Overview
Dolly Varden Lake Campground sits within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Sterling, offering 12 wooded sites along Dolly Varden Lake off Swanson River Road. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it’s surrounded by spruce with lake access, featuring vault toilets and a boat ramp for a quiet, primitive stay. This campground is a serene base for campers looking to fish for Dolly Varden and rainbow trout, paddle the lake, or enjoy the refuge’s wilderness, with Sterling’s services a short drive away.
Location & Access
- Location: Off Swanson River Road, near Sterling, Alaska.
- Access: Reachable via gravel Swanson River Road; it’s about a 2-hour drive south from Anchorage or 20 minutes from Sterling, requiring a high-clearance vehicle.
- Seasonal Accessibility: Open May through September, depending on road conditions.
Campsite Details
- Number of Sites: 12 sites, suitable for tents and RVs.
Amenities & Facilities
- Restrooms: Vault toilets available.
- Water: No water provided—bring your own or filter from the lake.
- Additional Amenities: Each site includes a fire ring; a boat ramp is available; some sites are wheelchair-accessible (terrain permitting).
Activities & Nearby Attractions
- On-Site Activities: Fish for Dolly Varden and rainbow trout in Dolly Varden Lake, launch a small boat or kayak, or enjoy a campfire by the water.
- Nearby Attractions: The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offers the Swanson River canoe system and wildlife viewing (moose, loons); Sterling, 20 minutes south, provides river access and basic services.
