Overview
Lower Skilak Lake Campground sits on the shores of Skilak Lake in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Sterling, offering 14 wooded sites with waterfront access. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it’s surrounded by spruce and overlooks the shimmering lake, featuring fire rings and a boat launch for a serene stay. This campground is a tranquil base for campers looking to fish for trout, launch a boat, or enjoy the refuge’s pristine beauty, with Sterling a short drive away.
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: 14 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 launch is available; some sites are wheelchair-accessible.
Activities & Nearby Attractions
- On-Site Activities: Fish for rainbow trout or Dolly Varden in Skilak Lake, launch a boat, or enjoy a campfire with lake views.
- Nearby Attractions: The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offers the Skilak Loop trails and wildlife viewing; Sterling, 20 minutes west, provides river access and services.
