Established Camping
Upper Skilak Lake Campground - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Upper Skilak Lake Campground, near Kenai-Cook Inlet, Alaska, is a stunning spot for those who crave a true wilderness experience. With picturesque views of the lake and surrounding forest, it’s a prime location for camping, fishing, and wildlife watching.
The campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, with some right on the water's edge. Visitors often mention the bear-proof food storage, which is a must in this area known for its active bear population. As one camper noted, “The stunning lake view and access made the campsite worth dealing with the bugs and bears.”
For outdoor activities, you can hike the nearby trails or take a stroll around the expansive lake. Many campers have enjoyed fishing and boating, making the most of the beautiful scenery. Just be prepared for the occasional bug and keep an eye out for wildlife, as black and grizzly bears are frequent visitors.
While the campground has its quirks, like some less-than-stellar bathroom facilities, the overall experience is enhanced by the breathtaking views and the sense of adventure. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Upper Skilak Lake Campground is a fantastic choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Description
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Overview
The Denaina people call this special place _ Yaghanen _ - the good land. It's also known as the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. From ice fields and glaciers to tundra, forests, and coastal wetlands, the Kenai Refuge is often called Alaska in miniature." Biodiversity is unusually high for this latitude because of the juxtaposition of two biomes: Sitka spruce-dominated coastal rainforest and the western-most reach of boreal forest in North America. This refuge is known for its moose, brown and black bears, lynx, wolves, trumpeter swans, and more. The Kenai River, which originates in the refuge, is renowned for its wide variety of sport fish including Chinook (king), sockeye (red), and coho (silver) salmon, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout. This refuge, including the Kenai Wilderness, is an anchor for biodiversity on the Kenai Peninsula in a time of change - including development downstream, changing climatic conditions, and change through fire. More information is available online at kenai.fws.gov or by calling the Refuge Visitor Center at 907-260-2820. Camping on the Refuge Kenai National Wildlife Refuge has a variety of roadside campgrounds. Most campsites are on a first-come, first-served bases except for the Skyview Loop in Hidden Lake Campground. Camping may not exceed 7 days in Hidden Lake Campground or 14 days elsewhere on the refuge. Federal Interagency Senior and Access Passes reduce camping fees by 50% in refuge campgrounds.
Recreation
Hidden Lake Campground is found with the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge's Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area, where 100 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, a scenic 16 mile drive and multiple lakes for boating can be found. Hiking: Burneys Trail is located across from Skyview Loop- site #7 and connects to Hideout Trail for a thru hike ending at mile 1.9 Skilak Lake Road. The trail is short and relatively easy with a moderately steep section near its end. This trail passes through aspen and spruce forest. At the end of Burneys Trail are views of Hidden Lake, Skilak Lake, and the Kenai Mountains. The upper part of Burneys Trail follows the fires edge of the 2019 Swan Lake Fire. Boating: Hidden Lake is open to boats, though personal watercraft (like jet skis) are not permitted. No summertime landing of aircraft is permitted on Hidden Lake.
Natural Features
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge spans 1.9 million acres along the western Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. The region includes the western slopes of the Kenai Mountains, forested lowlands along Cook Inlet, rivers, lakes and wetlands. To the east is Chugach National Forest and southeast is Kenai Fjords National Park.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (907) 260-2820.
Charges & Cancellations
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount.
Location
Upper Skilak Lake Campground - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is located in Alaska
Directions
Hidden Lake Campground is located at mile 3.6 Skilak Lake Road, most easily accessed from the east entrance of Skilak Lake Road (mp 58) off of Sterling Highway (AK Highway 1). Skilak Lake Road is gravel until you reach the paved campground road. Seasonal muddy conditions can be expected in late April and early May, depending on snowpack and other hydrologic conditions. Contact refuge staff at 907-260-2820 for current road conditions, especially if bringing large or heavy recreational vehicles early in the summer. Conditions typically improve quickly and Skilak Lake Road is usually accessible from mid-May through the summer by 2WD highway vehicles and recreation vehicles without difficulty.
Coordinates
60.45833 N
150.1945 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonGood
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
