Overview
Swanson River Campground sits within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Sterling, offering 3 wooded sites along the Swanson River off Swanson River Road. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it’s surrounded by spruce with river access, featuring vault toilets and a boat launch for a primitive stay. This campground is a quiet retreat for campers looking to fish for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, or silver salmon, paddle the river, or enjoy the refuge’s wilderness, with Sterling 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: 3 sites, suitable for tents and RVs.
Amenities & Facilities
- Restrooms: Vault toilets available.
- Additional Amenities: Each site includes a fire ring; a boat launch is available; some sites are wheelchair-accessible (terrain permitting).
Activities & Nearby Attractions
- On-Site Activities: Fish for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, or silver salmon (mid-September) in the Swanson River, launch a boat, or enjoy a campfire by the water.
- Nearby Attractions: The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offers the Swanson River canoe system and wildlife viewing; Sterling, 20 minutes south, provides river access and services.
