Camping

Katmai only has one established campground, Brooks Camp, but has plenty of backcountry camping options.

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Camping Details

Only one established campground — Brooks Camp Campground — is in the park. Located on the shores of Naknek Lake, the campground is reservation only, and you'd better make your reservation far in advance. With scenic views of the lake and unparalleled opportunities for viewing bears, the campground is touted as one of the best in the country. The campground does not have designated sites at the campground; simply a 60-person maximum. It is surrounded by an electric fence meant to deter bears, however this does not guarantee a bear-free environment. All food is still kept in bear canisters. The campground has cooking shelters, bathrooms, food storage lockers, gear storage lockers, fuel storage lockers, potable water, and fire pits. The campground costs $12 per person per night between June and mid September, and $6 per person per night from mid-September through October, and in May. You can also opt to backcountry camp anywhere else in the park, with the exception of a few specific no-camping zones: Geographic Harbor, Hallo Bay and the confluence of Funnel Creek and Moraine Creek. The no-camping restrictions are in effect from May through August, and are intended to mitigate potential conflict between visitors and bears at these popular feeding grounds. You are limited to 14 consecutive days at a single location, and must move at least two miles away if you wish to continue camping in a given area. Observe Leave No Trace principles. No permits or fees associated with backcountry camping.

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