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.

Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area

Join the fun near Fort Wainwright. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Alaska camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Fort Wainwright. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Fort Wainwright

The Best Camping Near Fort Wainwright, Alaska

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.

State-managed campground on the Chatanika River

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. 

Great little getaway 

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. 

Photos of Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area

Real photos from real campers