Best Campgrounds near Kenny Lake, AK

Kenny Lake, Alaska provides access to several established campgrounds and dispersed camping options within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park region. Liberty Falls State Recreation Site and Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site offer traditional tent and RV camping, with most sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings. McCarthy Road Camp provides dispersed camping alternatives for those seeking more primitive experiences. Kenny Lake Mercantile & RV Park operates from May through September, offering electrical hookups and shower facilities for visitors preferring developed campgrounds with more amenities.

The camping season in this region typically runs from May through September, with many facilities closing during the harsh Alaskan winter. Road conditions vary significantly, particularly on routes like the McCarthy Road which requires careful driving. "We were surprised by the terrible McCarthy road. It was bad. They just grated it and if we didn't have a raft adventure booked my husband would have turned around since we are hauling a camper," noted one visitor about access challenges. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities such as toilets and trash disposal, though water availability differs between locations. Cell service exists near some developed areas but becomes limited in more remote sections of the region.

Campers consistently praise the natural beauty and waterfront locations available near Kenny Lake. Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site receives particularly positive reviews for its lakeside setting. A visitor commented, "We really enjoyed camping here. This was our first place we camped in Alaska and it was very clean. It has a beautiful view with the lake right there and the beavers are very active." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, with beaver activity and bald eagle sightings mentioned in multiple reviews. While campgrounds closer to highways provide easier access, they occasionally experience road noise. The region supports diverse camping styles from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks, though availability becomes limited during peak summer fishing seasons when many visitors arrive to fish the Copper River and its tributaries.

Best Camping Sites Near Kenny Lake, Alaska (24)

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Recent Reviews near Kenny Lake, AK

88 Reviews of 24 Kenny Lake Campgrounds


  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Gulkana River Access

    Great Spot!

    Rock fire pits lined along the river. Bathrooms about 0.5 miles away up in a separate parking lot. Not a lot of privacy, but if you need a good place to sleep for a night on your journey up or out, this is a good choice. Free!

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Ranch House Lodge

    One of our Best Campground Experiences

    We stayed here overnight on the way to Valdez and enjoyed it so much that we returned for two nights on the way back. The campground is right off the highway. Check-in was easy, and we were allowed to pick between two site options, and Karen was offering sites that were not next to another camper since the park wasn't full. We chose back-in site 52 with full hookups (50/30/20 AMP) in their new back area both times. Backing in was easy, and we appreciated that the pad has two sewer hookups, with water and electric centered. Water pressure was decent, around 40 psi. Pine trees surround many of the campsites; we had some, but still got a very usable Starlink signal. Verizon showed 4 bars and T-Mobile 1 bar. This campground is essentially off-grid Alaska, with all the challenges and rules that come with that. For example, black tank flushing isn’t allowed due to septic limitations, trash is burned on-site so flammable or unburnable items are prohibited, and the potable water may have some discoloration. The owners, Karen, who is very hospitable, and Andy, have put tremendous effort into creating this beautiful creekside campground. Campers are expected to respect the rules and Andy, rightfully so, lacks a bedside manner for those who do not. It was a delight to have no neighbors and a wonderful water-view site on Tolsona Creek, where we could hear the flowing water. There’s no formal dog park, but plenty of space to walk your dog. Arctic Grayling fishing was excellent while we were there in August. After over 360 reviews with RV Life, this campground ranks on our Top 10 list for Best Campground Experiences.

  • Vicky S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site

    Beautiful!

    This campground is in the Thompson Pass and the scenery is unbelievable. The campsite has vault toilets, but they were clean. There was drinking water. The only downside was the mosquitoes.

    I don’t remember seeing pull-thru sites.

  • Laureen V.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Tolsona Wilderness Campground

    dumpy, loud

    This campground is a dump. Bathrooms haven't seen a cleaning this season, if they even got one last year.  Nothing is labeled,  hard to find sites. If you book a site apparently you can have as many "visitors" as you wish, Cars everywhere.  There is no trail to mud volcano, we made it I think half way and turned around. What happened here. Years ago it was a nice place. Now NOPE

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site

    Stunning

    What a gem! This campground has amazing views but is very small. The mosquitos were relentless but what a view. There is no cellphone service at all, so make sure you download what you need. The pit toilets were very clean. Spots were $25 a night, I don't remember what day parking is. It was a shame to see some people pulling in, not paying fishing and then leaving. This park survives on "donations" so please don't be that person!

  • Laureen V.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Ranch House Lodge

    A step into nature

    Clean, quiet and full hook up sites.  No issues with water, electric. Level site and the tavern is a roadhouse that serves food.  The pizza is amazing.  We had a site on the creek but I don't think there is a bad site there.  The owner Andy put a mini oreo on my daughters ice cream, she hasn't stopped talking about it.   Will stay here again

  • Laureen V.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Ranch House Lodge

    A step back to nature

    Camped with my family and had the best time.  The sites level and have full hook up.  No issues with electric or water.  Pizza and firewood can be delivered to your site.  The owner , Andy, put a tiny oreo cookie  on her ice cream and she has not stopped talking about it. 

    Get location, great tavern. I don't think there is a bad site there.

  • Allen S.
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Northern Nights Campground

    Not worth the price

    I spent a night here and have to say, not impressed.  Basic.  The sites are small and mostly unlevel. One dump station and the bathhouse was questionable.   I don't like the token system for showers and found the bathhouse a little dirty.

  • Allen S.
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Tolsona Wilderness Campground

    Don't believe the pictures

    Dirty, upkept , clutter.  Water is super cold,  no one was tubing.  The pictures must be old, because this campground is in bad shape.  No one is watching their children or pets.  My site  had hanging branches and the squirrels where everywhere.  The trash was open which I'm sure did not help


Guide to Kenny Lake

Camping near Kenny Lake, Alaska centers around the Wrangell-St. Elias region where elevations range from 1,000 to over 18,000 feet, creating diverse camping conditions across seasons. Summer temperatures typically reach 65-75°F during the day but can drop to near freezing at night, even in July. Road access varies dramatically with the Edgerton Highway providing the main paved route while secondary roads like the McCarthy Road require vehicles with good clearance.

What to do

Waterfall hiking: Liberty Falls State Recreation Site offers exceptional access to cascading falls and swimming opportunities. "There is a great place to splash in the water at the base of this waterfall. This is one of those once in a life time spots so if you drive by and there is an open space take it," notes a camper at Liberty Falls State Recreation Site.

Fishing for sockeye salmon: During summer months, the rivers near Kenny Lake offer productive salmon fishing. "Fishing was good. Took us about an hour to land 4 sockeyes. Owners came down, gave us tips and offered to loan some gear we hadn't realized we needed," reports a visitor at King For A Day Campground & Charters.

Wildlife viewing: The beaver ponds and wetlands provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "The lake right there and the beavers are very active," mentions a camper about Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site. Eagle watching is also popular, with one camper noting "Bald eagles were playing, and flying around all day" at their riverside campsite.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots with natural barriers. "The sites are all different and pretty secluded, hardly saw anyone while there (September)," writes a camper at Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site.

River access: Camping directly next to flowing water ranks high with visitors. "This is a place to stay if all you want is fishing. This campground is right on the river," notes a visitor at King For A Day Campground. Similarly, another camper mentions "The campsites are decently sized... we had many great encounters with people on this adventure" at Klutina Salmon Charters & Campground.

Community atmosphere: Some campgrounds foster a social environment. "Kind of like a folk festival. Very friendly staff," describes a camper at Klutina Salmon Charters & Campground. This social aspect extends to fishing advice, with another visitor adding "Very respectful of each other, helping newer fishers with techniques and how to tips."

What you should know

Campsite availability: Most sites operate on first-come, first-served basis with limited capacity. "Cannot reserve. Get there early in the week and stay the weekend. This campground only has 10 spots but is worth it," advises a camper at Liberty Falls.

Road condition challenges: The McCarthy Road presents significant challenges for vehicles. One visitor to McCarthy Road Camp explains: "It's unfortunate that you have to drive down the terrible, McCarty road. It was bad. They just grated it and if we didn't have a raff adventure booked my husband would have turned around since we are hauling a camper."

Services vary significantly: Facilities range from primitive to more developed. "For $20 a day you can go to a state campground for $5 more and have a better experience," suggests one camper comparing options. Another adds "$35 for NO amenities is a lot... You get a spot with no electric or water, no bathrooms, no trash" when describing McCarthy Road Camp.

Tips for camping with families

Water recreation options: Several sites offer safe swimming areas for children. At Liberty Falls State Recreation Site, "This is one of the most beautiful camping areas I have ever seen. We were only looking for a place to pull off and use the restroom but we were so caught up by the cleanliness and beauty of the area that we decided to eat lunch at one of the picnic tables near the falls."

Tent platforms: Some campgrounds provide raised platforms. "Pros: tent platforms to practice those LNT skills!" notes a camper at Liberty Falls State Recreation Site.

Shade coverage: Look for sites with natural shade protection. "Lots of spots with great shade. We found a spot in the back right on the creek. Left to go to Valdez and came back and found the same spot still open," shares a camper about Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: Electric hookups exist at select locations. "If you are looking for a place for a hot shower this is the stop to make. Very nice people running the mercantile," advises an RVer about Kenny Lake Mercantile & RV Park.

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The RV sites seemed a little overgrown and uneven, but otherwise not bad," notes a visitor to Tonsina River Lodge.

Seasonal operation: Most RV facilities operate limited seasons. Kenny Lake Mercantile & RV Park runs "May 1 to September 30" according to their listing information, with similar seasons at other nearby facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kenny Lake, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kenny Lake, AK offers a wide range of camping options, with 24 campgrounds and RV parks near Kenny Lake, AK and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Kenny Lake, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kenny Lake, AK is Liberty Falls State Recreation Site with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kenny Lake, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Kenny Lake, AK.