Donnelly Creek State Rec Area

Donnelly Creek State Recreation Area manages this 12-site campground along the Richardson Highway between Delta Junction and Paxson. The access road contains numerous potholes that require careful navigation, though campers report the condition doesn't prevent entry with standard vehicles.

Sites accommodate multiple tents and include fire rings and picnic tables, with spacing that provides privacy between neighbors. The campground sits adjacent to Donnelly Creek with views toward the Alaska Range on clear days. Shadara W. calls it "a great place to get away for quiet to reconnect and think." Several reviewers note surprisingly low mosquito activity compared to other interior Alaska locations, particularly during peak summer months.

Well-maintained restrooms and bear-proof trash containers serve the camping area. Highway traffic from the nearby pipeline creates some road noise, though most sites remain relatively quiet. Site 8 and unmarked sites toward the back of the campground receive specific recommendations from visitors. Cell service reaches the area with decent reliability.

The campground operates year-round at $15 per night, with one public use cabin available for reservation. For additional camping options in the region, see places to camp around Fort Greely. Summer visitors should prepare for variable weather conditions that can bring fresh snow to surrounding peaks even during warmer months.

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Location

Public Campground

Donnelly Creek State Rec Area is located in Alaska

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located 32 miles south of Delta Junction at mile 238 of the Richardson Highway.

Address

238 Richardson Hwy
Delta Junction, AK 99737

Coordinates

63.6770001 N
145.88300082 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/21/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/21/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the spacious, well-maintained sites and consistently clean bathrooms as major strengths. Most found it peaceful with good privacy, though some noted highway noise from pipeline traffic.

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2022

Good little spot very average

We stopped here on our way down to glennallen. It was very average had good clean bathrooms and picnic tables with fire pits. It was a nice spot but nothing out of the ordinary.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by Riley N., September 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by Riley N., September 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by Riley N., September 27, 2022
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2021

Great View of Alaska Range

Great spot to rest. The night before a storm came through and gave a fresh layer of snow of the mountains. Highly recommend site 8, or the unmarked sites towards the end. Warning, entrance has a lot of pot holes. Decent cell service.

Site8
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by SJ D., September 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by SJ D., September 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by SJ D., September 11, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2020

Small campsite

This was a small campsite well situated on the highway between Anchorage and Fairbanks. About half full in late August and quite buggy.

  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by Tanya B., August 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by Tanya B., August 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by Tanya B., August 22, 2020
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2019

So Sweet

12 pretty tree filled sites, tables, firepits, $15 a night. The road through is full of pot holes but don't let it deter you, it just requires a little navigation. Nice space between sites for quiet and privacy. Restrooms, bear proof trash. One public use cabin. A great place to get away for quiet to reconnect and think.

Reviewed May. 26, 2019

Stunning Getaway

We ended up here Memorial Day weekend because the other sites around Delta were full, but boy am I glad we made it. The campsites are large enough for multiple tents, have fire rings, and most have picnic tables. The bathrooms are also well maintained and the spots spaced out enough so you’re not right on top of your neighbors. What really makes the campground, though, are two things: Number one, NO BUGS! We saw maybe 5 mosquitoes over two days (which is unheard of in interior Alaska), and number two, THE VIEWS! Behind most of the sites is access to Donnelly Creek and boy oh boy the views of the Alaska Range are magnificent. We had a beautiful walk along the path and while it was windy, it was a beautiful day. The only negative is the amount of traffic in the highway nearby because of the proximity to the pipeline, but it’s not something that will keep us away.

  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by anna C., May 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by anna C., May 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by anna C., May 26, 2019
Reviewed Apr. 26, 2019

Quiet hidden GEM

Convenient location near Delta Junction. Excellent camping spots with jaw dropping views on clear days. The Alaska Range is breathtaking. Bathrooms well maintained. Great place stay a night or two and if you’re lucky to enjoy the Northern Lights.

Reviewed Jul. 22, 2016

Quiet Area with Amazing Views on a clear day

We stumbled upon this campground by accident while exploring the area between Paxon Lake and Delta Junction and it was such a hidden gem! The night we stayed it was super quiet with hardly anyone else staying there, which was surprising for the middle of July. Great camp spots, no host when we stayed but the bathrooms were very well maintained. It was a clear sunny night and the views of the Creek with the Alaska Range in the background were pretty spectacular! Whether stopping for the night while passing through or as a destination, I totally recommend this campground.

  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by Angie G., July 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by Angie G., July 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Donnelly Creek State Rec Area by Angie G., July 22, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Donnelly Creek State Rec Area?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Donnelly Creek State Rec Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Donnelly Creek State Rec Area have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Donnelly Creek State Rec Area does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Donnelly Creek State Rec Area?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.