Map showing campground location near Eielson AFB, Alaska

Camper submitted image from Chena Hot Springs Resort

Chena Hot Springs Resort

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Chena Hot Springs Resort sits at the end of a 56-mile drive from Fairbanks along Chena Hot Springs Road, where the campground operates as part of a working resort complex rather than a standalone facility. Campers share the grounds with hotel guests, shuttle buses, and tour groups, so the atmosphere runs closer to a busy destination than a remote getaway. Sites are close together, some open and facing the resort road, others tucked into trees along the creek for a degree of privacy. Sites run $20 per night, with water and sewer hookups available for RVs, plus a dump station and potable water on the grounds.

The main draw is access to the hot springs, though that comes with a separate fee of $15 per adult per day. Children can use the pool but are not admitted to the hot springs themselves. Reviewers note the pools can get crowded, particularly during peak season and when tour buses arrive. Hiking, fishing at Beaver Lake, and tours of the ice museum round out the activity options. Cell service is essentially nonexistent at the resort; WiFi is available at the lodge, though one camper noted only 10 free minutes before a paid prompt appears.

Campers should plan grocery runs before arriving, as the nearest services are roughly 45 miles back toward Fairbanks. Nearby alternatives include Mile 48, Chena Hot Springs Road just down the road, or 48 Mile Pond Camp for a quieter setting. Chena Hot Springs Resort works best for campers who want direct access to the hot springs and resort amenities and are comfortable with crowds and limited connectivity.

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Map & DirectionsChena Hot Springs Resort is located in Alaska near Eielson AFB

RV Park

Directions

At Chena Hot Springs (milepost 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd).

Coordinates

65.05302638 N
146.05671597 W

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Connectivity

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins
Yurts
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+19072510591

Drive Time

2 hrs 25 min from Fairbanks, AK

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Reviews9 Camper Reviews - Chena Hot Springs Resort

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the amazing hot springs experience and friendly staff at this world-famous destination. Guests commonly noted dry camping with basic amenities and separate fees for activities, while families should know children cannot access the main hot springs.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Kristi D.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 3, 2023

Awesome spot

Awesome to be able to camp at the resort with easy access to the Hot Springs. Dry camping no amenities except a outdoor bathroom. River behind the spots though, spots close together and close to camping. Level spots but wet from rain. Puddles etc....no internet. You got 10 free minutes by the lodge but then you are prompter to start paying. Did get to see the Northern lights so that was a bonus. Missed the ice museum as it said closed for maintenance on the website and when we got there is appeared you could get in by tours. It was too late by that time.

Hot springs are nice but it was chaos! Line to get in and the locker rooms are a nightmare. The springs had a lot of people in them but it wasn't terrible and you could still relax.

Site16

Month of VisitSeptember

(8) View All

Samantha F.

Guide

Reviewed Dec. 26, 2022

Rustic Cabin Winter Getaway

We came here a month ago in November for a last minute winter getaway. We rented the Forget-me-Not cabin. It’s a dry cabin with an outhouse, but it does have electricity and a DVD player. Just make sure you bring your own DVDs if you plan to use it.

The cabin itself was very rustic and outdated, but a great size for two couples. The provided toaster caught on fire as soon as we turned it on. We told the front desk and they didn’t seem surprised.

Obviously the Hot Springs was the main attraction. It was AMAZING! Definitely a must see. Their restaurant was really good too. No cell service, but WIFI in the main lodge.

SiteForget-Me-Not Cabin

Month of VisitNovember

Shari G.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 12, 2022

Forest Camping + Hot Springs = Heaven!

Chena Hot Springs offers a full resort experience with hotel rooms, cabins, restaurants, and a host of activities including soaking in the infamous hot pools. It also offers camping with and without electrical hook-ups in either creek side privacy or open lot RV parking. It is a world-famous destination with shuttle buses to and from Fairbanks daily. You will meet people from all over the world.

Camping and soaking are charged separately, as are any extra experiences like the Ice Museum (glad I did it, not sure I would again). Vault toilets, rubbish and recycling bins, and potable water are all available in the campsite, flush toilets and showers are a part of the pool/hot springs facility. Hiking, biking, boating and fishing are all available close by in addition to the experiences offered by the resort.

The nearest services for groceries are about 45 miles back down the road toward Fairbanks, or North Pole, AK. We camped in the primitive area, which was lovely, forested and right along the creek, but the opportunity for solar power collection was limited by the trees, so plan ahead. We parked in the main lot for awhile to recharge, then took our rig back into the campground. Worked well!

Month of VisitAugust

(11) View All

M P.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2022

Boondocking with plenty to do

20 a site, dry. There are a few sites that have trees surrounding the sites, offering a bit of privacy. A few sites are open and face the resort and road. Potable water and dump station on grounds. 15 per adult (over 18, per day) to get into the hot springs. Pool and hot tub also available. Hiking trails, fishing in the Beaver Lake, and a tour of the ice castle. Restaurant/bar has great food and all of the workers were congenial. We enjoyed our time and will stay again!

Site6

Month of VisitAugust

(7) View All

Riley N.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2022

Such a cool experience

Defined try the ice museum tour it was so cool! The appletinis are great too. The hot springs were so hot we definitely recommend visiting in cooler weather to really enjoy them

Month of VisitJuly

(17) View All

Jill T.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 2, 2020

A Winter Wonderland

We had so much fun at Chena Hot Springs. There is so much to do! Aurora viewing, cozy cabins, hot springs, pool, Ice Museum, dog sledding, dining, and so much more.

The resort could use a major refresh and there were busloads of tourists when we visited in November, but it is still worth checking out if you can.

The aurora is spectacular and I would love to go back for a trip in the summer.

(18) View All

Tanya B.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2020

So worth it-kids not allowed in Hot springs

Kids cannot go in the hot springs This campground is first come first served. If you don’t mind walking, then you can stay anywhere in the campground. If your main reason for visiting is the Hot Springs, then closer to the resort is best. If you are traveling with children, they can go in the swimming pools but not the hot springs them selves which is really why we all go here. I have been here in the dead of winter in the bitter cold and there is nothing like jumping in the Hot Springs even if its overcast. The springs are AMAZING. There are plenty of things to see if you are traveling to or from Anchorage. The pipeline runs up the Richardson Highway, you can tour the ice house, and if you have time a stop at the world famous Skinny Dick’s Halfway Inn is worth a stop and a t-shirt. Cell Service: no Internet: no 2020 Cost: $30 Distance from Anchorage: 426 miles Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 5

(10) View All

Ioan P.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2020

Very nice

Very relaxing place

Javier V.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 15, 2019

Amazing!

I live here and completely recommend a visit our way :)

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an RV park at Chena Hot Springs Resort?

Yes, Chena Hot Springs Resort offers RV camping options. They have dry camping sites for $20 per site, with some spots that include trees for privacy while others are more open facing the resort and road. The campground includes potable water and a dump station on the grounds. Some RV sites are located creekside offering more privacy, while others are in an open lot RV parking area. There are also some sites with electrical hookups available, though most are dry camping.

Are there cabins available at Chena Hot Springs?

Yes, Chena Hot Springs offers cabins as part of their accommodations. They have rustic options like the Forget-me-Not cabin, which is a dry cabin with electricity, a DVD player, and an outhouse. The resort provides a range of cabin experiences, from basic to more comfortable options. Cabins are a popular choice for visitors wanting to experience the aurora, especially during colder months. For exact cabin specifications, availability, and pricing, it's best to contact the resort directly.

What do visitor reviews say about Chena Hot Springs Resort?

Chena Hot Springs Resort is highly regarded as a relaxing destination with diverse activities. Visitors particularly enjoy the famous hot springs, though they note these are quite hot and best enjoyed in cooler weather. The Ice Museum tour with appletinis is frequently mentioned as a highlight. Other popular activities include aurora viewing, dog sledding, and hiking. Families should note that children cannot use the main hot springs, though a pool is available. Some visitors mention the facilities could use updating, and the resort can get crowded with tour groups. Despite this, most find it a worthwhile destination with its unique combination of natural beauty and recreational options.

What amenities are available at Chena Hot Springs campground?

Chena Hot Springs campground offers potable water and a dump station for campers. The primary attraction is easy access to the hot springs, which cost $15 per adult (over 18) per day. Additional amenities include a swimming pool and hot tub, hiking opportunities, and outdoor bathrooms. The resort itself features restaurants, an Ice Museum, and various activities like aurora viewing and dog sledding. Note that internet access is limited, with only 10 free minutes available near the lodge.

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