Map showing campground location near Kenai, Alaska

Camper submitted image from Dolly Varden Lake Campground

Dolly Varden Lake Campground

Kayakers and paddlers can launch directly from waterfront sites at this U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service campground within Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Most lakeside spots provide decent water access, though sites farther down the road present more challenging launches. A few sites on the back side lack water access entirely.

The campground sits at the end of a long dirt road that becomes bumpy and muddy during rainy periods. RV length is limited to about 20 feet due to site constraints. Cell service is unavailable. Sites feature concrete picnic tables and steel fire pits with grates, though vegetation can be overgrown and insects are common until campfires are lit. For additional options, campers can explore places to camp near Kenai.

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Location

Public Campground

Dolly Varden Lake Campground is located in Alaska

Coordinates

60.7008191 N
150.79807181 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
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AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

9 hrs 46 min from Fairbanks, AK

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

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1 Star

3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the quality concrete tables and calm lake setting with decent water access. Some visitors noted the remote location requires navigating long dirt roads with no cell service or hookups nearby.

Teresa S.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 16, 2021

No Fish at the lake!

Had a great view. Most campsites along the water have decent launches to the water. The further down the road, the more challenging the launch. There are a few campsites along the backside with zero access. We were virtually alone most of the weekend. The sites were slightly overgrown and a little buggy. But once we started our fire, they quickly disappeared. Also, having mosquito coils or thermacell is recommended. More gnats than mosquitoes. But seriously no fish to be caught in this lake. We didn’t see any topwater action(no fish jumping) at any point. Go there if you just want to have fun in your kayak, sup, or if you have kids. They’d enjoy it.

Site9

Month of VisitAugust

George B.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 21, 2020

Great little campground

We lived in this area for 40 yrs. This is not the only campground in this park. There are a number of small lakes and even a canoe trail connecting many of them. The campgrounds range from ones with tables and fire rings , to tent spots with no amenities and a short drive to the pit toilets. There is no water, cell service, or hookups anywhere close by and It is a long dirt road fom the main hwy. It is well maintained. Unless it's been raining, then it can be bumpy and muddy. A 20 foot trailer is about all anyone would fit in most spots. Randy

Christian C.

Scout

Reviewed May. 27, 2018

Wonderful, calming

Clean bathrooms.

Quality concrete picnic tables

Steel fire pit with grates

Calm lake

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Dolly Varden Lake Campground?

Dolly Varden Lake Campground offers clean bathrooms with pit toilets, quality concrete picnic tables, and steel fire pits equipped with cooking grates. The campground has multiple sites, some along the waterfront providing direct lake access and others on the backside without water access. Facilities vary throughout the park system, with some areas offering more amenities than others. Some campsites may be slightly overgrown during certain times of the year.

Where is Dolly Varden Campground located in Alaska?

Dolly Varden Campground is located within a park system in Alaska that features multiple small lakes connected by a canoe trail. The campground sits on the shores of Dolly Varden Lake, offering peaceful lakeside camping opportunities in a remote setting. The area provides a serene environment away from crowds, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet Alaskan camping experience.

Are there cabins available at Dolly Varden Lake?

No, there are no cabins available at Dolly Varden Lake Campground. The accommodations consist primarily of traditional campsites with varying levels of amenities. Visitors should come prepared for tent or RV camping, depending on the site. For those seeking indoor accommodations, you'll need to look outside the immediate campground area.

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