City officials provide a long stretch of crowded year-round camping at Waterfront Park (907/224-4055, www.cityofseward.net/parksrec, tents $10, RVs $15, with hookups $30) along the shore on Ballaine Boulevard, with toilets, showers, picnic shelters, beautiful views, and lots of company—there are 450 sites. You can also camp at the city’s Forest Acres Campground ($10) at Mile 2 out on the Seward Highway—there are large trees, and some highway noise.

Those with wheels can head out to Exit Glacier (13 miles from town) to pitch a tent in the free Kenai Fjords National Park Campground. It has a dozen peaceful walk-in campsites, bear-proof storage, covered picnic tables, potable water, and outhouses. It’s just a short hike to the glacier.

RVers can stay at Bear Creek RV Park (907/224-5725 or 877/924-5725, www.bearcreekrv.com) seven miles north of town, and Stoney Creek RV Park (907/224-4760 or 877/437-6366, www.stoneycreekrvpark.com, $32–37), five miles north of town. Silver Derby Campground (907/224-4711) is out on Lowell Point Road on the way to Miller’s Landing.