Sterling—The popular Dolly Varden Campground on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge will be closed for a full month from May 28 through June 27 as crews carry out extensive upgrades to the site.
The project will involve regraveling roads, replacing culverts, and refurbishing all campsites throughout the campground. Refuge officials say the work is part of a broader effort to improve visitor experience and safety.
“We’re going to be closing down Dolly Varden Campground through the end of June just to regravel all the roads throughout the campground and redo each one of the campsites,” said Steve Miller, Deputy Manager of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. “So, hopefully at the end of this [there will be] new fire rings, new picnic tables, new everything in that campground.”
While the campground itself will be off-limits during the construction period, Miller emphasized that the boat launch and access to the Dolly Varden cabin and lake will remain open.
“I would like to stress that when the Dolly Varden Campground is getting rehabbed, the boat ramp and access to the Dolly Varden cabin [are] still going to be available—so, for fishing or whatever you want to do on Dolly Varden Lake, those should still be available,” Miller said.
Visitors with questions can call the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge at (907) 262-7021 or visit www.fws.gov for updates.
The refuge appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it works to enhance recreational access and amenities in the area.