If your looking to book a trip to King Salmon, Alaska, finding the right place to stay can be tough As a small remote fishing town, lodging options are limited However, King Salmon does have some great places for visitors to lay their heads at night. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the best places to stay in King Salmon.
Overview of King Salmon
First, a quick overview of King Salmon. This town of just under 400 people is located on the Naknek River in southwest Alaska. It’s main industries are commercial fishing and sport fishing tourism. The famous Katmai National Park is located just west of King Salmon.
Many visitors come to King Salmon as a jumping off point for fishing on the Naknek River or as a base for bear viewing day trips into Katmai. The King Salmon Airport services the town with daily jet flights. So despite its remote location getting here is easier than you may think!
Now, let’s get into the best places visitors can stay when coming to King Salmon.
Antlers Inn
The Antlers Inn is located right in the middle of King Salmon, just a short walk from the airport. This makes it a very convenient lodging option. The Antlers Inn has a variety of room types, from standard hotel rooms to suites with full kitchens.
Pros:
- Convenient central location
- Variety of room sizes
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Free wi-fi
- 24 hour front desk
Cons:
- Decor is a bit dated
- No elevators for upper floors
Overall, the Antlers Inn offers a solid lodging option right in town at a reasonable price point. It’s a good choice for fishermen, bear viewers, or anyone looking for an affordable and centrally located place to stay in King Salmon.
Sockeye Cabins
Owned by the same family as the Antlers Inn, Sockeye Cabins provides an alternative just behind the main inn building. These log cabin-style units provide a bit more space and privacy.
Each cabin has at least a small kitchenette. Some of the larger cabins include full kitchens and multiple bedrooms, perfect for families or small groups.
Like the main inn, Sockeye Cabins are located right in central King Salmon. They share amenities like the on-site restaurant with the inn.
Pros:
- Spacious cabin units with kitchens
- Centrally located
- Reasonably priced
- Shared amenities with Antlers Inn
Cons:
- Only open seasonally, May through October
- Minimal staff on-site
For visitors looking for more space and privacy without leaving town, Sockeye Cabins are a great seasonal lodging choice. Having a kitchen can also help stretch your budget by preparing some meals yourself.
King Salmon Lodge
Located just one mile from town, King Salmon Lodge provides a higher-end lodging experience. This lodge focuses on a luxury fishing vacation packages. But they also cater well to bear viewers and other visitors looking for upscale accommodations.
Amenities include an on-site restaurant with river views, private fishing guides, and easy float plane access into Katmai National Park for bear viewing day trips.
Lodge rooms range from standard hotel-style rooms to luxurious multi-bedroom suites. Rates are on the high side but competitive for the amenities provided. Discounts are offered for extended stays of 3 nights or more.
Pros:
- Luxury amenities and service
- Prime riverfront setting
- Guided fishing packages
- Easy access for Katmai bear viewing
Cons:
- One of the most expensive places to stay in King Salmon
- Located 1 mile from town
For visitors who want to splurge on a luxury fishing or bear viewing vacation, King Salmon Lodge is arguably the top accommodation in town. The services and amenities justify the higher prices for many travelers.
Vacation Rentals
King Salmon has a limited number of short-term vacation rental houses and cabins. These are usually booked via sites like Airbnb and VRBO.
For groups or families looking to really stretch out, renting an entire house for a week or more can provide maximum space and privacy. These vacation rentals allow you to cook most of your meals in a full kitchen and truly make the place feel like home.
Pros:
- Private, home-like accommodations
- Often less expensive for groups compared to multiple hotel rooms
- Full kitchens standard
- Separate bedrooms for privacy
Cons:
- Limited availability
- Outside of town location
- No hotel amenities or services
Vacation home rentals in King Salmon are best suited for larger groups and families looking to settle in for a week or longer. The ability to cook your own meals and spread out make them a nice option for the right situation.
Camping & RV Parks
For visitors on a tight budget or those who prefer a really outdoorsy experience, camping is an option in King Salmon. There are a few primitive campgrounds just outside of town. RV parks with hookups are also available.
These options provide a cheap way to experience King Salmon while being close to town and area fishing. Shared amenities are limited though. Showers, laundry, etc are only available in town.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Immersive outdoor experience
- Close to town and fishing
Cons:
- Roughing it – no amenities
- Need camping gear
- Shared restrooms only
For hardy travelers who don’t mind roughing it a bit, camping in or near King Salmon is a budget way to visit. This works best for short trips focused on fishing and other outdoor activities.
Recommended Places to Stay in King Salmon
To summarize, here are my top recommended places to stay for common types of travelers visiting King Salmon:
- Best for Families – Sockeye Cabins
- Best Luxury Option – King Salmon Lodge
- Best on a Budget – Antlers Inn or Camping
- Best for Groups – Vacation Rental Home
No matter your budget or interests, King Salmon does offer some great options for lodging during your Alaskan adventure. The small town feel does mean booking in advance is recommended, especially for peak summer months. Hopefully this guide gives you the information needed to choose the right type of accommodation for your upcoming trip to King Salmon, Alaska!
Our amenities at a glance:
With more of a rustic feel, the Antlers Inn offers Apartments, Suites, and our seasonally operated Creek-view Rooms featuring:
- A wide selection of rooms, each with a private bathroom
- Quiet despite the central location
- Complimentary WiFi
- Flexible number of beds available
- Refrigerator or Mini-Fridge, microwave, and coffee-pot
- Full Kitchens (Suites & Apartments only)
- Washer and Dryer (Apartments only)
- Coffee/Tea/Hot Cocoa in rooms as well as a variety of sweeteners
- 3rd party freezer for fish or game meat
- Pay Laundry Facilities
Completely renovated in 2018, the Sockeye Cabins feature smaller rooms with a more modern feel:
- A selection of rooms, each with a private bathroom
- Mini-fridge, microwave and coffee-pot
- All-in-one kitchen units in select rooms stocked with cookware and dishes for two or four
- Coffee/Tea/Hot Cocoa in rooms, as well as a variety of sweeteners
- Handicap accessible (Cabin Room 9 only)
- Complimentary WiFi
- Restaurant/bar/coffee shop on site
- Outside seating for your enjoyment
- 3rd party freezer for fish or game meat
Lodging in King Salmon, Alaska
FAQ
Can you stay in King Salmon?
King Salmon Lodge, locally known as “KSL”, is perfectly nestled on the Naknek River near Katmai National Park. Our historic lodge provides world-class fishing, unparalleled bear viewing and is the place where family and friends create memories of a lifetime.
Is King Salmon Alaska worth visiting?
ABOUT KING SALMON
Not only is King Salmon the jumping-off point for bear viewing, hiking, and backpacking adventures in Katmai National Park and Preserve, there’s also plenty to do along the Naknek River such as fishing and jet boat tours.
What month is best for King Salmon in Alaska?
The King salmon run is normally the thickest during the last half of June and the first week of July.
Where is the best place to King Salmon fish in Alaska?
Alaska king salmon fishing on the Kasilof River (near the Kenai) is the best option under current regulations if you wish to harvest kings.