Overview
Rainbow Lake Campground sits near Sterling in Alaska’s Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, offering 3 tent-only sites along Rainbow Lake off Swanson River Road. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it’s surrounded by spruce and wetlands with lake access, featuring fire rings for a primitive stay. This campground is a quiet retreat for campers looking to fish for rainbow trout, paddle the lake, or enjoy the refuge’s wildlife like moose and loons, 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: 3 sites, suitable for tents only.
Amenities & Facilities
- Restrooms: No facilities provided—fully primitive.
- 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 Rainbow Lake, paddle or canoe, or enjoy a campfire in this serene setting.
- Nearby Attractions: The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offers the Swanson River canoe system and wildlife viewing; Sterling, 20 minutes south, provides basic services and river access.
