Camping under the stars in bear country is an experience you will not forget.............
During the months of June and July the bears of Katmai National Park can be found feasting on protein rich sedge grasses out on open meadows and digging for clams when the tide exposes the sand flats. Utilizing the 18 hours between sunrise and sunset, our days and evenings are spent with the bears on their terms and adhering to National Parks Service rules and best practices.
Having arrived at camp after an incredible 70 minute scenic flight with Cook Inlet Adventures departing from Homer, we’ll get you settled into camp, go over our safety protocols, have a quick snack then head out onto the beach or meadow depending on where the bears are. One of the many great advantages of camping among the bears is that our days are not dictated by having to fly in and out each day. By the time the daily fly in guests have arrived for the day, we‘ve already had several hours with the bears and another 6 hours to ourselves after they've departed for the day.
On a given day it’s not unusual to see over 20 bears, sows with cubs, big males intent on mating or juveniles who were moved on by their mom the summer before still trying to figure out their place in the world. All of this results in fascinating behavior and interactions, the sows with cubs will quite often use humans as "protection" from boars that are getting too close for their comfort, as will single females trying to escape the advances of a testosterone fueled male.
Whether you are a commercial production company, professional photographer with all the latest camera gear or wildlife enthusiast content with capturing photos and videos on your smartphone, we go about our day in the same manner, respecting the wildlife while putting ourselves in the best position to capture and view the action around us, utilizing the best light possible.
What to Expect
Comfortable, dry camp amenities, safely and responsibly view and photograph the bears and other wildlife for up to 18 hours a day, up to 20 different bears, sows with cubs, 4 seasons in a day, bear viewing opportunities 100 yards from camp on the beach, other wildlife such as bald eagles, red fox, porcupines and if lucky the occasional wolf.
Camp Inclusions
5 days 4 nights backcountry camping, all meals and snacks provided, all camping gear (except sleeping bag and pillow for sanitary reasons), your own 3 person tent, Starlink to keep in touch with loved ones, solar power to recharge camera batteries, cell phones etc, private bathroom, experienced guides and photographers, maximum of 5 guests.
2026 Dates
2026 Dates
June 15 - 19, June 19 - 23.
Private camps with added nights available on request
Cost
Getting to Camp
2026 Dates
$4,900, 50% deposit due at booking with the balance due 90 days prior to trip departure (return flights from Homer not included)
What to bring
Getting to Camp
Getting to Camp
Your sense of adventure and wonder, patience, a level of fitness that allows you to walk up to 8 miles a day (the terrain is completely flat, no hills to hike up, either walking along a sandy beach or hard packed bear trails), sleeping bag, inflatable pillow, waders and boots which can all be rented from Old Sterling Outfitters if need be, a good breathable rain jacket, rain cover for your camera gear, dry bag to store your gear while crossing the occasional creek, plenty of memory cards.
Getting to Camp
Getting to Camp
Getting to Camp
Fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, from there you can fly with Aleutian Airways into Homer, rent a car or jump on a comfortable shuttle service provided by Alaska Bus Company. By car it is approximately 4.5 hours from Anchorage to Homer while the shuttle takes a little longer as it makes a few stops along the way for bathroom or food / drink breaks. There's a selection of accommodation available in Homer but I would book well in advance and certainly plan on arriving in Homer the day before your scheduled flight to camp.