Overview
Swan Lake Canoe Route West Entrance sits near Sterling in Alaska’s Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, offering 8 RV-only sites at the western gateway to the Swan Lake Canoe System. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it’s surrounded by spruce and wetlands with access to a network of lakes and portages, featuring fire rings for a primitive stay. This campground is a quiet base for campers looking to paddle through pristine waters, fish for trout, or spot wildlife like moose and loons, with Sterling’s services nearby.
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: 8 sites, suitable for RVs only.
Amenities & Facilities
- Restrooms: Vault toilets available.
- Additional Amenities: Each site includes a fire ring; some sites are wheelchair-accessible (terrain permitting).
Activities & Nearby Attractions
- On-Site Activities: Paddle the Swan Lake Canoe Route (40+ lakes), fish for trout or pike, or enjoy a campfire near the wetlands.
- Nearby Attractions: The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offers additional canoe routes and wildlife viewing; Sterling, 20 minutes south, provides river access and basic services..
