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The best camping near Chena River State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Chena River adventure.

Outdoor adventure abounds no matter the season in this massive park near Fairbanks.  

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Community favorites near Chena River State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Chena River State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Chena River State Recreation Area

100%
(27)

Rustic Riverside Camp

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres ¡ Pleasant Valley, AK
Welcome to our beautiful, private, rustic camp situated along the bank of the North Fork Chena River just 55 miles NE of Fairbanks lies the perfect camping experience just 2 miles from Chena Hot Springs Resort. We are located a 1/2mile off Chena Hot Springs Road, on the famous Yukon Quest Trail. Our camp is accessible to those exploring Alaska by vehicle, motorcycle, bike, truck camper, travel van or small RV. Come stay in one of our cute cabins, park or pitch your tent under the midnight sun – enjoy fishing, hiking, atving, berry picking, wildlife watching and more.
from 
$20
 / night
86%
(7)

Sven's Basecamp Hostel

108 sites ¡ Tents3 acres ¡ Fairbanks, AK
Sven's Basecamp Hostel is a small hostel that's open to campers and travelers from all over the world. It is owned and run by Sven, who came to Alaska from Switzerland when he was 21. He has run the hostel for 9 years now and loves meeting people traveling to Alaska!Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent in our on-property forest! We have unlimited space for campers, and can't wait to meet you and hear your stories. We are a traveler's hostel with plenty of room for tent campers, so expect to meet people from all over the world. You will have access to 3 flush toilets, a sink area, coin-operated showers (25 cents per minute), a full kitchen with a stove, microwave, and refrigerators, and a community fire pit. We will also have an on-site coffee shop opening on July 1, 2021.
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(1)

Why Knot Sleep Here

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents4 acres ¡ Fairbanks, AK
Learn more about this land:We as of right now can provide a 12x 12 wall tent, which will eventually be on a raised platform. 2 more to be added by end of summer 2021. We also offer a couple of flat areas were you can pop up your own tent or park your RV. We are centrally located between Fairbanks, North Pole and Chena Hot Spring Resort. We have fishing guide business and love to spend time in the great outdoors. We can offer advice on interesting things to do and see. Give us a call!!
from 
$40
 / night

The best camping near Chena River State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Spread out over 397 square miles near Fairbanks, Chena River State Recreation Area offers loads of outdoor fun throughout the year, from hiking and rock climbing to river rafting and snowmobiling. As the name suggests, the area encompasses much of the land surrounding the Chena River. Many of the numerous river access points and trailheads are easily accessible from Chena Hot Springs Road, which links Fairbanks to the thermal resort and ice museum at Chena Hot Springs. The park has three campgrounds, each with its own characteristics, as well as a handful of cabins and a fishing hut.

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Campsites at the three campgrounds in the Chena River State Recreation Area are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re coming on major holidays or during the summer vacation months, try to plan a mid-week visit to maximize your chances of getting a spot.
  2.  You can reserve public-use cabins and the ice hut up to six months in advance using the Alaska State Parks online booking system.
  3. If you want to guarantee a spot ahead of your arrival, your best bet is to look for privately run options, many of which are listed on Hipcamp.

When to go

Chena River is a year-round destination, popular for hiking, camping, and wildlife-viewing in the summer months and for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. Winter is also appealing for those who want to increase their chances of seeing the Northern Lights, and there are a couple of major dogsled races that go right through the area during the snowy season. Note that all of the campgrounds at Chena River State Recreation Area are open year-round.

Know before you go

  • There are a few small convenience stores on Chena Hot Springs Road, but the best place to stock up on supplies and materials is in Fairbanks to the southwest.
  • Both black bears and grizzly bears frequent the area, and while you're unlikely to run into either, it's wise to store all food, toiletries, and cooking supplies in bear-safe containers.
  • You're welcome to gather firewood and berries in the park, but only for personal consumption.
  • Catch-and-release grayling fishing is allowed, with a permit, but salmon fishing is strictly prohibited.

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