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Caines Head State Recreation Site

Open

Open year-round. Tent camping at Tonsina Point and North Beach is free and first-come, first-served. Cabins are reservable via ReserveAmerica up to 7 months in advance. Maximum stay is 15 nights. No potable water available; filter or treat water from nearby streams. Pack out all trash. The three-mile beach section between Tonsina Point and North Beach requires low tide crossing.

Flood Watch issued July 19 at 5:34PM AKDT until July 21 at 10:00AM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK

July 19th, 5:34 PM — 10:15 PM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Seward. * WHEN...Through Tuesday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A long duration rain event coinciding with an atmospheric river of moisture moving over the southern Kenai Peninsula will result in moderate to heavy rain for Seward through Monday night. 3 to 5 inches of rain is likely (70-80%) with a low chance (20%) of greater than 6 inches of rain for this event. The heaviest rain will likely occur through Monday morning, with the bulk of the rain falling during this time period. - Http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Flood Warning issued July 19 at 11:09AM AKDT until July 21 at 10:00AM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK

July 19th, 11:09 AM — July 21st, 10:00 AM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Seward. * WHEN...Until 1000 AM AKDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1042 AM AKDT, moderate rain is falling in Seward and vicinity causing water levels along local rivers and streams to begin to rise. Rainfall will become heavy at times this afternoon and continue through tonight before rain lightens up on Monday. Total rainfall amounts through Monday afternoon will range from 4 to 6 inches, with highest amounts in the mountains. Rapid river rises will cause flooding along area rivers, creeks, and streams and nearby roads. The Seward Airport runway will also flood and could be covered with debris from the Resurrection River. - Water levels will crest Monday morning through Monday afternoon, then quickly begin to fall Monday night through Tuesday. Rainfall will taper off late Monday afternoon or early Monday evening. There will be a brief break in the rain, with the next round of light to moderate rain moving in for Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

About

Caines Head State Recreation Site occupies nearly 6,000 acres on the shores of Resurrection Bay, approximately seven nautical miles south of Seward. The massive headland rises 650 feet above the bay with sweeping views of the North Pacific Ocean, rolling alpine meadows, and spruce-hemlock forests. Access is exclusively by foot via the 4.5-mile Coastal Trail from Lowell Point or by boat. The Coastal Trail includes a three-mile beach section between Tonsina Point and North Beach that is passable only at low tide (plus 4 feet or lower recommended). Hikers should depart Seward at least two hours before low tide and carefully check tide tables. The first mile of trail crosses private property; stay on designated paths. Primitive tent camping is available at Tonsina Point (2.1 miles in, featuring 5-6 semi-private sites with fire rings, bear boxes, covered picnic tables, and a vault toilet) and at North Beach (tent platforms, fire pits, outhouses, and picnic shelters with stunning ocean views). Three public-use cabins are available by reservation: Derby Cove ($80/night, sleeps 8), Callisto Canyon ($80/night), and Tonsina Cabin ($100/night, sleeps 6). Cabins feature woodstoves, sleeping platforms, and latrines. Historic Fort McGilvray ruins and the South Beach Garrison are open for exploration.

Directions

From Seward, drive south to Lowell Point Road. Continue to the Lowell Point State Recreation Site parking area at road's end. The Coastal Trail begins at the south end of the parking area. Parking is $5 per day or free with an Alaska State Parks annual pass. Alternatively, charter boats from Seward provide shuttle service directly to North Beach.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $80 - $100

Vehicle

Max RV Length 16ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email dnr.pkskenai@alaska.gov
Phone +1 (907) 262-5581

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

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