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Best Campgrounds near Port Alsworth, AK

3 Reviews

Lake Clark National Park & Preserve near Port Alsworth, Alaska provides remote backcountry camping experiences with limited established facilities. The region includes several rustic cabin options and backcountry tent sites, particularly around Lake Kontrashibuna where dispersed camping is permitted. Priest Rock Cabin and Joe Thompson Cabin offer boat-accessible accommodations within the national park, while Tulchina Adventures provides more developed options with amenities like showers and drinking water. Most camping areas require boat or air transportation to access, as road infrastructure is minimal in this wilderness region.

Access to camping areas near Port Alsworth typically requires coordination with bush plane services or water taxis, as most sites are not connected by roads. Lake Clark National Park experiences a subarctic climate with mild summers and cold winters, with most visitation occurring between June and September when temperatures are moderate. Permits are not required for backcountry camping at Lake Kontrashibuna, though cabin reservations must be made in advance through the National Park Service. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the region, requiring careful advance planning. "Pure solitude: there is no other way to describe our time here. We encountered maybe a handful of other hikers in three days around the Port Alsworth area of Lake Clark National Park."

Campers report exceptional solitude and pristine natural settings as primary attractions in the Port Alsworth area. Lake Kontrashibuna offers scenic tent camping with views of surrounding mountains and access to hiking trails, including the route to Tanalian Mountain with its panoramic vistas. The public use cabins provide rustic shelter for those seeking a more established base. According to one visitor, "This spacious warm cabin has amazing views! The cabin is furnished with bunk beds and NRS sleeping mats." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with fishing particularly good near the cabins and at nearby Kijik River. Most camping areas feature fire rings where permitted, though firewood availability varies by location. Visitors should be prepared for complete self-sufficiency in this remote Alaskan wilderness.

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Best Camping Sites Near Port Alsworth, Alaska (4)

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Recent Reviews near Port Alsworth, AK

3 Reviews of 4 Port Alsworth Campgrounds

  • B
    Dec. 5, 2019

    Joe Thompson Cabin — Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

    So much fun

    Joe Thompson's cabin is a rustic historical cabin much like Proenneke's One Man's Wilderness cabin at Twin Lakes. It is a small log cabin with minimal windows for light so be sure and bring a lantern. The location is stunning with views of western Lake Clark. Directly behind the cabin is Portage Creek trail which takes you above tree line in less than 2 hours. This historical route was climbed daily by Joe Thompson as he mined for gold near the summit. Thompsons cabin is located on the lakeshore and a series of nearby islands provides fun exploring by kayak. This cabin can be combined with Priest Rock public cabin for a kayak tour of Lake Clark. Water taxi and kayak rentals are available from www.tulchinaadventures.com

  • B
    Dec. 4, 2019

    Priest Rock Cabin — Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

    Perfect Getaway

    This spacious warm cabin has amazing views! The cabin is furnished with bunk beds and NRS sleeping mats. All beds are located in one room, but there is plenty of good tent space near the cabin if anyone felt they needed more space. Fishing is good at the cabin or at nearby Kijik River. Hiking is limited here but there is plenty to explore with kayaks. Tulchina Adventures www.tulchinaadventures.com provides water taxi services, kayak rentals and camping gear rentals in Port Alsworth.

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jul. 27, 2017

    Lake Kontrashibuna Backcountry camping — Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

    Beautiful, serene lake close to Port Alsworth

    Pure solitude: there is no other way to describe our time here.

    We encountered maybe a handful of other hikers in three days around the Port Alsworth area of Lake Clark National Park. And it was amazing!

    Because we didn’t want to take the one-day fly-in bear viewing trip here, we coordinated a series of regularly-scheduled bush plane flights with Lake & Pen Air to get the cheapest flights to and from Port Alsworth.

    After landing, we hiked with our gear out to Lake Kontrashibuna, past Tanalian Falls, and to Lake Kontrashibuna. There are no designated sites, but some areas that were clearly used for that purpose. Ours was nestled along the lake, with great views and perfect hammock trees for napping.

    Our full day at the park was spent climbing Tanalian Mountain. A few miles and 3,800 feet up the trail, you’ll receive sweeping views of both Lake Clark and Lake Kontrashibuna. And, very likely, no people.

    You can read much more about our two days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Lake Clark)

Guide to Port Alsworth

Camping near Port Alsworth, Alaska, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or simply relax in nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby rivers and lakes. One camper at the Anchor River State Recreation Area shared, "Caught my First King Salmon on my Fly Rod," highlighting the area's great fishing opportunities.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. A visitor at the Stariski State Rec Area noted, "The cliffs provide fantastic views and great hiking spots."
  • Wildlife Tours: Take a bear tour from nearby Homer. A reviewer at the Homer Spit Campground mentioned, "We did a bear tour out of this town and could walk to the boat that was taking us."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. One camper at Whiskey Point Cabins & RV Park said, "There is an amazing ocean and volcano view off a common ground area."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A visitor at the Stariski State Rec Area remarked, "We were the only ones at this campground! It was perfect for two adults in a Campervan that like privacy."
  • Proximity to Amenities: Campers enjoy being close to local shops and restaurants. A reviewer at the Fishing Hole Campground mentioned, "It’s easy to walk to everything."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A camper at the Anchor River State Recreation Area noted, "Does not have electric, water or sewer but if you can be self-contained for a couple of days, it’s great."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A visitor at the Clam Gulch State Rec Area advised, "Bring warm weather gear, wind can pick up quickly here."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Some campgrounds can get busy in the summer. A reviewer at the Homer Spit Campground mentioned, "We were packed in next to our neighbors, but the location was awesome."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities for kids. A camper at the Heritage RV Park said, "The place has a great common area/coffee place/gift shop, and overall a great atmosphere."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities for the kids. A visitor at the Mariner Park noted, "There are so many things to find at the city campground."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on younger children near cliffs or water. A camper at the Stariski State Rec Area warned, "Would not be great for young children as the cliffs could be dangerous."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at the Ocean Shores RV Park mentioned, "The spots are a bit narrow, but most spots have full hookups."
  • Book in Advance: Many RV parks fill up quickly. A camper at the Baycrest RV Park advised, "Make reservations because this place fills up."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Make sure to use dump stations when available. A visitor at the Fishing Hole Campground noted, "There is a dump station on site that used to be free now it’s on the honor system to pay using the machine."

Camping near Port Alsworth, Alaska, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful scenery, fun activities, and a variety of campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Port Alsworth, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Port Alsworth, AK is Lake Kontrashibuna Backcountry camping — Lake Clark National Park & Preserve with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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