The 10 Best Campgrounds and RV Parks in Homer, Alaska (2023)

FAQs

Where can I park my RV in Homer Alaska? ›

Homer, Alaska – Free Dispersed Camping at Bishop's Beach

To make this work, you have to drive out onto the beach from the parking lot, and then go as far right as you can (Be cognizant of the tide line. It can vary 500 or more feet between high and low tides at spots around Homer.

Why Do RV Parks Have a 10 Year Rule? The “10-Year Rule” was established by campground owners and owners of RV resorts to keep old, poorly maintained motorhomes and travel trailers from parking on their property (especially long term).

U.S. Coast Guard regulations prohibit access to the car deck while a vessel is underway; therefore, RVs and motorhomes may not be used for dining and sleeping while on an AMHS ferry.

The good news is that it's easy to get Netflix in your campervan, motorhome, or caravan. So with streaming services now more accessible than ever, you'll want to make sure you have a reliable WiFi connection or satellite service in your motorhome.

Purchasing an RV park means you're getting in on an already growing market (with even more potential for growth in the coming decade). RV parks also tend to offer higher yields to owners than other commercial property investments. As stated above, investors can expect a 10% to 20% return on investment.

The bundle includes RV safe GPS via the RV Life app, RV Maintenance Tracker with alerts, campground reviews, and more. Search for campgrounds as you drive down the road using the same filters in the computer RVT version: park type, hookups, amenities, big rig friendly, pet friendly, etc.

DOC provides facilities and charges fees on the basis of the campsite category. Fees listed here apply to most campsites in each category, but check individual campsite pages as prices might vary.

Can you get fined for freedom camping? ›

Infringement types and fees

If you breach the Freedom Camping Act 2011 or the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw 2022, we can issue you an infringement notice and fine you up to $200. If you breach the Reserves Act 1977 or a bylaw made under this act, we can fine you up to $800.

What is dispersed camping? Also known as free camping, pirate camping, boondocking, or just plain roughing it… whatever you call it, the rules in the US for vehicle camping in designated Forest Service Land are a godsend for any budget-minded traveler.

Here's the good news: vehicles under 26,000 pounds don't require a special license in any one of the 50 states. And the vast majority of RVs fit that description.

Most people will need to rent RVs when heading to Alaska, but if you're close enough or okay with the long drive, you can take your own RV into Alaska. It's not a straight shot from the lower 48 into Alaska. You need to pass through Canada, and there are some specific rules and guidelines you need to follow.

So, recapping, the RV 3-3-3 rule broken down is to 1) drive no more than 300 miles each travel day, 2) arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. and 3) stay parked for 3 days. This RV driving rule helps to make your RV adventure safer. But also, you and your fellow travelers will enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

The RVing 2/2/2 rule is a safe and effective way to plan your travel. It means drive no more than 200 miles a day, stop every 2 hours, and stay 2 nights in each place. Some RVers also put an appendix on the rule encouraging drivers to arrive at an overnight destination by 2:00 p.m.

Health Scares and decision fatigue. Managing health care while RVing has always been a challenge, and that's before there was a global pandemic. Some RVers have decided to give up RVing because they want or need access to more stable healthcare.

Conversely, sleeping in an RV bed while someone is driving is not allowed. Even if you live in a state where all passengers aren't required to wear a seatbelt, it isn't safe. If your RV comes to a quick stop, your sleeping passenger may end up falling out of bed.

For passengers who opt to travel without a cabin, the recliner lounges also serve as sleeping areas with space to roll out a sleeping bag. Covered solariums located on the upper decks of each vessel are also popular sleeping areas and for those traveling with small tents, they are allowed on the upper decks.

How much does it cost to ferry an RV to Alaska? ›

But figure $4,000 to put your RV on one of the big cargo-hauling vessels run by Tote Maritime, which can get your RV from Tacoma, WA to Anchorage, AK in about 66 hours. The southbound trip from Anchorage to Tacoma is about half that – $2,000.

Getting cellular internet (with a mobile hotspot or a 4G LTE home internet plan) is the best way to get high-speed internet in your RV most of the time. Once you wander away from cellular coverage areas, though, a satellite internet plan or a satellite hotspot will be the only way to connect.

There are four basic options for tuning into digital entertainment in your RV: satellite antennas, over-the-air digital television antennas, cable hookups, and streaming services.

If you're hitting the road, don't forget to include a wireless display adapter on your packing list. Wireless display adapters, such as the ScreenBeam Mini2, allow you to use your phone, tablet or laptop to watch TV in the comfort of your RV.

It is financially smart to live in an RV. Living in an RV means living a lot smaller with a lot less stuff. You have less room for everything – clothes, toys, tools and more saving you a lot of money. Along with less space, you save on utilities and home-improvement projects if you own your home.

Don't tell a salesperson that you're going to be paying all cash, that you're going to trade in your old RV, or that you're going to use their financing. They can structure a deal that might appear suitable to you but ends up serving them in the end.

Google Maps (Android and Apple) is by far the best free option out there. This app allows you to add stops, avoid tolls, and much more.

Plan an RV-friendly route.

Look for any low clearances and propane restrictions for bridges and tunnels. Think about gas stops that won't land you in a parking lot pickle. Be aware of steep grades or switchbacks that may be tricky to navigate in an RV.

Moving your rig to and from a campground takes a lot more than driving a passenger vehicle. You can find yourself in quite the pickle if you use just any ordinary GPS unit. If you plan to travel in unfamiliar areas, having an RV GPS is an essential purchase.

How much do most campsites cost? ›

State park campgrounds can often be just as nice as National Park campgrounds. They are also an inexpensive way to go camping and enjoy beautiful scenery while in nature. Fees for state park camping are usually more expensive than national park campgrounds. Expect to pay $25-$45 a night for campsites.

Bookable campsites need to be booked online before arrival. Non-bookable campsites don't need to be booked, but you need to register on arrival. The Campsite Pass can be used for a maximum of 7 nights in a 30-day period at a single campsite.

Under permitted development rights, planning law across the UK already allows for the temporary use of land for any purpose for up to 28 days in a calendar year without the need to make an application for planning permission - the '28-day rule'.

The main problem is that some freedom campers use vehicles1 that are not self-contained to stay in places where there are no facilities to support them, or where freedom camping bylaws or notices require the vehicle to be self-contained.

Stealth camping is the act of camping in an urban area that is not necessarily meant for overnight camping. While there are no “campsites” when you stealth camp, there are plenty of legal places to park overnight in your van without drawing attention to yourself.

Can You Camp Overnight at Walmart? Yes, you can camp overnight in Walmart parking lots. However, not Walmart locations allow overnight RV parking, so you'll want to be sure you are allowed.

In fact, almost the entire state is open to boondocking. Most of the highways have pull-outs on them where boondocking is permitted, and Alaska 511 is your North Star to navigate these highways and potential road closures. The Last Frontier is by far the most boondocking friendly state in the union.

Can you RV camp anywhere in Alaska? ›

Alaska does have a lot of public land, far more than any other state, but you cannot just camp anywhere. You can do dispersed camping (camping outside a campground) just like other parts of the US, but you need to make sure you are on public land that allows camping.

Nightly fees are required to camp in those areas. There also is overflow camping as needed on the old chip pad near the Deep Water Dock. There also are several private campgrounds on the Spit.

Cost. RV campsites range from $15–$30. Prices are listed on the DNR website.

The Alaska Highway (Alcan) starts in Dawson Creek, B.C., and travels 1,387 miles to Delta Junction, Alaska. All roads leading to Dawson Creek and beyond are safe for RVs. Still, make sure your RV is in good repair. The Alaskan Highway is almost completely paved, but it travels through uninterrupted wilderness.

The Best Time to Camp in Alaska

The peak time for visitors is from mid-May until mid-September, during Alaska's longest and warmest months. No matter the month, though, each Alaskan season offers stunning views and exciting things to do: Spring in Alaska: Spring in Alaska runs from late March through early June.

On average, you can expect to pay between $75 and $150 per night to rent most small trailers and campervans. Larger trailers and motorhomes could cost $100 to $250 per night. Renting an RV for a longer time can be even more affordable–a week or month-long rental could average out to less than $60 per day.

Yes, it is very safe to leave your camper while boondocking. Very rarely do campers, RVs, and trailers get broken into or stolen when boondocking.

We have seen monthly full time RV living budgets from fellow travelers as low as $1,600 and as high as $5,000. If you really want to go minimal, you can easily live this life for around $1,000 per month by finding a free spot to park your rig for extended periods or by becoming a camp host.

The answer is: It depends. For some RVers, driving more than 100 miles a day or so is out of the question, while other road warriors like to cover up to 500 mile or more a day. Still others prefer a sweet spot of somewhere between 200 and 400 miles a day.

It is financially smart to live in an RV. Living in an RV means living a lot smaller with a lot less stuff. You have less room for everything – clothes, toys, tools and more saving you a lot of money. Along with less space, you save on utilities and home-improvement projects if you own your home.

Can you camp on the beach in Homer? ›

At the base of the Homer Spit is Mariner Park, offering great day-use and camping opportunities. Located across from the Fishing Hole and Ramp 5, this tent area offer quiet beach camping on the west side of the Homer Spit to watch the sunsets and otters!

The Homer Spit Trail is a 4 mile paved trail along the east side of the Homer Spit. Well used year round by walkers, runners, bikers, and skaters. Parking is available at the base of the Homer Spit at the intersection with Kachemak Drive.