Dolly Varden Campground in Alaska, a 12-site facility operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, will be closed for renovations from 8 a.m. on May 28 through noon on June 27.
The campground is located at Mile 14 on Swanson River Road, north of Sterling.
The closure will allow for infrastructure improvements, including the replacement of culverts, road enhancements, and campsite repairs.
These upgrades are intended to improve long-term visitor access and safety at the campground, which serves as a popular destination for campers and anglers throughout the year.
According to an article published by Homer News on May 26, although the campground itself will be inaccessible during the renovation period, the boat launch and main entrance will remain open to the public.
“When using power boats on Dolly Varden Lake there is a “no-wake” restriction that applies to all boats on Dolly Varden Lake. Fishing in Dolly Varden Lake is pretty good for rainbow trout and yes, Dolly Varden too.” the campground indicates.
Dolly Varden Campground is open year-round and offers basic amenities including drinking water from a centrally located hand pump, outhouses, bear-proof storage at every site, and a boat ramp. The campground does not charge a fee and has no utility hookups.
Each of the 12 campsites accommodates RVs up to 25 feet in length. The facility includes both tent and RV spaces, though it does not offer pull-thru sites, electric connections, or sewer access.
The campground is commonly used by visitors seeking a more rustic outdoor experience within the refuge.
Campers may not stay more than 14 days within a 30-day period across the refuge, and individual campground stay limits vary. At Dolly Varden, the 14-day rule applies, aligning with policies across similar campgrounds in the area.