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.
