Caines Head State Recreation Site

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P.O. Box 1247, Soldotna, Alaska, 99669, United States

Quick Facts

650 ft

Price

$80 - $90/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Alaska State Parks site

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Caines Head State Recreation Site
$80.00 - $90.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Cabins at Caines Head State Recreation Area range between $80 to $90 per night.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 1247, Soldotna, Alaska, 99669, United States

Caines Head State Recreation Site

P.O. Box 1247, Soldotna, Alaska, 99669, United States

Driving directionsCaines Head State Recreation Area lies approximately seven nautical miles south of Seward in Resurrection Bay. The park and cabins can be accessed by a 4.5 mile trail. The trail begins at Lowell Point, with two miles of the trail on beach. The beach portion of the trail must be crossed at low tide, so time your trip with the tides. Recommended tide levels are plus 4 foot low tide or lower during the summer months and plus 3 foot low tide or lower during the winter months. This is to avoid getting stranded between the sea and the cliffs. If you are coming by boat, you should be forewarned that no mooring buoy exists at either cabin. Anchoring is at your own risk. When pulling a skiff, kayak or inflatable ashore, be sure to secure it to avoid losing it at high tide or to surf conditions. Charter boats are available in Seward and provide shuttle services to and from the park and its cabins.
Access is challenging and dependent on tides, as two miles of the trail are on beach and must be crossed at low tide. Recommended tide levels vary by season.
Nearby places
Seward is the closest city, located approximately seven nautical miles from the campground.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available in Seward, including fuel and groceries. Charter boats offer shuttle services to the recreation area and cabins.

Best Time to Camp at Caines Head State Recreation Site

Summer brings gentle conditions perfect for exploration, with temperatures climbing from a crisp 40°F to comfortable hiking weather that invites long days of discovery. As autumn fades to winter, the recreation area transforms into a wild, elemental landscape where fierce winds whip across the water, rain lashes the coastline, and towering waves crash against the shore. These dramatic winter conditions create an awe-inspiring but challenging environment that limits access and reminds visitors of nature's raw power.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer has gentler weather, milder temps and is described as peak season for exploration.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Autumn brings worsening conditions; still accessible but less favorable than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Shoulder season with cooler temps and variable access; less reliable than summer for activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter access is difficult due to heavy seas and adverse weather; cabins year-round but hard to reach.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Summer months are the peak season due to milder temperatures.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Cabins are available year-round but accessibility is challenging during winter due to heavy seas and adverse weather.

About Caines Head State Recreation Site

Where the echoes of World War II meet the pristine wilderness of Alaska, Caines Head State Recreation Area beckons adventurers seeking both historical intrigue and breathtaking natural beauty. Journey through time as you discover the haunting remains of Fort McGilvray, a once-mighty coastal defense installation, while gazing across the sapphire waters of Resurrection Bay toward the endless horizon of the North Pacific Ocean. This extraordinary destination seamlessly weaves together Alaska's military heritage with its raw, untamed landscapes.
The campground offers public-use cabins accessible by boat or on foot, with no RV or glamping accommodations.
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Stay Limit
Guests can stay up to 7 nights per reservation.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Caines Head State Recreation Site offers a mix of historical exploration and outdoor activities, including hiking, sea kayaking, fishing, and wildlife observation. Visitors can explore the remains of Fort McGilvray and South Beach garrison.
HikingThe site features a 4.5-mile coastal trail accessible during low tide, old army road trails to Fort McGilvray, and trails leading to South Beach. Trails vary in difficulty but promise historical landmarks and scenic views.
FishingFishing is mentioned as a popular activity, though no details are provided about the types of fish or specific fishing spots.
BoatingSea kayaking is available, and private or chartered boats can access the recreation area. Visitors are advised to secure their boats due to tide and surf conditions.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities exist, though specific species are not mentioned.
Beach activitiesBeach camping and exploration are available, with shale-covered beaches framed by forests.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include tides stranding hikers, dangerous cliffs at Fort McGilvray, and adverse winter weather conditions.

Weather at Caines Head State Recreation Site

Reviews

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Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Caines Head State Recreation Site has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews provided within the source; therefore, user experiences cannot be summarized.
Review Summaries

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Pro Tips & Recommendations

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Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are informed by general descriptions—summer access is easier, while winter brings difficult conditions.

Camper Quotes

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Site-Specific Reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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