Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- 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.
- You can reserve public-use cabins and the ice hut up to six months in advance using the Alaska State Parks online booking system.
- 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.
Chena River State Recreation Area
Outdoor adventure abounds no matter the season in this massive park near Fairbanks.
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.
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.
Activities in the park
3 campgrounds in Chena River State Recreation Area
A rose by any other name. . . would not be a mid-sized campground within the Chena River State Recreational Area. Rosehip Campground is a gem of a spot, and while the amenities are pretty basic, the setting is gorgeous. Nature walks, bird watching, and full access to the river from a dedicated boat launch all serve to make this your idyllic forest Read more...
Tors Trail Campground offers a mid-sized collection of basic sites at the base of a white granite cliff. The titular trail is a serious piece of business, providing fifteen miles of moderate-to-heavy hiking for the intrepid outdoor enthusiast. This is a spot with a specific message for campers who settle in: Get out there and hike!Read more...
Don’t fret if you don’t see any red squirrels at Red Squirrel Campground. It’s really more about the boating and birdwatching. Some getaways are made for campers with a lot of get-up-and-go. But this ultra-petite, ultra-basic spot is for those who just came to sit back and relax. Whenever you need a little natural beauty, grab a spot here and unwi Read more...
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Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
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
Public campgrounds (book externally) —