Hidden Lake, Skilak Loop

The feel

Hidden Lake Campground sits inside the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area, at Mile 3.6 on Skilak Lake Road. It has 44 campsites with no electric or water hookups, and the lake is open to motorized and non-motorized boats from a free launch.

Burney's Trail starts across from Skyview Loop site 7. It is short and relatively easy, with views of Hidden Lake, Skilak Lake and the Kenai Mountains from the burn edge of the Swan Lake Fire. Camp hosts are on duty daily at Skyview Loop 5 and Ridge Loop 37.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Three loops: Skyview, Lake and Ridge. An on-site RV dump station is available.

Check-in and stay

Maximum stay is 7 days.

Parking and rig size

Adjacent parking at the free boat launch takes vehicles towing trailers.

Fees and reservations

$10 to $15 a night. Skyview Loop has 23 sites reservable on Recreation.gov, with a registration fee. The Lake and Ridge Loops are first come, first served and paid by cash or check at the iron ranger pay station. Federal Interagency Senior and Access Passes give 50% off camping fees.

Hazards

Personal watercraft are not permitted, and no summertime aircraft landing is allowed on Hidden Lake.

Bathrooms and water

Boil hand-pump water for at least 1 minute or treat it, since it is not guaranteed potable. Vault toilets are on site, and hand pumps sit in each loop and near the boat launch.

Season and access

Open May to September. The road is gravel and becomes paved at the campground entrance. Reach it from the East Entrance at Milepost 58 off the Sterling Highway.

Mingo says

Aim for mid-May or later. Late April to early May brings muddy gravel, and the road normalizes by mid-May.

Before you go

• Carry cash or a checkbook for the first-come loops.
• Reserve a Skyview Loop site on Recreation.gov if you want one booked ahead.
• Call the refuge staff at (907) 743-9146 before mid-May if you are driving a large or heavy RV.

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