Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is a 182-acre scenic park located three miles north of the town of Kodiak in Alaska. Established in 1969, the park is recognized as a National Historic Landmark because of its historic fortifications dating back to World War II – exploring these landmarks is a great way to spend a winter weekend!
Surrounded by spruce forests, meandering meadows, and bluffs overlooking the ocean, Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is a place of true natural beauty. Campers flock to the park to enjoy a range of outdoor recreation here, such as hiking, nature walks, bird watching, swimming, and fishing.
Campers should be advised that bears have been known to frequent the park occasionally (especially in berry season) and so they should be prepared with the right camping gear and follow protocol accordingly.
The entrance to Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park can be found along Abercrombie Drive, off Rezanof Drive in Kodiak, Abercrombie. Please note that RVs over 20 feet should be parked in the overflow parking lot as you will have difficulty getting around on the campground’s narrow roads.
The campground at Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park consists of eight campsites designed for tent campers. RV campers are recommended to use the overflow parking area as large vehicles over 20 feet will have difficulty getting around on the narrow roads. There is space here for five vehicles up to 20 feet.
Facilities include restrooms, showers, picnic areas and shelters. ADA facilities are also available. Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is pet-friendly with both leashed and non-leashed areas available for dog owners.
Various naturalist programs are held at Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park during the summer months, the most popular of which is the Junior Naturalist Program. Perfect for kids between the ages of seven and 12 years old, this course teaches little ones all about the surrounding environment. The course includes a booklet with activities to complete in order to achieve your park ranger badge and certificate.
Fishing can be enjoyed at Lake Gertrude. Anglers can try their luck for land-locked Chinook or Coho salmon and rainbow trout, stocked yearly. Please be advised that there is a daily catch limit of 10 fish per day or only one that measures more than 20 inches. Fishing here is a great way to source a meal to enjoy on the campfire but please make sure that you follow the rules for fishing in this state park.
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is a popular destination during the summer months when campers and day visitors descend to enjoy swimming and picnicking beside the lake. Why not pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the picnic areas and make a day of it?
Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is a great park to explore on foot. There are various hiking and interpretive trails available for all levels; there is even a handicap accessible trail. During the off season, these trails, particular the two and a half mile lake trail, are a great way to spot wildlife and birds without the crowds around to disturb them.
Picnics can be enjoyed all year round at Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park whether you’re camping here or just visiting for the day. With a variety of picnic areas scattered about as well as picnic shelters for when it's cooler, there is no reason you shouldn’t enjoy the beauty of this park in winter too.
Fishing can be enjoyed all year round at Lake Gertrude in Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park. Frequently stocked with both land-locked Chinook or Coho salmon and rainbow trout, the park is popular for fishing trips. During the off-season you will get to enjoy some spectacular winter views when the park is less crowded.
