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Places to Camp near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Searching for the best camping near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, AK? Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Alaska camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, AK (2)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Upper Skilak Lake Campground - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

    1.

    Upper Skilak Lake Campground - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

    6 Reviews
    30 Photos
    10 Saves
    Cooper Landing, Alaska

    Overview

    The Dena___ina 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 Burney___s Trail are views of Hidden Lake, Skilak Lake, and the Kenai Mountains. The upper part of Burney___s 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.

    Facilities

    Hidden Lake Campground has 44 total campsites with 24 sites in the Skyview loop available by reservation. (All sites in Lake and Ridge Loops are available as first come, first served and must be paid for with cash or check at the self-serve iron ranger.) This campground does not have electric or water hookups available. Water hand pumps are available in each camp loop and near the boatlaunch. The on site dump station is currently under replacement and is unavailable for this summer season. A free boat launch is available on Hidden Lake with adjacent parking for vehicles with boat trailers. Two day-use pavilions with raised charcoal grills and picnic tables are available first come, first served. Groups over 20 people in size require a Special Use Permit issued at Refuge headquarters.

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Toilets

    $15 / night

  2. Camper-submitted photo from Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Cabins

    2.

    Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Cabins

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    9 Saves
    Soldotna, Alaska

    Overview

    The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge guarantees breathtaking scenery and an unforgettable experience for visitors staying in one of the 14 rustic cabins located in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Getting to the cabin can be a thrilling adventure in itself, as most of them require the use of boats, aircraft, hiking or skiing. The grudging withdrawal of the Harding Ice Field has helped to make the lands of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge a "miniature Alaska." Today, the refuge includes examples of every major Alaska habitat type. The refuge is an Alaska in miniature in its diversity of wildlife, as well.

    Recreation

    Eager anglers can pursue chinook, sockeye, coho and pink salmon; as well as Dolly Varden char, rainbow trout, and arctic grayling. The refuge is also home to brown and black bears, caribou, Dall sheep, mountain goats, wolves, lynx, wolverines, eagles and thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl, not to mention the mighty Alaska-Yukon moose that the refuge was originally established (as the Kenai National Moose Range) to protect.

    Facilities

    Seven of Kenai Refuge's 14 reservable public use cabins are historic log cabins built around the turn of the 20th century. The others are 16'x18' trapper-style log cabins. Each cabin includes a table with benches, plywood bunks (without mattresses) a wood-heating stove, and an outhouse. Access to cabins varies. Some can be reached by hiking-in, while others require a boat or plane to access. In winter, a snowmachine may be necessary.

    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) 262-7021.

    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. Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $35 / night


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