Brooks Camp

Visitors to Brooks Camp observe bear behavior from ideally-situated viewing platforms.

NPS Photo

 

Situated at the mouth of the Brooks River, along the shore of Naknek Lake (the largest lake within any unit of the National Park System), Brooks Camp attracts visitors of all kinds to view brown bears, enjoy world-class sportfishing, and learn about the long human history of the area. Also a starting point for many backcountry adventures, daily naturalist-led/concessioner-operated bus tours from Brooks Camp provide easy access to the geologic splendors of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, site of the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century.

From June 1 to September 17, the National Park Service operates a visitor center, ranger station, campground, and auditorium with daily interpretive programs. Also during this time, the park concessioner, Katmailand, Inc., provides additional services and amenities, including meals and lodging at Brooks Lodge.

 

Visiting Brooks Camp
While Brooks Camp offers many public services and accessibility options unavailable elsewhere in Katmai's millions of acres of wilderness, visitors must arrive prepared to experience backcountry Alaska. Whether staying for just a few hours or for several days, visitors should expect to encounter wind, rain, cold, mud, uneven terrain, and transportation delays. Be sure to dress and pack in anticipation of diverse and changing weather conditions.

Most Brooks Camp visitors arrive via small, float-equipped aircraft. Click here for directions and other transportation information.

All visitors to Brooks Camp are required to begin their stay by checking-in at the visitor center for a brief "Bear Etiquette" training course and safety talk outlining park regulations. Click here for a preview of bear safety regulations at Brooks Camp and throughout Katmai.

While bear-viewing platforms and most trails around Brooks Camp are wheelchair accessible, they are unpaved and frequently muddy. Visitors should be prepared to leave the trail in order to avoid a bear.

Download The Bear Essentials, which includes a map and brief guide to Brooks Camp. The same information is also included in The Novarupta, the official Katmai newspaper and a comprehensive, up-to-date guide to planning your visit.

 

Bear Jam!
Bear activity at the Lower River may delay crossing Brooks River Bridge (see map below). Please be prepared to wait in windy and/or rainy conditions and allow yourself ample time to meet meal services and/or your departing flight.