Where to Stay Across the Bay
Kachemak Bay has an awesome variety of campsites, public use cabins and yurt rentals to make your stay across the bay fun and memorable (for lodging on the Homer-side of Kachemak Bay, visit the Homer Bed & Breakfast Association or the Homer Chamber of Commerce for listings).
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Camping is a great way to experience coastal Alaska with family and friends, and Kachemak Bay provides excellent tent camping options at a variety of locations. At tidewater, options include Glacier Spit/Left Beach/Right Beach; McKeon Spit/Haystack Rock; Tutka Bay and Jakalof Bay. For backpackers, a hike to Grewingk Glacier, Alpine Ridge, Grace Ridge or Tutka Backdoor also provides some great camping options. Always check the tide tables when selecting a coastal site, and grab a kayak from Mako’s Water Taxi for some extra adventure! And see below for what to bring! Call our office at 907.235.9055 for info on the best camping sites.
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Our friends at Nomad Shelter build high-quality yurts right here in Homer, Alaska, and they offer eight yurts for nightly rentals in Kachemak Bay State Park. Yurts are located at Haystack Beach, Right Beach, China Poot Bay, Quarry Beach, Kayak Beach (both Kayak & Quarry Beach are at the north end of Grace Ridge Trail), Tutka Bay 1 (south end of the Grace Ridge Trail), Tutka Bay 2 (across from Tutka 1), and Humpy Creek (Note: Humpy Creek is only accessible on incoming tides). All yurts have fire rings, wood stoves and outhouses. Bring your own wood and water!
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Kachemak Bay State Park is truly one of the gems of the Alaska state park system, and it boasts 5 public use cabins you can rent. Cabins typically hold 6 people in bunk-style bedding, have wood stoves and fire pits, an outhouse and cost $75/night or $525/week. Note! You can rent cabins up to six months in advance, and they fill-up fast during the busy summer months! Cabins are located at China Poot Lake, Halibut Cove Lagoon (Overlook, East & West cabins) and Sea Star Cove (Tutka Bay). You can rent public use cabins here. Bring your own wood and water!
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Many locations in Kachemak Bay do not have cell phone coverage. If you’re traveling in remote areas, make sure to have an InReach or a satellite phone, and get a phone/text number from Mako’s Water Taxi in case you need an unplanned pick-up.
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You can purchase a bundle of firewood from Mako’s office; all proceeds go to support the incredible volunteers with Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park who make our trails and outhouses accessible
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Mako’s puts the “glamor” in “glamping!” Our fleet can haul everything you could ever want or need, and drop it at your campsite. Chairs, tables, portable saunas, big tents, giant coolers, piles of firewood, large pets, etc. You name it - whatever you need to make your time in Kachemak Bay safe, comfy and fun, Mako’s Water Taxi can deliver!
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If anyone in your party has trouble getting on or off a boat onto a beach, ask for one of our landing crafts. The drop-down gates on the landing crafts allow walk-on, walk-off access. Also great for large dogs!
What to Bring
We can’t list everything to bring - especially if you’re glamping! But here are some basics.
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Tent (with stakes, guylines & tarp)
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad or air mattress
Pillow
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Camp stove or portable grill
Fuel (propane, white gas, etc.)
Lighter and waterproof matches
Cookware (pot, pan, utensils, spatula)
Plates, bowls, and cups
Eating utensils
Cooler with ice or ice packs
Food and snacks
Trash bags & resealable bags
Biodegradable soap and sponge
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Water bottles or hydration bladder
Water filter, purifier, or purification tablets
Extra water for cooking and cleaning
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Moisture-wicking base layers
Warm layers (fleece, down, etc.)
Waterproof jacket and pants
Hat and gloves
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
Waterproof boots
Camp shoes or sandals
Extra socks and underwear
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Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
Lantern (optional but handy)
Multi-tool or knife
Duct tape or repair kit
Rope or paracord
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First aid kit
Sunscreen and lip balm
Insect repellent
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
Towel and washcloth
Toilet paper and trowel (if no restroom)
Hand sanitizer or wipes
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Camp chairs
Folding table
Games
Map, compass, or GPS/InReach
Notebook or book
Camera or binoculars
Firewood
Fishing gear