Petersen Lake Campground

The feel

Four sites with fire rings sit on Petersen Lake, 1.0 mile south of the Sterling Highway. There is a vault toilet and lake access.

Loons, grebes, mallards and scoters nest on Kelly and Peterson lakes. River otters pass between the lakes and beavers feed on aquatic vegetation and on birch and willow along the shore. Rainbow trout live in the water.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Four sites with fire rings, a vault toilet and lake access.

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

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; the campground is 1.0 mile along.

Mingo says

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

Before you go

• Bring all your drinking water, because there is none at the campground.
• 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.