Map showing campground location near Seward, Alaska

Camper submitted image from North Beach at Caines Head State Rec Area

North Beach at Caines Head State Rec Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reaching North Beach at Caines Head requires planning before you ever pack a bag. The campground sits roughly 5 miles from the boat launch at Lowell Point, accessible only by sea kayak, water taxi, or a tide-dependent hike along the coast. Hikers must check tide tables carefully; the trail becomes dangerous once water levels rise above +3 feet, and at least one group has come away with injuries from ignoring that threshold. A water taxi runs one-way for around $50, making it a practical option for the return leg after a multi-day stay.

Once at camp, the site layout gives campers a choice between tent platforms just off the pebble beach and spots set back into the woods for wind protection. A covered cooking and eating shelter with picnic tables stays dry during rain, which is common in this part of Alaska. Two vault toilets are kept reasonably clean, though there is no toilet paper provided and no running water on site. A nearby stream works for filtering. Campers have reported seeing bald eagles, ravens, Steller's jays, seals, porpoises, and at least one whale from camp.

The WWII-era Fort McGilvray sits a short hike up from the beach and is larger than most visitors expect. Bring a flashlight. Campfires are permitted on the pebble beach, and the westward-facing shoreline means the sun sets over the water. Caines Head State Recreation Site Public Use Cabins provides a reservable alternative nearby, and those planning a broader trip can browse places to camp around Seward for additional staging options. As Stacey C. notes, "no running water but there's a lovely stream for water filtering nearby." This campground suits paddlers, hikers, and anyone willing to coordinate logistics for a remote coastal stay.

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Map & DirectionsNorth Beach at Caines Head State Rec Area is located in Alaska near Seward

Public Campground

Coordinates

59.98980653 N
149.38913297 W

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group
Cabins
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

8 hrs 6 min from Fairbanks, AK

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - North Beach at Caines Head State Rec Area

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4 Reviews

Many visitors described this as one of the most spectacular campsites accessible by boat or low-tide hiking, with excellent tent platforms and stunning views. Facilities are basic but functional, requiring campers to bring toilet paper and filter stream water.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Les R.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2024

Well maintained campground near hike to WWII fort

Although we didn't camp here overnight, we ended up staying in the campground for a couple hours waiting out the rain. The vault toilets and covered group cooking/eating areas were in great shape and stayed dry.

From the campground, we hiked up to explore the abandoned WWII fort, Fort McGilvray. Super interesting and much bigger than I expected! See the full hiking route here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/caines-head-trail

You have two options for getting here:

1. Hiking in, which we did on the way in. It is very important to check the tides, and it is recommended to avoid hiking along the beach once the tide reaches+3. See tide tables here: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9455090&legacy=1
2. Water taxi, which we did on the way back. The water taxi that we took was priced was$50 one-way. Rainy weather is common here, but fortunately there are covered areas for cooking/eating.

Month of VisitJuly

(9) View All

Shari G.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 7, 2023

Totally Worth the Effort to Get Here!

To celebrate our 10th nomadiversary and 22nd wedding anniversary, we sea kayaked into this incredible campground about 5 miles from the boat launch point at Lowell Point, and found the most perfect tent platform just off the beach. This may be one of the most spectacular campsites we’ve ever enjoyed that is just a few miles from shore. Making a camp fire on the pebble beach to cook our dinner and watch the sun go down couldn’t have been a better way to end the day!

A short walk up a trail, there’s a picnic shelter with food storage lockers, and a fire rig.

A few more yards toward the ranger cabin you’ll find the two vault toilets (rustic, yet clean), but don’t forget to bring your own toilet paper. This place is a paddlers dream, with easy beach access and a sheltered cove. Paddle around the headland to the south beach and you’ll find sheer rocky cliffs and sea arches -- in good weather this is simply stunning.

If the weather is too harsh for paddling, there’s a great hiking trail leading between the two camping areas with a side trail up to the remains of Fort McGilvray, a World War II era fort. Truly beautiful hike, gorgeous views, and very interesting history.

Resurrection Bay, and Seward AK, is one of the most visited areas of the Kenai Peninsula. Visitors can access this area by boat, cruise ship, plane, train, motor vehicle, bicycle, or on foot. But, getting to Caines Head SRA is a bit of a logistical challenge, but totally worth the effort. The parking area is limited, with only a few spots for RV’s of any length, in the upper lot. But the experience is so worth it. There are a couple of cabins that are reservable through the DNR scattered throughout the Caines Head area. These are accessible via boat or at very low tide.

Month of VisitSeptember

(14) View All

Brandy T.

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 2, 2018

Stunning Views

We had to take a boat in and I think you can only hike in during low tide. But I camped here for a week and it was the most gorgeous place I have ever been. Waking up every morning with mountains and ocean in view was so surreal. We also saw a whale from our camp, tons of seals, porpoises, and beautiful birds. There were bald eagles, ravens, and Stellar’s jays. I highly recommend for primitive camping.

Stacey C.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2018

Beautiful Basecamp for exploring the Caines Head area

WHAT YOU MUST KNOW: The campground is either accessible via boat or hiking in at LOW TIDE ONLY. It is a lovely hike along the coast with views of eagles, bears, glaciers etc. 5.1 miles one way from Lowell point. The campsite is free but parking is $5/day or free with your state parks pass.

We found South Beach to be a wonderful place to camp. There are a few brand new wooden platforms that we set one of our tents up on, but there are lots of sites both in the woods a little way for wind protection but also along the beach and up on the grass before the beach. There are two bear bins for food. The one nearest us had a nice overhang shelter with 4 picnic tables for cooking/eating. It did rain so we appreciated having somewhere dry to eat and listen to the horror story from the group that ignored the low tide warning and were nursing their wounds from falling on the razor sharp rocks.

No running water but there's a lovely stream for water filtering nearby. 2 outhouses- Warning, no TP. Bring your own!

The trailhead to Caines head/Fort Mcgilvray is at the end of the beach by the abandoned pier and easy to find. Long story short (see the website), Fort Mcgilvray is an old abandoned WW2 fort that is worth the hike uphill to explore. Bring a flashlight. Really gorgeous views of the bay from the top. Great place for lunch at the old gun emplacements. There's even picnic tables at the lookout. There are a few other trails to explore and even a few days at the beach with a good book and a pair of binoculars would be some great R+R.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping options near Seward, Alaska?

North Beach at Caines Head State Recreation Area is one of the most spectacular camping options near Seward. This remote campground offers incredible views of mountains and ocean, with opportunities to see whales, seals, porpoises, and other wildlife right from your campsite. The campground features tent platforms, vault toilets, and covered group cooking/eating areas. Other good options near Seward include the more accessible campgrounds at Lowell Point, Exit Glacier, and Miller's Landing, though North Beach offers a unique backcountry experience for those willing to make the journey.

Is North Beach Campground a good place to stay when visiting Seward?

North Beach Campground is an excellent place to stay when visiting Seward if you're seeking a remote, stunning backcountry experience. The campground offers breathtaking views of mountains and ocean, wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to hiking trails including the historic Fort McGilvray. However, it's not ideal for everyone as it requires either boat transportation or a 5.1-mile hike from Lowell Point that's only accessible during low tide. The campsite is free, though parking at Lowell Point costs $5/day (free with a state parks pass).

Can you camp on the beaches near Seward, Alaska?

Yes, you can camp on beaches near Seward, with North Beach at Caines Head State Recreation Area being a prime example. This beach campground offers tent platforms directly adjacent to the shoreline, providing magnificent ocean and mountain views. Access is limited to boat transportation or hiking during low tide only. The camping area includes basic amenities like vault toilets and covered cooking areas. Always check local regulations and tide tables before planning beach camping near Seward, as accessibility and rules vary by location.

How do I access Caines Head cabins from Seward?

To access Caines Head cabins from Seward, you have two options. The first is taking a boat directly from Seward or arranging water taxi service from Lowell Point, which is the most straightforward method. Alternatively, you can hike the 5.1-mile coastal trail from Lowell Point, but this is only possible during low tide windows. The hike offers beautiful views of eagles, bears, glaciers, and marine life. If hiking, check tide tables carefully before departing, as the trail becomes impassable at high tide. Parking at Lowell Point costs $5/day or is free with a state parks pass.

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