Engineer Lake Campground

The feel

This is a small lake camp on the Skilak Loop with three sites, and moose stand in the shallows. It is also the trailhead for the Seven Lakes Trail, which runs 4.4 miles one way at a moderate grade and connects Kelly or Engineer Lake to Hikers and Hidden Lakes.

The camp has a vault toilet and fire pits, with lake and canoe access. The trail also reaches the Kelly and Engineer public use cabins, which require reservations.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Three sites at a small lake on the Skilak Loop, with fire pits, a vault toilet and lake and canoe access.

Check-in and stay

First-come.

Fees and reservations

Free, first-come, no reservations.

Hazards

Black bears. In July 2018 a bear scratched a camper in a tent and the refuge closed this campground and two others to tents. The Seven Lakes Trail can get very muddy in sections after rain.

Bathrooms and water

A vault toilet at the camp. No water, so bring your own.

Season and access

May to September. Call (907) 260-2820.

Mingo says

Pick a dry spell for the hike, since sections turn very muddy after rain. Check tent rules with the refuge before you commit.

Before you go

• Call the refuge at (907) 260-2820 about tent camping before you leave.
• Bring all your drinking water, because the camp has none.
• Reserve the Kelly or Engineer public use cabin ahead if you plan to sleep on the trail.
• Bring canoe gear if you want to paddle the lake from the camp.

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