The Kenny Lake region sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation within Alaska's Copper River Valley, where summer temperatures typically range from 50-75°F. The camping season runs primarily from May through September, with several campgrounds offering river access for fishing. Proximity to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park provides opportunities for wilderness exploration from established campground bases.
What to do
Hiking to mud volcanoes: Access the trailhead near Tolsona Wilderness Campground for a unique natural feature. "The trail is usually pretty swampy, so be sure to wear tall boots and dress appropriately for the weather. Trail is 2-2.5mi round trip," advises one reviewer who completed the hike.
Fishing in Tolsona Creek: Anglers can access the creek directly from campsites at Tolsona Wilderness Campground. The campground offers "access to the creek for fishing. Inner tubes can be written in the creek along with fishing and waiting," notes a visitor who enjoyed multiple water activities during their stay.
River fishing near Copper Center: King For A Day Campground & Charters provides direct river access for 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 one satisfied angler who had success despite being new to the area.
Liberty Falls exploration: The waterfall and surrounding area offer swimming and photography opportunities. "There is a great place to splash in the water at the base of this waterfall," mentions one camper who enjoyed the recreation spot during warmer weather.
What campers like
Private, creek-side sites: Campers consistently mention site privacy as a major benefit at certain campgrounds. "This is not your typical Alaskan RV park! Sites are large, spread out and private. Each has a fire ring and a picnic table. All are creekside," notes one reviewer about Tolsona.
Wildlife viewing: The area offers opportunities to see native wildlife. "Bald eagles were playing, and flying around all day," reports a visitor at King For A Day Campground who enjoyed bird watching during their stay.
Local hospitality: Many campers appreciate the friendly service at Ranch House Lodge in Tolsona. "The owners gave us a tour of the property and shared its fascinating backstory. The lodge and grounds are filled with antique items— old cars, vintage washing machines, cash registers, and all kinds of machines true to the era when the lodge was originally built," explains one visitor who valued the historical aspects.
Clean bathroom facilities: Quality facilities make a difference for campers. "Well maintained sites, bear cans for trash, each site seemed to have fire ring and table. 5 star campground," mentions one reviewer about Ranch House Lodge, while another specifically notes, "This campground has all others beat. Not just clean but decorated in moose motif and wood."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close by late September. Ranch House Lodge operates "May 15 to September," and Tolsona Wilderness Campground runs "May 20 to September 10," according to their listings.
Limited availability at smaller campgrounds: Liberty Falls State Recreation Site has only a handful of sites that fill quickly. "Cannot reserve. Get there early in the week and stay the weekend. This campground only has 10 spots but is worth it. Spots are small but the waterfall is amazing," advises a camper who successfully secured a site.
Varying shower policies: Some campgrounds charge for shower use. At Northern Nights Campground, a reviewer notes, "I don't like the token system for showers and found the bathhouse a little dirty."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the region, with stronger signals typically available in Glennallen and decreasing as you venture further from town.
Cash payment: Many smaller campgrounds operate on cash-only systems with self-registration. Bring sufficient cash for campground fees, typically $15-25 per night depending on amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: Some campgrounds offer planned recreation for children. "The owners maintain a camp store with basic necessities and also plan weekend activities and games for kids," notes a visitor at Tolsona Wilderness Campground, making it suitable for families seeking structured activities.
Choose creek-side sites for natural entertainment: Children enjoy playing near water. At Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site, one camper observed, "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."
Consider berry picking opportunities: Several campgrounds offer seasonal berries. "Great swimming hole and wonderful berry picking. Clear water creek and lake. Nice beach and secluded campsites," mentions a reviewer about Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site, highlighting multiple kid-friendly activities.
Pack mosquito protection: Multiple reviewers mention heavy mosquito presence, especially in wet areas. "The mosquitos were horrendous," warns a camper at Dry Creek State Rec Area. Bring insect repellent and mosquito nets, particularly for evening hours.
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig accessibility: While several campgrounds accommodate large RVs, not all sites work for bigger rigs. At Kenny Lake Mercantile & RV Park, campers note the park is "big-rig friendly" with "electric hookups with 30-amp service" but lacks picnic tables, so bring your own seating.
Uneven sites at some locations: Site leveling may be required. One RVer at Northern Nights Campground reports, "The sites are small and mostly unlevel," suggesting bringing additional leveling blocks.
Limited sewer hookups: Not all rv parks near Kenny Lake, Alaska offer full hookups. Several campgrounds provide water and electric connections but require use of dump stations. "Dump station and the bathhouse was questionable," notes one RVer about facility quality at a local campground.
Site spacing considerations: RV campers appreciate adequate separation between sites. At Ranch House Lodge, a reviewer mentions, "The sites are level, with full hookups, and you can choose whether you want to be right along the river or a little further back in a quieter area," indicating options for different preferences.
