Kelly Lake Campground

The feel

Four sites with fire rings sit beside Kelly Lake, 0.5 mile south of the Sterling Highway. There is a vault toilet and lake access, and the Seven Lakes Trail starts right here.

Loons, grebes, mallards and scoters nest on the lakes. River otters pass between them and beavers feed along the shore. Rainbow trout live in the water, and a no-wake restriction applies on Kelly Lake.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Four sites with fire rings, a vault toilet and lake access. The Seven Lakes Trail starts at the campground and its trailhead parking is here.

Check-in and stay

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

Parking and rig size

Parking and the trailhead are at the campground.

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

A vault toilet is on site. No water, so bring your own drinking water.

Season and access

May through September. Turn south off the Sterling Highway at milepost 68.3 and the campground is 0.5 mile along.

Mingo says

Come in June or July, when birdsong carries over the lakes. Stay the night to improve your chances of seeing otters and beavers.

Before you go

• Bring all your drinking water, because there is none at the campground.
• Hike the Seven Lakes Trail, 4.4 miles one way, from the campground end. The Kelly Lake cabin is a quarter mile along it.
• Call the refuge at (907) 260-2820 with questions.
• Keep dogs on a leash no longer than nine feet.

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