Top 10 Campgrounds & RV Parks in Homer, Alaska (2023)

FAQs

What is the difference between an RV park and a RV campground? ›

RV campgrounds are more like what you would get if you're staying in a State or National Park. Because RV campgrounds are normally located in nature surrounded areas, such as forests, or water, you'll often have more privacy here than you would in a typical RV park.

Some campgrounds charge more due to the amenities they offer. Campgrounds and RV parks that have all the bells and whistles such as dog parks, fancy playgrounds, pools, hot tubs, etc., cost the RV park money for upkeep, management, replacement.

According to most sources, you can expect anywhere from a 10% to 20% return on your initial RV park investment. As a result, investors who are hoping to maximize their investment dollars should consider RV park investment a lucrative option.

INDIAN RIVER, MI - A camping spot in Michigan has just received some big national accolades. It beat out every single other camping site in the entire country for number one in Campspot's annual Awards for 2023. Campspot has Indian River RV Resort in the top spot on its list of the 10 Best Campgrounds in America.

Put your fire out: Because you can endanger those around you, this is one of the most important camping rules, regardless of where you go. Be sure to put out your fire before bed, before heading out for the day, or when you leave the site at the end of your stay.

Approximately 98% of national park campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 19 feet long. You still have a good selection if your RV is smaller than 25 feet more than 90% of parks permit that length. The number of available campsites drops if your RV is 29 to 32 feet long since about 80% of parks will let you in.

Homer, Alaska – Free Dispersed Camping at Bishop's Beach

To make this work, you have to drive out onto the beach from the parking lot, and then go as far right as you can (Be cognizant of the tide line. It can vary 500 or more feet between high and low tides at spots around Homer.

State Parks and State Forests are typically far less trafficked than National Parks and National Forests while still being much cheaper than a traditional campground. You can expect to pay anywhere from $18-28/night in most State Parks and $5-20/night in most State Forests.

Is Boondocking safe in Alaska? ›

In fact, almost the entire state is open to boondocking. Most of the highways have pull-outs on them where boondocking is permitted, and Alaska 511 is your North Star to navigate these highways and potential road closures. The Last Frontier is by far the most boondocking friendly state in the union.

Camp Close to Home for Your First Few Trips

For your first few trips, you'll want to book campgrounds close to home. This will allow you to gain confidence as you learn how to operate your new rig. Also, it takes a few trips to figure out what to stock in your RV.

The best Class A motorhomes are meant for those fully focused on RV living. If you want to make RVing a full-time activity, consider investing in one of the family-friendly models listed below.

Why Do RV Parks Have a 10 Year Rule? The “10-Year Rule” was established by campground owners and owners of RV resorts to keep old, poorly maintained motorhomes and travel trailers from parking on their property (especially long term).

Renting — It's Cheaper (sometimes)

Depending on how much you intend on using your RV, renting one can be cheaper in the long run. You do not have the hefty upfront cost of purchasing the RV, nor do you have to pay monthly insurance or maintenance fees. It can also save you emotional currency as well.

If you're not planning to do much RVing or wouldn't anticipate using an RV much, renting is a better option. If you're sure you'll use an RV regularly, buying makes much more sense and will be the less expensive option in the long run.

The cons on those lists always include limited space, RV maintenance, travel stress, and climate control / unpredictable weather.

KOA becomes your temporary neighborhood while you're away from home. If you are planning to stay longer than 28 days, call your local KOA to make a reservation.

Many people are under the impression that RV camping can be dangerous. In all reality, there are certain petty crimes that you're susceptible to, but major crime rates are very low. We have traveled on the road for over 5 years full-time RV living with our two kids and we have never had an issue.

What is the most expensive campground in the US? ›

Where Are the Most Expensive RV Parks? Depending on the season you travel, the most expensive RV park in America might be Disney's Fort Wilderness, Buena Vista Coastal RV Resort in Alabama, or Bluewater Key RV Resort in Key West. These RV parks cost over $250 per night, with some sites costing over $300 per night.

So, recapping, the RV 3-3-3 rule broken down is to 1) drive no more than 300 miles each travel day, 2) arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. and 3) stay parked for 3 days. This RV driving rule helps to make your RV adventure safer. But also, you and your fellow travelers will enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

This is where the "rule of three" comes in. Never go anywhere alone or be alone in a room with one of your campers. Always have a third person with you, whether that is another counselor or another camper. Alarm bells should ring if you see another counselor alone with a camper.

Camping rule #6: always stick with a buddy.

The answer is: It depends. For some RVers, driving more than 100 miles a day or so is out of the question, while other road warriors like to cover up to 500 mile or more a day. Still others prefer a sweet spot of somewhere between 200 and 400 miles a day.

Many RVers believe that Class C or Class A motorhomes are the best RVs for full time living because they are comfortable for long travel days. Drive-able RVs also give you more flexibility to chose an everyday vehicle instead of having to drive a heavy duty truck.

RV camping is allowed in Alaska state parks and USACE (US Army Corp of Engineers) campground facilities throughout the state. USDA Forest Service areas also offer developed campgrounds suitable for RV camping. USFS campgrounds are usually primitive with only vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.

At the base of the Homer Spit is Mariner Park, offering great day-use and camping opportunities. Located across from the Fishing Hole and Ramp 5, this tent area offer quiet beach camping on the west side of the Homer Spit to watch the sunsets and otters!

Are freedom camp sites free? Freedom camping is free in many places but not all. Camping on some conservation land (DOC) is free but small fees usually apply at sites with amenities such as fresh water and toilets.

What state has best prices for RV? ›

Arizona, Texas, and Florida might have a low purchase cost for an RV. However, be mindful of sales tax and personal property tax since that can drive up the overall price.

Montana has absolutely zero sales taxes. No general sales tax, no county tax, no city tax. This is what makes it the cheapest state to buy an RV.

When you're RVing on a budget, these costs can add up quickly. The cheapest way to camp is by boondocking, which is also known as “dry camping” without electricity or water hookups. Typically, boondocking RV sites are on public land and are either very low-cost or completely free.

Black bears typically avoid people but they can learn to find food in campsites. They are not after you, they are after your trash and food! Seeing a bear in its natural habitat is a wonderful experience, but it's better to watch them from a distance. Do Not Turn And Run.

Boondocking is camping without any hookups outside developed campgrounds. Federal agencies refer to boondocking as dispersed camping. Other terms used to describe boondocking include dry camping and off-grid camping.

Cost. RV campsites range from $15–$30. Prices are listed on the DNR website.

For example, never tell an RV salesperson that you're new to RVing and are buying your first rig. This may lead the salesperson to try to get you to buy something you don't need. You'll be spending more money than necessary.

The short answer is that the average lifespan of an RV is around 20 years or 200,000 miles, whichever comes first. But the answer isn't quite that simple. That number can vary depending on the class of your motorhome, how well you take care of it, and a few other factors.

Stop for a Break Every Two Hours

Another piece of the 2/2/2 rule is to find a place to pull over every two hours. Whether it's to fuel up your tow vehicle, stretch your legs, or go to the restroom, these stops can make for a much smoother trip.

Just like in a regular home, your RVs bathroom may be the safest place to be in your RV. Cover yourself up with blankets, pillows, etc. because flying debris hurts and kills more than any other part of the tornado.

What is the best day of the week to travel in an RV? ›

Statistically, the best day of the week for RV travel is Wednesday, with Tuesday coming in a close second. Most RVers agree that driving on Tuesdays is better and include Mondays as their favorite travel days. They cite a few reasons for traveling on those days.

Airstream motorhomes have some of the highest resale values out there: This classic brand helped popularize motorhomes today, and they're known for being well-designed and a good value for the money.

When comparing a diesel vs. gas motorhome, diesel motorhomes are much more fuel efficient. That is partly because diesel fuel has a greater energy value than gasoline does. Its higher energy density means that diesel fuel can offer up to 10 percent better fuel economy by volume.

A recreational vehicle park (RV park) or caravan park is a place where people with recreational vehicles can stay overnight, or longer, in allotted spaces known as "sites" or "campsites".

Today, there are several different types of camping, but the main camping methods are backpacking, car camping, and glamping. These top 3 types of camping styles provide options for every level of camper!

Therefore, a campground consists typically of open pieces of ground where a camper can pitch a tent or park a camper. More specifically a campsite is a dedicated area set aside for camping and for which often a user fee is charged. Campsites typically feature a few (but sometimes no) improvements.

Boondocking in an RV is when you camp without hookups to electricity, water, or sewage. You can boondock in many different ways, like staying overnight in a business parking lot or camping on public lands.

Two words — RV boondocking. Boondocking is camping without all the amenities, and it can be a cost-effective and fun way to travel in an RV. Sure, it's a little intimidating at first, but with this guide, you can choose the best RV for boondocking and confidently hit the road.

If you're a camper, hiker or nature lover, you're probably familiar with the campsite rule: to leave the campsite in better condition than you found it. And if you've ever listened to Dan Savage or read his column Savage Love, you know that he has applied this very same rule to sex and relationships for many years.

What is the difference between a KOA and a KOA journey? ›

KOA Holiday campgrounds are meant to be a destination for traveling campers. With many amenities for the whole family, these campgrounds are designed for longer stays than the Journey campgrounds, which offer no-frills overnight stops.

This is where the "rule of three" comes in. Never go anywhere alone or be alone in a room with one of your campers. Always have a third person with you, whether that is another counselor or another camper. Alarm bells should ring if you see another counselor alone with a camper.

Avoid camping near lone trees, mountaintops, high ridges and other likely lightning targets. Find a site away from low-lying places that could fill with water during a flash flood, such as valleys, canyons and banks of small, shallow rivers.

Living full-time at an RV park or campground allows you to live cheaper. And some RV parks offer great amenities such as a pool, hot tub, golf course, hiking and bike trails, near shopping, etc.

On a map, look for places that are: Flat, where your odds of finding a level campsite are best. Within convenient proximity of firewood and water. Off-trail, so you don't disrupt another backpacker's wilderness experience. Not at the bottom of a valley or canyon, where the air would be coldest and most humid.