Tustumena Lake Campground

The feel

The road to the campground runs 6 miles east on Tustumena Lake Road, and the campground sits at its end with 10 primitive campsites, fire pits, a vault toilet and a boat launch. It is free and first-come.

The lake is the draw. Tustumena Lake covers 73,432 surface acres with a maximum depth of 287 meters (942 feet), and most of the land around it is in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Anglers find lake trout, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, coho salmon and sockeye salmon. The lake is large and glacial, and high winds regularly blow off Tustumena Glacier.

What to expect

Layout and setting

10 primitive campsites with fire pits at the end of Tustumena Lake Road, with a boat ramp and a vault toilet.

Fees and reservations

Free. First-come, no reservations.

Hazards

The lake has recurring high wave situations, and winds off Tustumena Glacier make it very dangerous to small boats.

Cell signal

No cell service.

Bathrooms and water

Vault toilet on site. Confirm drinking water with the Kenai Fish & Wildlife Field Office at 907-262-9863.

Season and access

May to September. From Mile 110.6 on the Sterling Highway, go 0.1 miles east on Abram Avenue, 0.5 miles south, then 6 miles east on Tustumena Lake Road.

Mingo says

Watch the wind before you launch a small boat. Pick a calm day and stay off the water when the waves build.

Before you go

• Call the Kenai Fish & Wildlife Field Office at 907-262-9863 to confirm water and conditions.
• Arrive early to claim a site, since all 10 are first-come.
• Plan without cell service.

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