Camping on the Spit is what most budget travelers, RVers, and backpackers do, although it’s no picnic. It’s within spitting distance of the noisy road, and it’s barren and often windy. City-maintained camping areas on the Spit cost $8 for tents and $15 for RVs (no hookups), with bathrooms or portable toilets close by. Self-register at the sites or pay at the camping-fee office (907/235-1583) near the Fishing Hole.

Campsites are open April–October, though a few hardy folks try their luck in winter when the Spit is officially closed to camping. A quieter and more protected (but less scenic) seasonal campground is at Karen Hornaday Park (907/235-3170, www.ci.homer.ak.us, tents $8, RVs $15) near the hospital on Fairview Avenue.

In addition to the city campsites, the Spit is home to three RV parks with full hookups. Close to the tip of the Spit, the privately run Homer Spit Campground (907/235-8206, May–mid-Sept., tents $22, RVs $30) has rustic and crowded sites (electricity only, showers available), some right along the beach. Sportsman’s Supply (907/235-2617, RVs $30) has a few spots right across from the boat launch.

With a prime spot next to the Fishing Hole, plus all the latest amenities—including satellite TV and Wi-Fi—Heritage RV Park (907/226-4500 or 800/380-7787, www.alaskaheritagervpark.com, May–early Sept., RVs $78) commands top dollar; it’s easily Alaska’s priciest RV park.

Driftwood Inn RV Park (907/235-8019 or 800/478-8019, www.thedriftwoodinn.com, $49) is close to Bishops Beach, and Oceanview RV Park (907/235-3951, www.oceanview-rv.com, May–Sept., RVs $45, tents $22) is a crowded RV lot on the west edge of town.

If you’re staying in the city campgrounds, showers ($4) are available at Sportsman’s Supply or the Homer Spit Campground. Local coin laundries also have shower facilities; a good bet is The Washboard (1204 Ocean Dr., 907/235-6781), where you can even surf the Web for free or get an espresso while watching the clothes spin or after showering. An even better deal is the high school pool, where they throw in a free swim for the cost of a shower.