Swanson River Road Dispersed

The feel

This is free dispersed camping in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, with no facilities and no reservations. You pick your own spot at least 1/4 mile from the Sterling Highway, Skilak Lake Road, Swanson River Road or Swan Lake Road, and tent campers keep the same distance.

Vehicles cannot go off-road. They park in developed campgrounds or in previously used campsites along the road or other dirt roads. Campers collect only dead or down wood.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Dispersed camping with no facilities, set at least 1/4 mile from the road.

Check-in and stay

Camping is limited to 14 days in a 30-day period across the refuge.

Parking and rig size

Park in developed campgrounds or in previously used campsites along the road. Vehicles cannot drive off-road.

Fees and reservations

Free. First-come.

Dogs

Pets must be on a leash no longer than nine feet.

Season and access

May to September.

Mingo says

Treat this as a primitive stay with no services. Plan the stay inside the 14-day limit and pack everything you need.

Before you go

• Call the refuge at (907) 743-9146 with questions.
• Pack it in and pack it out, and practice Leave No Trace.
• Keep fires in grates, barbeques or stoves in developed campgrounds only.

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