Whiskey Gulch Beach

The feel

This is dispersed beach camping on the western side of the Kenai Peninsula, near Anchor Point, with a mix of sand, rocky areas and smooth cobblestones. The view runs across Cook Inlet to Mount Augustine, Mount Iliamna and Mount Redoubt.

Cook Inlet belugas, migrating gray whales, bald eagles and shorebirds all pass through, and there are moose in the coastal wetlands. The beach is family-friendly, and beachcombing turns up shells and driftwood.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Dispersed sites along the beach, reached by 4WD, with Cook Inlet views.

Check-in and stay

First-come, no reservations.

Crowds and best time

Space can be limited, so arrive early in peak season.

Parking and rig size

Parking is tied to the primitive camping areas, with no designated paved lots.

Fees and reservations

Free.

Kids

Family-friendly, with beachcombing for shells and driftwood.

Hazards

Tides can swing about 30 feet and expose large mudflats twice a day, and the ground is uneven.

Bathrooms and water

No facilities, so bring your own water and pack out everything.

Season and access

May to September, depending on the tides. Winter brings snow, ice and limited facilities. Public transportation is extremely limited or unavailable, so plan to drive.

Mingo says

Plan your camp around the tide before anything else. Aim for May through September, a season that depends on the tides.

Before you go

• Pack in drinking water, since there are no facilities.
• Wear sturdy footwear for the cobblestones and rock.
• Keep a respectful distance from the belugas, whales, eagles and moose.

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