Camper submitted image from Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area - 3
Water
Camper submitted image from Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area - 4
People
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Area is located near Fairbanks, Alaska, featuring a landscape of riverbanks and forested areas. The region experiences temperatures ranging from lows of -20°F in winter to highs of 70°F in summer. Visitors can explore the nearby Chatanika River for fishing and boating or visit the historic town of Fairbanks for cultural attractions.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area is located in Alaska

Detail location of campground

Directions

George Parks Highway or Richardson Highway to Steese Highway. Located at milepost 39 of the Steese Hwy.

Coordinates

65.19199999 N
147.25700018 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

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

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
67%
34%
0%
0%

3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 24, 2022

A little crowded but great site

We drove to the very back and found a spot in the river. A lot of spots had wood stacked at them already and had picnic tables and fire pits. There is a bathroom on site as well. It was the most crowded site we have been to up here yet but the spots offer privacy so it didn’t bother us.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area by Riley N., July 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area by Riley N., July 24, 2022
  • Play button icon
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2020

Great little getaway

This is a nice campsite a little outside of Fairbanks. The campsites have good spacing between them for privacy. You can get right up to the river.

The biggest downside was TONS of mosquitoes.

  • Review photo of Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area by Megan  B., June 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area by Megan  B., June 29, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2018

State-managed campground on the Chatanika River

This is a fairly standard state-run campground on the upper Chatanika River. It's somewhat popular with Fairbanks locals but because of its proximity to town is not a place you're likely to stay if you're heading up the Steese.

The camping spots are small and there's relatively little privacy, and the facilities are, in general, not as well-maintained and clean as we've gotten used to with BLM campgrounds in Alaska. Several camping spots are right on the river. Fishing on the Chatanika is inconsistent but can be very good at mid-summer. If you continue west of the campground there is primitive camping on gravel bars on the river, but you'll probably want 4WD to get there. Also, note that there can be very good berry picking on hillsides near the campground in August and early September.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Upper Chatanika River Campground located in Alaska?

Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Area is located just outside of Fairbanks, Alaska. This state-run campground is situated on the banks of the upper Chatanika River, making it conveniently accessible for Fairbanks residents and visitors. The campground's location makes it a popular choice for locals seeking a quick getaway from town, though it's not typically a stopover for those heading farther up the Steese Highway. Its proximity to Fairbanks provides a convenient camping option without venturing too far from urban amenities.

What facilities and amenities are available at Upper Chatanika River Campground?

Upper Chatanika River Campground offers basic but adequate camping amenities. Each campsite features a picnic table and fire pit, with some sites having pre-stacked firewood. The campground provides bathroom facilities on-site. Campsites offer direct access to the Chatanika River, with some spots located right along the riverbank. While the amenities are relatively standard for a state-run campground, the natural setting along the river provides a pleasant outdoor experience. Be prepared for abundant mosquitoes during summer months.

How does Upper Chatanika River Campground compare to other campgrounds in Fairbanks, Alaska?

Upper Chatanika River Campground stands out from other Fairbanks-area options for its riverside location and natural setting while maintaining relative proximity to town. The campground offers good spacing between sites for privacy, though it can be more crowded than other area campgrounds, especially during peak season. The sites are somewhat small compared to more remote options, but the layout provides a reasonable amount of seclusion. For campers seeking a quick nature escape from Fairbanks with river access, this campground provides a good balance of convenience and natural surroundings.