Camping on Kodiak Island?

[Takemeanywhere]

Just sent a PM to Gary asking about RV spots, but thought I'd see what you all have done. Anyone camped on Kodiak Island?

DH and I are waiting for a 35' (36.5') Winnebago Sightseer and will head for AK next summer. I'm trying to do some research ahead of time. Any experiences you can share will be appreciated.

BTW- we've traveled to AK a couple of times but have never been on Kodiak Island.

[PA12DRVR]

I think, can't say for sure, but think that Buskin River has spots to park/camp that are big enough for an RV, but no RV services of any type including(excluding ?, it ain't there) a dump site.

There were shower facilities (and a spigot IIRC) a few years back when I was there. Keep in mind it is a road accessible place close to Kodiak and very popular when the fish are running.

The ferry trip from Homer to Kodiak is scheduled a 9.5 hour plus the hour or so that it takes to load and unload (i.e. add 2 hours)....throw in a bit of rough weather and that trip is just plain LONG.

Would it be possible to put the pooches in a carrier and take them with you on a hop over on an airplane?

[fanrgs]

There was a mobile home park in Kodiak and maybe they allow short-term RVers. Or maybe one of the motels or B&Bs would allow you to park on their property and use their electricity. But I don't think there are any RV parks there because very few travelers bring an RV.

Looking at the AMHS ferry schedule and rates, it will cost roughly $1300 RT for the motorhome and two adults, without your toad or an on-board cabin. But, since it is a 9.5-hour trip from Homer to Kodiak, a cabin with a bed and bathroom may be very desirable. And that sailing time does not count the time it takes to load and unload the ferry and the hour that you must be in line before departure.

We flew to Kodiak, so have never ridden that particular ferry. But we have been on others in Southeast Alaska and they are a great way to travel. But they are not inexpensive.

[Takemeanywhere]

Thanks, fanrgs and PA12DRVR- Unfortunately our two dogs are part of the package so we either take the RV or not visit Kodiak. The Kodiak Chamber site mentions the Buskin River Recreation area (as opposed to Ft. Abercrombie) for RVs, but I wondered if there were any private campgrounds...or anywhere else people found to stay the night.

Since DH is less about the wildlife refuge than I, he can hang with the dogs while I take the boat trip. 🙂

[PA12DRVR]

Fanrgs said "The road network in Kodiak is very limited and can easily be driven in less than a day. Personally, I would leave the RV in Homer and just take the ferry to Kodiak. Rent a car for a couple of days to see the populated portion of the island, then take a boat trip to the wildlife refuge to see the bears (you can't get to the wildlife refuge by road). After that, take the ferry back to Homer and continue your Kenai adventure. Just a suggestion!"

I would second all of this. Leave the RV in Homer, motel or B&B for a few days, take a boat or air trip to the rest of the island, then resume RVng. While I've never RV'd in Kodiak (nor in much of Alaska for that matter) having spent some time on the island, Kodiak is not really geared towards RVng. Lots to see and do, just that it isn't the most convenient with an RV.

[fanrgs]

We have been to Kodiak, but I do not recall any private RV parks with hookups. We visited three state parks/recreation sites with small campgrounds, but no dumps or electricity. There are dumps at a couple of places in town--see your Milepost for locations.

Ft. Abercrombie is an interesting historic site with WWII bunkers, tunnels, and coastal gun emplacements. Buskin River is just south of the town of Kodiak, and Pasagshak River is quite a way from town, but in a very popular salmon fishing area. We were there during the June king season and people fishing near the mouth of the river were hauling them in every few minutes. Not quite Kenai River combat fishing, but still very busy.

The road network in Kodiak is very limited and can easily be driven in less than a day. Personally, I would leave the RV in Homer and just take the ferry to Kodiak. Rent a car for a couple of days to see the populated portion of the island, then take a boat trip to the wildlife refuge to see the bears (you can't get to the wildlife refuge by road). After that, take the ferry back to Homer and continue your Kenai adventure. Just a suggestion!