park."
Beachfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with many campers citing the scenic ocean views as a major highlight. Mariner Park allows camping directly on the beach with views of Kachemak Bay, though several reviews mention strong winds as a potential issue for tent campers. Ocean Shores RV Park provides beach access via a short trail and features clean facilities with full hookups at most sites. Inland campgrounds like the now-closed Karen Hornaday Park offered more protected wooded sites and playground facilities, making them popular with families. A review observed, "We love it every year. Who wouldn't love waking up and going to sleep looking at the ocean?! It does get a bit windy, but it keeps away the famous Alaskan mosquitoes." Wildlife sightings, including moose, are mentioned in several reviews of the inland campgrounds.
