Overview
Upper Skilak Lake Campground sits along Skilak Lake in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Sterling, offering 26 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 vault toilets and fire rings for a scenic stay. This campground is a tranquil base for campers looking to fish for trout, hike the Skilak Loop trails, 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: 26 sites, suitable for tents and RVs.
Amenities & Facilities
- Restrooms: Vault toilets available.
- Water: Drinking water provided on-site.
- Additional Amenities: Each site includes a fire ring; some sites are wheelchair-accessible.
Activities & Nearby Attractions
- On-Site Activities: Fish for rainbow trout or Dolly Varden in Skilak Lake, hike trails like the Hidden Lake Overlook, or enjoy a campfire with lake views.
- Nearby Attractions: The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offers canoe routes and wildlife viewing (bears, moose); Sterling, 20 minutes west, provides river access and services.
