Recreation in Katmai can be explained in just about three words: volcanoes, bears, and fish. Most visitors fly into Brooks Camp which is within a short walk of Brooks Lake. From there visitors can fish in the Brooks River. Fisherman need to be very cautious of the bears. For another view of bears you can walk to the Brooks Falls, or take the four-mile trail to Dumpling Mountain.

From Brooks Camp, a 23-mile road leads to the Valley of the 10,000 Smokes. Katmailand Staff drive a van to the valley, where visitors can hike to the valley floor, or remain in the shelter over looking the ash-covered valley. Hikers can go from there for long trips far into the mountains to Novaruprta.

Canoeists can explore the Savonoski Loop, which is a poplar water route. The rivers are safe for canoes but the rough channels may be dangerous. The trip takes about five to ten days, with a one-mile boat ride between the Bay of Islands and Lake Grosvenor.

Rafters may consider going to the Alagnak River, a designated part of the park. Some early outdoor adventurers start their adventure at Kukaklek Lake. The canyon down river can make the route very challenger. The Alagnak runs about 80 miles and then dumps into the Kvichak River.