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Tonsina Point at Caines Head

3 ReviewsAdd Review

This free state park campground requires a 2.1-mile hike from Lowell Point, gaining about 250 feet of elevation through forest before dropping to the coastline. The trail serves as the access route to Caines Head, but tide timing becomes critical—campers can only safely pass certain shoreline sections at low tide.

The camping area sits back in the forest with 5-6 semi-private sites featuring fire circles and scattered tent spots. Two bear bins store food safely, while two covered picnic tables provide shelter during Alaska's frequent rain. A vault toilet serves the area, though campers must bring their own toilet paper. No running water exists, but a nearby stream offers a filtering source. Beach camping presents an alternative for clear weather, with eagle and harlequin duck sightings common at dawn. Weekend crowds thin considerably on weekdays.

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Location

Public Campground

Tonsina Point at Caines Head is located in Alaska

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

60.04552496 N
149.4430814 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the beautiful forest and beach setting with flat camping sites and good basic amenities including bear storage and covered areas. Access requires attention to tide schedules and a 2+ mile hike.

Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2024

Tent Camping + Tonsina Cabin

We didn't get to stay in the cabin this time, but it looks nice! It was built recently. The cabin can be reservered in advance, see more info about it here: https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspcabins/tonsinacabin.htm

You have two options for getting here:

Rainy weather is common here, but fortunately there are covered areas for cooking/eating.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Tonsina Point at Caines Head by Les R., July 29, 2024
  • Review photo of Tonsina Point at Caines Head by Les R., July 29, 2024
  • Review photo of Tonsina Point at Caines Head by Les R., July 29, 2024
  • (7) View All
Stacey C.
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2018

Beautiful location, lots of campsite choices

Tonsina Point Campground is the first campground, 2.1mi hike in from Lowell Point, on the way out to Caines Head/North Beach or is a great destination to camp on its own. Parking at the trail head does cost $5/night or is free with a season pass. The trail passes through beautiful forest and gains some elevation, about 250ft, before dropping down to the coast line. To access Caines Head after Tonsina, one MUST pay attention to the tide tables and can only safely pass the shoreline at low tide. We arrived late in the day, and low tide was at 7am the next day, so camping at Tonsina was a perfect choice. Now mind you, it gets crowded on the weekends on this trail, but we came out on a Thursday in late summer and the campground was empty.

The campground itself is set back in the forest for some windbreak. There is about 5 or 6 semi private, flat sites with fire circles with dispersed places for tents here and there. There is a long drop toilet but NO toilet paper. There are two bear bins for food with two picnic tables that has an overhead shelter roof. Great on rainy days. No running water but there's a gorgeous stream nearby for filtering.

If it's a nice day like we had, bypass the official camping area and camp on the beach. We found a lovely flat spot well above the waterline. Woke up to eagles, harlequin ducks and glacier views. Kept our food in the bear bins as there are frequent bear sightings.

We continued on to Caines Head/North Beach the next night but I'd also have been perfectly happy to relax on the beach with a book and some binoculars for a few days.

SiteThe beach
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Tonsina Point at Caines Head by Stacey C., August 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Tonsina Point at Caines Head by Stacey C., August 24, 2018
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cabin available at Tonsina Point, and how do I reserve it?

Yes, there is a cabin available at Tonsina Point that was built recently. To reserve the cabin, you'll need to book in advance through the Alaska State Parks reservation system. You can find specific information and make reservations at the official Alaska Department of Natural Resources website: https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspcabins/tonsinacabin.htm. The cabin is a popular option for those wanting more shelter while enjoying this beautiful area.

How do I access the Tonsina Point camping area in Seward, Alaska?

Tonsina Point Campground is accessible via a 2.1-mile hike from Lowell Point near Seward, Alaska. You'll need to park at the trailhead, which costs $5 per night (free with a season pass). The trail passes through beautiful forest with some elevation gain before reaching the campground. This is the first campground you'll encounter when hiking toward Caines Head/North Beach, though many visitors choose Tonsina Point as their final destination for camping.

What is the hiking trail like from Caines Head to Tonsina Point?

The trail from Caines Head to Tonsina Point is part of a beautiful coastal route through the forest. When traveling from Caines Head toward Tonsina Point, you'll be on a 2.1-mile section of trail that features forest scenery and some elevation changes. Tonsina Point itself offers a nice pavilion and fire pit area for visitors. The trail is well-maintained and provides scenic views, making it suitable for day hikers as well as those planning to camp at either location.

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