Rainbow Lake Campground

The feel

Three tent sites sit on the shore of a refuge lake, ringed by spruce and wetlands. Each has a fire ring, and the lake is right there for paddling. Moose and loons are part of the refuge wildlife.

The campground is fully primitive. Fishing in the lake is pretty good for rainbow trout and char, and power boats are held to a no-wake speed.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Three tent sites with fire rings and lake access, in spruce and wetlands. Fully primitive.

Check-in and stay

First-come. The standard 14 night camping limit applies.

Parking and rig size

RV size limit is around 32 feet, and there is limited turnaround space. Walk in from the road to confirm a site is open before driving in.

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

No water here, so bring your own drinking water.

Season and access

May through September. The campground is at mile 16 on Swanson River Road, which turns north off the Sterling Highway at milepost 83.4. The road is unpaved loose gravel with long washboard sections.

Mingo says

Plan to be here between May and September, when the sites are open. Allow extra drive time for the washboard. Bring a rod and a paddle.

Before you go

• Walk in from the road first to confirm a site is open, because there is little room to turn around.
• Fill your water containers before the drive, since there is no water 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.