Overview

The Dena’ina people call this special place Yaghanen— “the good land.” Today, it is known as the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

From ice fields and glaciers to tundra, forests, and coastal wetlands, the refuge is often called “Alaska in miniature.” Biodiversity here is unusually high for this latitude due to the meeting of two distinct biomes: the Sitka spruce-dominated coastal rainforest and the westernmost reach of North America’s boreal forest.

This rich ecosystem serves as a critical anchor for biodiversity on the Kenai Peninsula amidst regional growth, shifting fire regimes, and a changing climate.

Wildlife & Fisheries

• Mammals: Home to moose, brown and black bears, lynx, wolves, and more.

• Birds: Nesting grounds for trumpeter swans and various waterfowl.

• Fisheries: The famed Kenai River originates within the refuge and is world-renowned for sockeye (red), and coho (silver) salmon, as well as Dolly Varden and rainbow trout.

Camping on the Refuge

The refuge offers a variety of roadside campgrounds to explore:

• Reservations: Most campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of the Skyview Loop in Hidden Lake Campground (which accepts reservations).

• Stay Limits: Maximum stay is 7 days in Hidden Lake Campground and 14 days elsewhere on the refuge.

• Discounts: Federal Interagency Senior and Access Passes provide a 50% discount on camping fees in refuge campgrounds.

Plan Your Visit

• Website: kenai.fws.gov

• Phone: Refuge Visitor Center at (907) 743-9146

Facilities

Campsites & Reservations

Hidden Lake Campground features 44 total campsites:

• Skyview Loop: 23 sites available by online reservation.

• Lake & Ridge Loops: Available on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment must be made on-site via cash or check at the self-serve "iron ranger" pay station.

• Hookups: No electric or water hookups are available.

Water, Boating & Amenities

• Boat Launch: A free boat launch is available with adjacent parking for vehicles towing boat trailers.

• Water Supply: Hand pumps are located in each camp loop and near the boat launch. Note: Water is not guaranteed potable; please boil for at least 1 minute or treat before drinking.

• Dump Station: On-site RV dump station

Day-Use Pavilions & Group Permits

Two day-use pavilions with raised charcoal grills and picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups larger than 20 people require a Special Use Permit issued at Refuge headquarters.

Natural Features

Spanning 1.9 million acres across the western Kenai Peninsula, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is a dramatic expanse of Alaskan wilderness. The landscape sweeps from the rugged western slopes of the Kenai Mountains across forested lowlands, rivers, lakes, and coastal wetlands along Cook Inlet. Positioned at the heart of the peninsula, the refuge borders Chugach National Forest to the east and Kenai Fjords National Park to the southeast.

Recreation

Hidden Lake Campground is located within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge's Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area—a destination featuring 100 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, a 19-mile scenic drive, and multiple lakes for boating.

Hiking: Burney's Trail

Located across from Skyview Loop (Site #7), Burney’s Trail connects to the Hideout Trail for a continuous thru hike that ends at Mile 1.9 of Skilak Lake Road.

• Difficulty & Terrain: Short and relatively easy, with a moderately steep section near the end as it winds through aspen and spruce forest.

• Highlights: The upper portion follows the burn edge of the 2019 Swan Lake Fire and offers sweeping views of Hidden Lake, Skilak Lake, and the Kenai Mountains.

Boating & Water Rules

• Boating: Hidden Lake is open to motorized and non-motorized boats. Personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis) are not permitted.

• Aircraft: No summertime landing of aircraft is allowed on Hidden Lake.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• Hidden Lake Campground Information:

  Check-in: 2:00 PM

  Check-out: 12:00 PM (Noon)

  Campground Hosts: On duty daily at Skyview Loop #5 and Ridge Loop #37

  ⚠️ Cellular Service:

  Limited to no reception throughout the campground and refuge. Expect unreliable coverage.

  Important Campground Rules:

  Quiet Hours: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM. Please keep noise levels down and be respectful of your neighbors. The use of radios, speakers, instruments, or sound amplification systems that causes an unreasonable disturbance to others is prohibited.

  Firewood & Campfires:

  Only gather dead and downed wood for firewood.

  Firewood bundles are available at camp host sites for $6. Cash only.

  Never leave a campfire unattended. Extinguish fires completely before leaving your site. Loaner buckets are available near the water pumps to help douse your fire.

  Pets:

  Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 9 feet at all times.

  Bear Safety:

  Help keep wildlife wild! All food, coolers, trash, and scented items MUST BE STORED inside a vehicle or bear-resistant storage box when not actively in use. Do not approach wildlife.

Available Activities

• Amphitheater - Amphitheater
• Birding - Birding
• Boating - Boating
• Biking - Biking
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Mushroom Picking - Mushroom Picking
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Photography - Photography

Directions

<p>Hidden Lake Campground Access & Road Conditions</p><ul><li><p>Location: Mile 3.6, Skilak Lake Road (Best accessed via the East Entrance at Milepost 58 off the Sterling Highway / AK Highway 1).</p></li><li><p>Road Surface: Gravel, transitioning to paved road at the campground entrance.</p></li><li><p>Seasonal Conditions: Expect muddy gravel from late April to early May depending on snowpack melt. Road conditions normalize by mid-May, making the site easily accessible to standard 2WD vehicles and RVs all summer long.</p></li><li><p>Early Season RV Travel: Bringing a large or heavy RV before mid-May? Contact refuge staff at (907) 743-9146 for the latest road updates.</p></li></ul>

Cancellation Policy

<p>A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount.</p>

Contact Information

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip