Alaska Recreation - Camping in the Interior

Birch Lake State Recreation Site - Nestled between a lilypad covered lake and forested wetlands, Birth Lake Park has 17 long parking spaces for RV's, 3 short parking spaces for smaller self contained RV's and 5 tent camping sites. Popular with fishers and jet skiers in the summer and snow machines and ice fishers in the winter. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, king and silver salmon, grayling and arctic char. A 16' x 20' cabin with accommodations for 6 people is available for rent between September 16th and May 1st.

Chena River State Recreation Area - known as Chena Wayside) is located in Fairbanks on University Avenue. This 29-acre park sits on the banks of the Chena River. Facilities include over 60 campsites for vehicles, 11 have electric and water hookup, five walk-in campsites, picnic sites along the river, drinking water, restrooms with flush toilets, dump station, boat launch, and river-side walking trails. For group use by reservation, there is a playfield with a shelter.

Chena River State Recreation Area is another personal favorite - This quarter million acre park offers miles of trails, campgrounds, and entry/exit points to Chena River, all in the heart of Alaska. In addition to the many river access points which are open (accessible) during the summer months, there are three developed campgrounds - Rosehip Campground at Mile 27 of Chena Hot Springs Road - Tors Trail Campground at Milepost 39 and Red Squirrel Campground/Picnic Area at Milepost 43.

Harding Lake State Recreation Area - Located 45 miles south of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway, is one of the longest standing park facilities in the Alaska State Park system, having been established in 1967. All together there are over 90 campsites, including five walk-in group campsites. The park also has numerous picnic sites and two picnic shelters. In addition, areas have been set aside for activities such as baseball, volleyball and horseshoes with equipment available at the ranger station. Hiking along nature trails is another activity available at Harding Lake SRA. A boat launch facility gives access to the lake for those having canoes, motorized boats, jet skis or other watercraft. A straight canal leads from the boat launch toward the center of the lake. There is fishing for lake trout, arctic char and burbot.

Salcha River State Recreation Area - Located at Mile 323.3 of the Richardson Highway, several campsites are available but this is a popular spot for anglers to launch their boats for a day of hard work... I mean fishing. Although we've never stayed here I question a campers ability to find any peace with the constant boat traffic.

Chatanika State Recreation Site - Divided into an Upper and Lower sections, both feature limited campsites (12 Lower - 25 Upper) with picnic tables and shelter, latrines, drinking water and of course, most importantly, fishing access to the Chatanika River.

Chena Lakes Recreation Area - Operated by the Fairbanks North Star Borough and located just a hop, skip and jump from Fairbanks and North Pole, this 2,100 acre park is an Interior Alaska treasure. Containing two campgrounds - the Lake Park with easy access to the 260 acre lake or the River Park which is adjacent to the boat launch. Containing a total of 80 campsites, a picnic area with pavilions and picnic areas, a small beach on the lake, paved walking trails, ATV trails, paddle boat and canoe rentals and two fishing docks, there is something here for everyone. Depending on our need to be within cell phone range, we can usually be found here or the Chena River State Recreation during summer weekends.

No list would be complete without including Denali National Park and Preserve. Campgrounds inside the main entrance to the park include; Riley Creek is a 147 site campground located just inside the park entrance and is the only campground open all year - Savage River is a 33 site campground at Mile 13 on the Park Road - Teklanika River is a 53 site campground at Mile 29 on the Park Road. All campgrounds have accommodations for RV's up to 40' as well as tent camping. Riley Creek can accommodate a slightly larger motorhome or 5th wheel but it will be a tight fit.

Chena Marina RV Park features a total of 67 sites; 42 pull thru's (a personal favorite). Located on Chena Marina Float Pond, the owners have designed this secluded in-town campground to accommodate larger diesel pusher motorhomes and 5th wheels up to 70' in length.

River's Edge RV Park and Campground features a total of 180 sites with 70 pull thru's. Located in west Fairbanks, River's Edge is very popular with tourists in the summer.

Riverview RV Park is a peaceful 20 acre campground on the banks of the Chena River. 160 sites with 96 pull thru's can accomodate a maximum rv length of 80'. Another very popular spot with tourists because of the hospitality of the owners and cleanliness of the park.

Santaland RV Park is located in North Pole next door to Santa Claus House. With a total of 94 sites, 42 pull thru's, this is a great park for visitors hoping to get a little one on one time with 'Ol Saint Nick.

McKinley RV Park is 11 miles north of the Denali Park entrance on the Parks Highway and features wooded tent sites and open RV parking with beautiful views. 30' maximum RV length!

Denali RV Park and Motel is located 8 miles from the Park entrance. Although we're not fond of "parking lot camping" this is run by good folks who keep a clean, neat campground and has free wi-fi, phone and cable hookups. Roughing it takes on a new meaning as you get older.

Denali Riverside RV Park is a new addition to the area RV accommodations. Just 2 miles from the Park entrance, Denali Riverside overlooks the beautiful Nenana River and is a short walk to Denali Village and the plethora of shops Kathy loves to frequent whenever we're in the area. 69 total sites; 61 with partial hookups.

Denali RV Park is the closest campground to the Park entrance. Located next door to Denali Village, there are 70 sites with 40 pull thru's with both full and partial hook ups including wi-fi. Good folks but access into and out of the campground has been an issue in the past.

Denali Grizzly Bear Campground is one of our favorite campgrounds aside from staying at Riley Creek in the Park. This is a beautiful wooded river front campground with full hook ups (water, power, wi-fi - dump station on site). The setting is beautiful, relaxing and the owners are long time Alaskans who are absolutely wonderful hosts.

Whatever your camping pleasure, there is sure to be a campground or park that you will enjoy. Although spring, summer and fall are traditionally the RV/camping season there's fun to be had in winter camping as well. A nice cozy motorhome with a warm shower is the perfect way to end a day of snowmachinng or skiing. Looking for a park or campground in another area of the state? Contact us and we'll be happy help. We travel all over the state and would be happy to give you a recommendation.

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Jesse & Kathy Clifton, better known as 'The Spouses' are full time Realtors serving Fairbanks Alaska buyers and sellers. They specialize in residential real estate; new and existing construction as well as undeveloped land in Fairbanks, North Pole, Ft. Wainwright, Eielson Air Force Base and Interior Alaska. Visit their website to review the fee market reports designed to keep you updated on the local Fairbanks Alaska real estate market. Have specific questions? Feel free to contact them anytime. They would love to hear from you.