A landscape is alive underneath our feet, filled with creatures that remind us what it is to be wild. Katmai was established in 1918 to protect the volcanically devastated region surrounding Novarupta and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Today, Katmai National Park and Preserve also protects 9,000 years of human hist
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursKatmai is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 9072463305 · KATM_Visitor_Information@nps.gov
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located on the northern Alaska Peninsula, northwest of Kodiak Island and southwest of Homer, Alaska. The park’s headquarters is in King Salmon, about 290 air miles southwest of Anchorage. Unlike most national parks in the United States, Katmai is almost exclusively
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Katmai National Park & Preserve — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Katmai National Park & Preserve?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you fish at Katmai National Park & Preserve?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Katmai National Park & Preserve. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at Katmai National Park & Preserve?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Brooks Bridge Trail to Viewing Platform, Brooks Camp Boundary Trail, Brooks Camp Corner Cutoff Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
Katmai is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Nearby sites
NPS/R. Wood National Park Service Alagnak Wild River
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Becharof National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
