The McNeil River State Game Sanctuary protects the world's largest concentration of wild brown bears. As many as 144 individual bears have been observed here during summer, with up to 74 bears at one time. The sanctuary encompasses 200 square miles of wildlife habitat, located 250 air miles southwest of Anchorage and 100 air miles west of Homer. Visitors can experience unparalleled bear viewing opportunities through a permit-only program operating June 7-August 25, with daily guided hikes to viewing areas where bears feed, fight, play, and mate. The sanctuary has maintained an exemplary safety record - no visitor has ever been injured by a bear since the permit program began.
Open Jun through Aug
The Alaska State Legislature designated the McNeil River area as a wildlife sanctuary in 1967 (and enlarged it in 1993) to protect the world's largest concentration of wild brown bears. As many as 144 individual bears have been observed at McNeil River through the summer with as many as 74 bears observed at one time!
No one has ever been injured by a bear at McNeil River and since the permit program was initiated, no bears have been killed by visitors who felt threatened.
The 200 square mile sanctuary is 100 air miles west of Homer. Most visitors depart from Homer with air charter operators who fly to the sanctuary.
Email: dfg.dwc.mcneil-info@alaska.gov
Official website of Alaska Department of Fish and Game which manages McNeil River State Game Sanctuary
CampgroundTour strives to provide accurate campground information but cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Information is subject to change — please confirm details with the agency managing this facility before booking or making travel decisions. See our Terms of Use.
The McNeil River State Game Sanctuary protects the world's largest concentration of wild brown bears. As many as 144 individual bears have been observed here during summer, with up to 74 bears at one time. The sanctuary encompasses 200 square miles of wildlife habitat, located 250 air miles southwest of Anchorage and 100 air miles west of Homer. Visitors can experience unparalleled bear viewing opportunities through a permit-only program operating June 7-August 25, with daily guided hikes to viewing areas where bears feed, fight, play, and mate. The sanctuary has maintained an exemplary safety record - no visitor has ever been injured by a bear since the permit program began.
Open Jun through Aug
The Alaska State Legislature designated the McNeil River area as a wildlife sanctuary in 1967 (and enlarged it in 1993) to protect the world's largest concentration of wild brown bears. As many as 144 individual bears have been observed at McNeil River through the summer with as many as 74 bears observed at one time!
No one has ever been injured by a bear at McNeil River and since the permit program was initiated, no bears have been killed by visitors who felt threatened.
The 200 square mile sanctuary is 100 air miles west of Homer. Most visitors depart from Homer with air charter operators who fly to the sanctuary.
Email: dfg.dwc.mcneil-info@alaska.gov
Official website of Alaska Department of Fish and Game which manages McNeil River State Game Sanctuary
CampgroundTour strives to provide accurate campground information but cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Information is subject to change — please confirm details with the agency managing this facility before booking or making travel decisions. See our Terms of Use.