Map showing campground location near Kasilof, Alaska

Camper submitted image from Clam Gulch State Rec Area

Clam Gulch State Rec Area

Within Clam Gulch State Recreation Area, this state park campground sits on bluffs overlooking Cook Inlet and provides access to the sandy beach below. The facility accommodates RVs up to 35 feet with 120 total spaces, though tent camping options remain limited according to multiple visitors.

Most sites serve RVs and day-use visitors, with only a handful designated for tent camping. Each tent space includes a picnic table and fire pit. The parking areas sit tightly spaced, but MacKensie C. notes "only a few spots have views" of the mountains across the inlet. A trail leads down to the expansive beach, which reveals large sandy flats and rock outcroppings at low tide.

The beach draws visitors for clamming when seasons permit, beachcombing for sea glass and shells, and agate hunting along the upper shoreline. "Eagles and other sea birds commonly make appearances as well," according to Allen W.. Well water and clean restrooms serve the campground. Wind can pick up quickly along the exposed coastline.

The nearest supplies require a considerable drive, so campers should stock up beforehand. For additional camping options, see places to camp around Kasilof about eight miles northeast.

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Location

Public Campground

Clam Gulch State Rec Area is located in Alaska

Directions

Sterling Highway to mile 117.5. Turn on Clam Gulch Road.

Coordinates

60.23589774628519 N
151.39764367537174 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

3 hrs 48 min from Sutton, AK
9 hrs 27 min from Eielson AFB, AK
9 hrs 47 min from Fairbanks, AK

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4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Many visitors highlighted the beautiful beach access and scenic cliff-top views, plus friendly and knowledgeable staff. Several guests noted concerns about limited tent camping spaces and tight site spacing, though facilities remain clean and well-maintained.

Siegfried M.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2024

What a View

Big Parking lot , but the View and trail down to the Beach makes up for it

Site73

Month of VisitJuly

MacKensie C.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2023

Beach access and good bay and mountain views

We stayed off season and were the only campers except the host. We rv camped and parked in a spot with an outlook over the cliff toward mountains. Only a few spots have views. There is a trail down to a beautiful beach, also empty when we were there. The parking spots are very tightly spaced.

Month of VisitSeptember

Allen W.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2018

Clam Gulch State Rec

This camground sits high above Clam Gulch beach. Providing both camping and parking access for the beach below. The mornings and evening can also make for fantastic photo opportunities of the ocean, beach and mountains across the bay.

Clam Gulch beach itself provides tons of photo opportunities especially at low tides, which reveal large sandy flats with sporadic rock outcroppings. The occasional creek or small stream spilling down from the bluffs add to the possibilities. Eagles and other sea birds commonly make appearances as well.

Rock collectors and agate hunters will find plenty to find and pick along the upper beaches. Sea glass and sea shells can also be found along the tidal lines. Others will find tranquility enjoying sImple quiet walks or hikes along the shoreline.

One of my favorite day use areas, i don’t personally camp here often. The shortage, and crowding of the tent camping areas is a turn off for me, as i prefer more separated spaces. The large low tide beaches, photo opportunities, and quiet of the area is huge draw however.

Need to knows

120 camping spaces avaIlable
Mostly motorhome camping with only a handful of tent spaces.
Tent spaces have a picnic table and fire pit.
Well water and Dumpsters available.
Bathrooms are clean and well kept.
Bring supplies, the closest market is quite a drive away.
Bring warm weather gear, wind can pick up quickly here.

(4) View All

Kyla M.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2018

not much for camping

there's not a lot of tent camping available. a lot of parking spaces for day use and motor homes not so much for your tenters. camp hosts though are some of the nicesest I've come across and the state park ranger who makes her rounds is extremely nice and knowledgeable about what's going on around town. the beach itself is among one of the best to spend a day beach combing for shells and sea glass. the beaches in Alaska vary from sand to rocks, clam gulch is for sure one of your sandy beaches. one of the best for clamming when or if it ever opens back up for it. a great spot to spend a day or have a gathering not so much for you're back country camper.

(5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Clam Gulch State Recreation Area located in Alaska?

Clam Gulch State Recreation Area sits on a cliff overlooking the beach along Alaska's coastline. The recreation area offers stunning views of the ocean, beach, and mountains across the bay. Its elevated position provides spectacular photo opportunities of the surrounding landscape, especially during mornings and evenings when the light is ideal for photography.

What camping facilities are available at Clam Gulch State Recreation Area?

Clam Gulch State Recreation Area primarily offers RV camping with numerous parking spots for motorhomes. Tent camping options are more limited. The campground features designated camping spots, some with scenic views overlooking the ocean and mountains. The area has friendly camp hosts and regular ranger patrols who provide information about the surrounding area. While amenities are basic, the recreational opportunities and views make up for the simplicity of the facilities.

Can you access the beach from Clam Gulch State Recreation Area?

Yes, Clam Gulch State Recreation Area provides direct beach access via a trail that leads down from the campground to the beautiful shoreline below. The recreation area sits high above Clam Gulch beach, offering both camping and parking access for beachgoers. The beach itself is expansive and offers numerous photo opportunities. During off-season, you might even have this picturesque beach entirely to yourself, making for a truly memorable coastal Alaska experience.

What do reviews say about camping at Clam Gulch State Recreation Area?

Clam Gulch State Recreation Area offers a mixed camping experience. The parking spots are tightly spaced, giving it somewhat of a parking lot feel. However, the stunning views from select spots that overlook the cliff toward the mountains more than compensate for this limitation. The campground can be relatively empty during the off-season, providing a peaceful experience. Staff, including the camp hosts and state park ranger, are exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable about the area.

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