Upper Skilak Lake Campground

The feel

Upper Skilak sits on the shore of Skilak Lake, with an excellent picnic site and views of the lake and the Kenai Mountains. It is a few miles off the Sterling Highway on a gravel road, away from road noise.

The 25 sites split into 15 for RVs or campers and 10 walk-in sites. Sites 12 and 13 have direct lake access. A boat launch serves the lake, and the Vista Trail, 3 miles round trip, starts at the campground.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Vehicle sites and walk-in tent sites are both available.

Check-in and stay

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

Parking and rig size

No RV size limits, though the loop can be tight for bigger rigs.

Fees and reservations

Drive-in sites are $15 a night and walk-in tent sites are $10, with 50% off for Interagency Senior and Access Passholders. Sites are first come, first served.

Dogs

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

Hazards

Weather can turn quickly on Skilak Lake, which makes boating extremely hazardous when the wind picks up.

Bathrooms and water

Vault toilets are on site.

Season and access

Open May to September, and fires are allowed only in grates, barbeques or stoves.

Mingo says

Check the wind before you launch a boat, because Skilak Lake turns hazardous fast. Save boating for a calm day.

Before you go

• Bring $15 for a drive-in site or $10 for a walk-in tent site.
• Collect only dead or down wood and attend every fire.
• Bring a leash no longer than nine feet if you have a dog.

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