Caribou Hills / Oilwell Road Dispersed

The feel

Locally called "The Hills," this is state land east of Ninilchik crossed by miles of old, rugged mining roads, about 200 miles of trail in all. It is ATV and berry country, between 1,200 and 2,000 feet in elevation.

Camping is allowed anywhere, and there are no fees for parking, entry, riding or camping. Expect many water crossings, and in summer the terrain can be muddy with deep puddles.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Dispersed camping anywhere on state land in the hills, with no designated sites.

Check-in and stay

First-come, no reservations.

Parking and rig size

Clam Gulch Staging Area sits right beside the highway with room for large vehicles. Oil Well Road is long and rough, with narrow, steep sections, so large trailers are not recommended.

Fees and reservations

Free.

Hazards

Mud and deep puddles in summer, many water crossings and some steep hills.

Bathrooms and water

No facilities here, so bring all you need. Freddie's Roadhouse has gasoline and water on site.

Season and access

June to September. Clam Gulch Staging Area is about 50 miles north of Homer on AK-1. For the Gravel Pit Staging Area, turn east onto Oil Well Road about 35 miles north of Homer and continue about 17 miles.

Mingo says

Stay on the trail, since trail blazing is prohibited. Plan for slow going, since the crossings and summer mud slow things down.

Before you go

• Fit a spark arrestor, which is required on every vehicle.
• Leave large trailers behind, since Oil Well Road has narrow, steep sections.
• Call the state Department of Natural Resources at (907) 269-8400, or visit dnr.alaska.gov.
• Freddie's Roadhouse at (907) 567-7530 has free parking and trail access.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.