I'm hoping someone will remember a post that I now can't find. It was I think about a place in either Homer or Seward (maybe?) where people pulled out on a few rows of land right along the beach. I remember reading a post from someone that said instead of staying in one of these spots in town along the water, that they had gone just a bit out of town to a private campground. It was up a bit higher, on sort of a bluff overlooking the town below.This sounded like a good place to make a reservation for the 4th of July weekend. But dang if I can find that post now...Does this ring any bells with any of you? If not, opinions on places not quite in the thick of things, to enjoy some Fire Works? Key wording here is out of the thick of things, OK to be with other campers, but we need to stay near our dog during fireworks, as she sure does not like them:)! We can adjust our schedule to be anywhere on the clockwork path after Denali, for the 4th of July. TIA,Smitty

The "Spit" is in Homer and there are several campgrounds on the narrow peninsula that is also crowded with shops, restaurants, boat rentals, and lots of activity. We stayed at Oceanview RV just barely out of town. It overlooks Kachemak Bay with a beautiful view of the Aleutian Range and the volcanoes. It is an easy walk to lots of great places to eat and has direct access to the beach. We were there during a minus low tide that exposed almost a mile of beach and used the opportunity to walk up to a cliff with an exposed coal seam full of micro-amber. Everyone got out on the beach in the evenings with their children and dogs and it was great fun. I highly recommend it. lizzie

Hello Smitty, the place on the hill you are asking about is Baycrest RV park. On a good day you can see a long way, if foggy, you will see 10 feet. Lots of folks come to Homer all summer long, I would look into reservations early for some of the parks. If you are looking for the July 4th party, I would go to Seward instead. I have been to both places at that time and it seems Seward puts out a little more fun. The weather can be a factor in Seward as well. Outside of the 4th, I would pick Homer as the first choice of the two.

Looks like the RV park question is covered....but I'd offer a thought on the general concept.I like Seward and Homer...often drive to Seward for the day and fly to Homer for the weekend....but I wouldn't go to either of them over the 4th of July unless: a) you were looking for a party weekend without much peace and quiet; and b) you had early and guaranteed reservations.Seward, IMNSHO, becomes a zoo over the 4th of July. Homer does as well, but to a slightly lesser degree.

We had the same concerns last year. We stayed at Oceanview in Homer and it turned out to be a great decision. No fireworks noise at all to scare our dog. Oceanview threw a cookout on the 4th for everybody in the park. We had a really wonderful time there for a week. Plenty to do in Homer. Our bear sightseeing trip with Sasquatch Alaska Adventures was a highlight--money well spent!Someone else can tell you what goes on in Seward over the 4th of July. I can't remember, but it involves throngs of people running down a mountain and throngs of RVers boondocking. LOL

PA12DRVR took the words right out of my mouth.According to the reality TV show 'Alaska State Troopers', the Kenai is one busy camping area with lots of wobbly people shuffling around all hours of the night. Those that don't pass out from too much giggle-juice tend to loudly share their happiness :B

Homer/Seward for 4th of July? | Good Sam Community

Smitty77
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
Thanks for all of the replies. Spit it was that I was thinking about. We've staying a few days over the 4th at Oceana RV Park, will join their BBQ/potluck.

We sure have been known to toast a sunset or two along our travels, and will do so on the 4th. But we're not into the large party scenes. We'll hope for the best for this 4th:)!

We're going to consider this the halfway point of our trip in both time and just about total travel distance too...

Best to all,
Smitty
hr0082
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
As I posted before, we have spent two July 4ths in Seward and will be back this year. We really like watching the Mount Marathon race, the parade and people watching. Neither my husband nor I drink alcohol so we are not there for that purpose. We stay in the campground out of town and arrive in town early on the 4th to get a good parking spot. We watch the races, enjoy the food and the parade and then get the heck out before all the drunks come out.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Apr 19, 2014
We spent July 4 in Palmer. We knew the Kenai (Seward/Homer) would be a zoo at that time which isn't for us.
johnwalkerpa1
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014
PA12DRVR wrote:
Looks like the RV park question is covered.

...but I'd offer a thought on the general concept.

I like Seward and Homer...often drive to Seward for the day and fly to Homer for the weekend....but I wouldn't go to either of them over the 4th of July unless: a) you were looking for a party weekend without much peace and quiet; and b) you had early and guaranteed reservations.

Seward, IMNSHO, becomes a zoo over the 4th of July. Homer does as well, but to a slightly lesser degree.

X2... In a past life I spent several years in Seward over the 4th and it was not for me. But, its all in what floats your boat. I don't like crowds or parties. And I have nothing against the occasional drink but I don't like drunks. :) But, if you DO like the party scene, you might have a great time.
hr0082
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
My husband and I have been runners for a very long time and have done many races, but that is one that even in my younger days, I would not have attempted. Those people are amazing and I really get a kick out of the kids. Even though they might be bruised and bloody, they are all smiles. Down here in the lower states, it might be considered child abuse, but those kids were having a great time. I think watching that race is probably one of my husband's all time spectator events. We go to the dinner the night before and he meets the people, then high fives them as they come off the mountain onto the street.
bob_nestor
Explorer III
Apr 18, 2014
jdocter7 wrote:

Someone else can tell you what goes on in Seward over the 4th of July. I can't remember, but it involves throngs of people running down a mountain and throngs of RVers boondocking. LOL

The annual July 4th race to the top of Mt. Marathon. Was always a good spectator event to watch when we were kids. The best part is watching them come down slipping and sliding.
hr0082
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014
In 2011 and 2012, we spent July 4th in Seward. The first year we stayed at a Bear Creek Campground and it was the pits. http://www.bearcreekrv.com The second year we stayed at the Stony Creek Campground and with the exception of a very small laundry and shower facility, we found it to be quite nice. http://www.stoneycreekrvpark.com

Both of these are located 5-6 miles out of town which was fine with us because like some have already written, Seward can be a very busy place on the 4th. We really enjoyed watching theThe Mount Marathon Race and the parade. We also ate a BBQ chicken dinner from one church and pie and coffee from another.

Another plus with staying at Stony Creek is that there is an area within easy walking distance where you will be able to see many eagles. One morning my husband stood among trees where he counted 14 eagles at one time. Now you know why we will be returning. I would recommend making reservations for this one. There were quite a few caravans that stop there. It is the only place that we have made reservations for our trip this year.

We have also stayed at two different campgrounds in Homer. This is the one that is closer to town and on the beach http://www.baycrestrvpark.com. The other one is out a bit on a bluff http://www.karo-ent.com/oceanvw.htm. I would recommend either of these, but the spit is not for me---just too much action.

I have found this to be a good source for campground information and reviews http://www.rvparkreviews.com
sue_t
Explorer
Apr 17, 2014
PA12DRVR took the words right out of my mouth.

According to the reality TV show 'Alaska State Troopers', the Kenai is one busy camping area with lots of wobbly people shuffling around all hours of the night. Those that don't pass out from too much giggle-juice tend to loudly share their happiness :B
jdocter7
Explorer
Apr 17, 2014
We had the same concerns last year. We stayed at Oceanview in Homer and it turned out to be a great decision. No fireworks noise at all to scare our dog. Oceanview threw a cookout on the 4th for everybody in the park. We had a really wonderful time there for a week. Plenty to do in Homer. Our bear sightseeing trip with Sasquatch Alaska Adventures was a highlight--money well spent!

Someone else can tell you what goes on in Seward over the 4th of July. I can't remember, but it involves throngs of people running down a mountain and throngs of RVers boondocking. LOL
PA12DRVR
Explorer
Apr 17, 2014
Looks like the RV park question is covered.

...but I'd offer a thought on the general concept.

I like Seward and Homer...often drive to Seward for the day and fly to Homer for the weekend....but I wouldn't go to either of them over the 4th of July unless: a) you were looking for a party weekend without much peace and quiet; and b) you had early and guaranteed reservations.

Seward, IMNSHO, becomes a zoo over the 4th of July. Homer does as well, but to a slightly lesser degree.