Parks Manager

Getting to Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park sits in AK, United States, with Kodiak the closest mapped town — about 107 mi (172 km) away, not a drive.

Reached by floatplane from King Salmon.

Katmai National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.

Drive times from Katmai National Park

Katmai National Park sits close enough to Lake Clark National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.

Parks you can pair with Katmai National Park
ParkApartEstimated drive
Lake Clark National Park179 mi (289 km)4 hr 42 min
Kenai Fjords National Park213 mi (343 km)5 hr 30 min

Towns to base yourself in

Towns nearest Katmai National Park
TownDistanceAccess
Kodiak107 mi (172 km)Not a drive
Dillingham129 mi (208 km)Not a drive
Anchor Point143 mi (230 km)Not a drive
Homer146 mi (235 km)Not a drive
Fritz Creek157 mi (252 km)Not a drive
Kalifornsky186 mi (299 km)Not a drive
Kenai193 mi (311 km)Not a drive
Soldotna195 mi (314 km)Not a drive

How to read these numbers

Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.

Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.

Region pages

Common questions

What is the closest town to Katmai National Park?

Kodiak, about 107 mi (172 km) away on the map. Reached by floatplane from King Salmon. That distance is not a drive.

Where should I stay when visiting Katmai National Park?

The practical mainland bases are Kodiak, Dillingham, and Anchor Point. Reached by floatplane from King Salmon.