Dolly Varden Lake Campground

The feel

Twelve wooded sites sit among spruce on the edge of a lake, at the end of 14 miles of gravel on Swanson River Road. The campground has vault toilets, fire rings and a boat ramp.

Fishing in the lake is pretty good for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden, and power boats are held to a no-wake speed. Moose and loons are part of the refuge wildlife, and the Swanson River canoe system is within reach.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Twelve wooded sites among spruce, with lake access, fire rings, vault toilets and a boat ramp.

Check-in and stay

First-come. Camping may not exceed 14 days in a 30 day period anywhere on the refuge.

Fees and reservations

Free. No reservations; sites are first-come.

Dogs

Pets must be on a leash no longer than nine feet.

Bathrooms and water

Vault toilets are on site. No water, so bring your own drinking water.

Season and access

May through September. The campground is at mile 14 of Swanson River Road, 14 miles of gravel.

Mingo says

Aim for May through September, when the campground is open. Give the gravel drive extra time. Bring a rod for trout.

Before you go

• Carry in all your drinking water, since there is none at the campground.
• Call Kenai Refuge Headquarters at 907-262-7021 to check for construction closures.
• Bring a boat if you want to use the ramp, and keep to the no-wake limit.
• Keep dogs on a leash no longer than nine feet.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.