Yurt camping near Ninilchik, Alaska offers access to the pristine wilderness of Kachemak Bay State Park and the surrounding Kenai Peninsula. Located approximately 40 miles southwest of Soldotna on the Sterling Highway, this coastal area experiences cool summer temperatures averaging 55-65°F with frequent rain showers. Most yurts in the region are accessible only via water taxi services from Homer, creating a true wilderness experience without road access.
What to do
Salmon fishing access: Kasilof River Special Use Area provides convenient beach camping near prime fishing locations. "The special use area was open for Subsistence fishing - and made for an easy place to camp outside of Kenai. Not really a scenic site, but efficient with trash and porta potties," notes Stephanie Z.
Beach exploration: At Homer Spit Campground, tides create natural opportunities for discovery. "The tide goes out about 15 feet and comes back in regularly. It was a blast to walk out and explore all the tide pools at low tide," shares Laura H.
Wildlife viewing: From Baycrest RV Park, visitors can spot marine wildlife and birds. "Sites are a little tight but the views are amazing!" reports Brad H., highlighting the campground's prime location for wildlife spotting.
Mountain hiking: Access the South Grace Ridge Trail from Tutka 1 yurt. "Hike up switchbacks through the old growth forest, traverse the alder and grass transition zones, and find the alpine zone at about 1800'. There are spectacular views from the sharp ridges you encounter as you head N. towards the summit," explains Morgan W.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: The shoreline setting at Homer Spit Campground creates memorable experiences. "It doesn't get much better than camping on a beach down on the Homer spit! We luckily had clear skies and no rainy/windy weather when we camped here," writes Laura H.
Yurt comfort: The waterfront yurts at Alaskan Yurt Rentals- China Poot provide rustic shelter with ocean proximity. While specific reviews aren't available for this location, the yurts sit approximately 100 yards from the shoreline, similar to the nearby Tutka 1 yurt.
Clean facilities: Whiskey Point Cabins & RV Park maintains well-kept amenities. "Whiskey Point is a small, full hookup, amazing camp ground with the nicest caretakers. The view is spectacular and we had the entire campground to ourselves," notes a camper.
Proximity to town: Campgrounds near Homer provide convenient access to services. "About 20 min drive from Homer spit. Sites are a little tight but the views are amazing!" states Brad H. about Baycrest RV Park.
What you should know
Water taxi required: Yurts in Kachemak Bay State Park require boat transportation. "We ferried from Homer, which is a GORGEOUS ride," explains Morgan W. about accessing Tutka 1.
Limited facilities: Many remote yurts have minimal amenities. At Kasilof River Special Use Area, "There were about 8 to 10 porta-potties all in a row at the where the beach meets the road. They were disgusting and nearly full," cautions Stacey C.
Seasonal operation: Most yurt rentals operate May through September. "Open 5/7/2019 - 9/15/2019" notes the season for Baycrest RV Park, typical of most area campgrounds.
Weather variability: Homer Baycrest KOA campers note weather impacts. "Very accommodating folks. As others have said, the campground is a good stop with wonderful views if the weather cooperates," mentions Steve C.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: At Diamond M Ranch Resort, children can interact with farm animals. "For starters my children love this campground. It is fun filled with animals, bicycle rentals, basketball court, playground, seasonal berry picking, eagles nest close by, caribou viewing," shares Samantha M.
Beach sleeping tips: For tent camping on sand, bring appropriate gear. "It was nice to sleep on the sand though with air mattresses to avoid some of the rocks!" suggests Laura H. from Homer Spit Campground.
Bathroom planning: Consider bathroom availability at remote sites. "The bathroom facilities were nice but a bit of a walk especially at night - we peed next to our car usually," notes a Homer Spit camper.
Activity variety: Look for campgrounds with multiple options for kids. "It is fun filled with animals, bicycle rentals, basketball court, playground, seasonal berry picking," highlights Samantha M. about Diamond M Ranch Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Whiskey Point, certain sites offer superior views. "What made Sites A–C special was the ocean view from the patios. Site C only fit a short rig. Site A, on the end, also bordered a shared common area where guests could gather to enjoy the water views and sunsets from a high hill perch," explains MickandKarla W.
Utility placement: Check hookup locations when selecting sites. "Utilities were well placed, with water pressure at 35–40 PSI," notes a Whiskey Point camper.
Connectivity options: Cell coverage varies throughout the region. "Verizon service gave us 2 bars of LTE, while T-Mobile was limited to 1 bar roaming. The campground did not have WiFi, but Starlink had a clear shot thanks to the open sky," reports MickandKarla W. at Whiskey Point.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires preparation. "Since we were going to arrive early, we called ahead to see if we could come in at 12:30 PM instead of their 3:00 PM check-in. They said yes, and check-in was a breeze at the small office," shares a Whiskey Point RVer.
