Overview
Kelly Lake Campground sits along the shores of Kelly Lake in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Sterling, offering 4 open sites in a quiet, roadside setting. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it’s surrounded by spruce with lake access, featuring fire rings for a simple, primitive stay. This campground is a peaceful retreat for campers looking to fish for trout, paddle a kayak or canoe, or enjoy the refuge’s solitude, with Sterling’s amenities nearby.
Location & Access
- Location: Off Skilak Lake Road, near Sterling, Alaska.
- Access: Reachable via gravel Skilak Lake Road off the Sterling Highway; it’s about a 2.5-hour drive south from Anchorage or 20 minutes from Sterling.
- Seasonal Accessibility: Open May through September, depending on road conditions.
Campsite Details
- Number of Sites: 4 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; some sites are wheelchair-accessible (terrain permitting).
Activities & Nearby Attractions
- On-Site Activities: Fish for rainbow trout in Kelly Lake, paddle a kayak or canoe, hike nearby trails, or enjoy a campfire by the shore.
- Nearby Attractions: The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offers the Skilak Loop trails and wildlife viewing; Sterling, 20 minutes west, provides river access and services.
