Katmai National Park Brooks Camp Campground

The Brooks Camp Campground in Katmai National Park provides a quintessential Alaskan wildlife experience. When campers step off their floatplane or boat, they enter one of the largest concentrated habitats of brown bears on earth. July and September are the prime bear viewing months and close encounters are common. Katmai National Monument was established in 1918 to preserve the famed Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a spectacular 40 square miles of deep ash flow deposited by the 1912 volcanic eruption of Novarupta. A National Park and Preserve since 1980, Katmai is still famous for volcanoes, brown bears, pristine waterways, abundant fish and rugged coastline. Natural Features: Nestled in the boreal forest, between Dumpling Mountain and the scenic shores of Naknek Lake, Brooks Camp is a short walk from the Brooks Camp Visitor Center. Recreation: In addition to bear viewing, many people enjoy sport fishing, kayaking, hiking, and birding. If you are interested in hiking, the Dumpling Mountain trailhead is within the campground. Daily Ranger-led programs are also available. Fishing licenses can be purchased at the Brooks Lodge Trading Post. Facilities: Brooks Camp is the only developed camping area in Katmai. A fish freezer is available, but no fish cleaning is allowed within a 1.5-mile radius of Brooks Falls. Bring all food and cooking supplies. Drinking water is available in summer months. All guests at Brooks Camp must attend a Ranger-led bear orientation to learn park rules and regulations regarding bears. Close encounters with bears are common. Maintain at least 50 yards distance from bears, even within electric fencing. Nearby Attractions: Take a ranger-led bus tour to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes or travel by canoe down the Alagnak Wild River toward Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea. Flight-seeing trips above the Alaska Peninsula are also available to visitors.