Homer’s city-owned campgrounds are reopening for the season — and this year, Karen Hornaday Park Campground will reopen as well.

Following a three-year hiatus since it was closed down in 2022 due to issues with vandalism and drug use, the campground will operate this summer from May 23 through Sept. 2.

Parks Maintenance Coordinator Chad Felice said in early March, when the campground’s reopening was still being discussed, that the City of Homer Public Works Department’s Parks Division has made several improvements to the campground since its closure, including thinning of the alders and widening of some of the campsites to create better sight lines and easier access.

“There are still some logistics to work out, but we are heading in the direction to open,” Felice wrote in an email last Thursday.

Located on the wooded hillside above the park and playground, “at least” 20 of the campground’s sheltered sites will be opened for the season, as the Parks Division is currently operating Karen Hornaday Park camping on a “trial run.” Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring; potable water is available next to the registration kiosk at the campground’s entrance. Campsites are $30 per night and are first come, first served, with a 14-day maximum camping limit. Reservations are not taken for the Karen Hornaday Park Campground.

The Mariner Park and Fishing Hole campgrounds opened for the season on April 1. Tent Camp West, located on the west side of the Homer Spit across from Ramp 5, remains closed due to storm damage.

For up-to-date information on City of Homer campgrounds, call the Campground Information Hotline at 907-235-1583.

Karen Hornaday Park Campground is seen on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)