Lake Clark National Park and Preserve near Port Alsworth stands as Alaska's most remote national park. This 4-million-acre wilderness sits at elevations ranging from sea level to over 10,000 feet at the summit of volcanic peaks. Camping options concentrate around Lake Kontrashibuna and Lake Clark, requiring backcountry skills and proper equipment for the region's rapidly changing weather patterns.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Lake Kontrashibuna offers exceptional wildlife spotting opportunities in relative isolation. One camper noted, "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!" The area provides excellent moose, bear, and eagle viewing from safe distances.
Summit Tanalian Mountain: The hiking trail from Lake Kontrashibuna Backcountry camping to Tanalian Mountain summit involves a 3,800-foot elevation gain. "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," reports one backcountry camper.
Explore by kayak: The waterways near Joe Thompson Cabin provide excellent paddling routes. "Thompsons cabin is located on the lakeshore and a series of nearby islands provides fun exploring by kayak," notes a visitor. The calm waters and island formations create natural exploration routes for paddlers of various skill levels.
What campers like
Historical connections: The rustic structures offer windows into Alaska's pioneer past. At Joe Thompson Cabin, visitors appreciate its authentic construction and history: "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."
Above-treeline views: The Portage Creek Trail behind Joe Thompson Cabin provides quick access to alpine zones. "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," explains one camper, highlighting both natural beauty and historical significance.
Comfortable cabin amenities: Priest Rock Cabin provides sturdy shelter with sleeping accommodations. A visitor described, "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."
What you should know
Transportation logistics required: All of the best places to camp near Port Alsworth, Alaska require coordination with air taxi services or boat operators. Lake Clark has no road access, necessitating flight arrangements with operators like Lake & Pen Air for the most economical options.
No designated sites at backcountry locations: Lake Kontrashibuna offers dispersed camping without marked sites. According to campers, "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."
Water taxi services available: Tulchina Adventures provides critical transportation services between camping locations. One visitor notes they "provides water taxi services, kayak rentals and camping gear rentals in Port Alsworth," making it possible to link multiple camping locations in a single trip.
Tips for camping with families
Bring lanterns for cabin stays: Historical cabins have limited natural lighting. One visitor to Joe Thompson Cabin advised, "It is a small log cabin with minimal windows for light so be sure and bring a lantern." Solar or battery-powered lanterns work best for family use.
Coordinate kayak rentals ahead: Water exploration enhances the camping experience for families. "Fishing is good at the cabin or at nearby Kijik River. Hiking is limited here but there is plenty to explore with kayaks," notes a visitor to Priest Rock Cabin, highlighting alternative activities when hiking options are limited.
Consider combination trips: Multiple camping locations can be linked for varied experiences. One visitor suggested, "This cabin can be combined with Priest Rock public cabin for a kayak tour of Lake Clark," allowing families to experience different camping environments during a single visit.
Tips from RVers
No vehicle access: Port Alsworth camping areas cannot accommodate RVs due to the lack of road infrastructure. The best places to camp near Port Alsworth require either boat or air transportation, limiting options to tent camping or cabin stays only.
Consider float plane charters: While traditional RVs cannot access the area, some visitors arrange float plane charters from Anchorage or Homer that can transport camping gear. Advance reservations for these services are essential during the June-September high season.
