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Established Camping

Chena Lake Recreation Area

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Chena Lake Recreation Area, near North Pole, Alaska, is a fantastic spot for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. With a mix of tent and RV sites, this campground offers a clean and friendly environment that many visitors rave about.

The campground is well-maintained, featuring spacious sites that provide a decent amount of privacy from neighbors. Campers appreciate the centralized water, bathrooms, and a sanitary dump station, making it convenient for longer stays. As one happy camper noted, “This campground offers both back in and pull through boondock sites,” which adds to its appeal for RV travelers.

Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy here, with beautiful birch trees and scenic views of the lakes and river. There are ample day-use areas for relaxing and taking in the sights, and the nearby swim beach is just a short drive away. Families will love the playground and various activities available, as one reviewer highlighted, “Great playground for kids, and lake with tons of activities just a 4-minute walk away.”

Whether you're looking to unwind by the water or explore the surrounding trails, Chena Lake Recreation Area has something for everyone. With its welcoming atmosphere and solid amenities, it’s a great choice for your next camping adventure.

Description

State Park

Chena River State Recreation Area is a park for all seasons, with 397 square miles of forests, rivers, and alpine tundra. Whether you prefer a day hike or rock climb at Granite Tors, to harness up the dog team and escape into the snowy horizon or ride a 4-wheeler along a forest trail, this recreation area has something for everyone.

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Location

Chena Lake Recreation Area is located in Alaska

Detail location of campground

Directions

Directions from Fairbanks: Head South on Richardson Hwy, 14mi beginning at the intersection with Mitchell Expy; Exit Dawson St; Left under Richardson Hwy; Right on Mistletoe Dr; Left on Laurance Rd, 3.5mi to entrance Directions from Eielson: Head North on Richardson Hwy, Right on Laurance Road, 3.5mi to the entrance

Address

3780 Laurance Rd
North Pole, AK 99705

Coordinates

64.75499092 N
147.21815575 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 18, 2024

Close to town but still in the sticks

We stayed on the river side of Chena lakes campground. Had a great huge pull through campsite. Lots of room for our three dogs. Ranger patrolled on the regular making us feel safe and keeping things in order.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Chena Lake Recreation Area by Wes F., August 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Chena Lake Recreation Area by Wes F., August 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Chena Lake Recreation Area by Wes F., August 18, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2024

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Refreshing place visit now , i love the environment

Reviewed May. 28, 2024

Great stay

Clean, friendly, safe

Site53
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Chena Lake Recreation Area by Wes F., May 28, 2024
  • Review photo of Chena Lake Recreation Area by Wes F., May 28, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2022

Last minute getaway

Very well maintained campground with lots to offer. Staff was courteous and helpful. This campground offers both back in and pull through boondock sites. All the sites are spacious a decent distance from neighbors. Centralized Water, bathrooms, and a dump station are available. Sites are a short drive to the swim beach.

Site31
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Chena Lake Recreation Area by Chris D., July 25, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2022

Lots of birch trees

We enjoyed this ground. It had a lot of day use areas, plenty of places to sit and look out over the lakes and river. Our spot was shaded and looked beautiful with the sun peaking through. Fairly quiet all night. There are bathrooms near the dam but not on the grounds.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Chena Lake Recreation Area by Riley N., July 23, 2022
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  • Review photo of Chena Lake Recreation Area by Riley N., July 23, 2022
  • (11) View All
Reviewed May. 30, 2022

Great campground

We stayed here for 2 nights free and paid for 3 nights over memorial weekend. Clean campground with pull through sites. Great playground for kids, and lake with tons of activities 4 minute walk away

Site19
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Chena Lake Recreation Area by Bradee A., May 30, 2022
  • Review photo of Chena Lake Recreation Area by Bradee A., May 30, 2022
  • Review photo of Chena Lake Recreation Area by Bradee A., May 30, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 19, 2021

Beautiful campground

This is the 1st campground my family and I stayed at Alaska. The Chena Lake is great! The beach area is great fun for all with grassy and sandy areas. There is a bunch of trails to hike around, paved biking trails, a basketball court, volleyball courts and of course a playground. There are some really cool camping spots along the river as well. Highly recommend to families!

Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Chena Lake Recreation Area?

    Camping at Chena Lake Recreation Area can cost between $15.00 and $50.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the elevation of Chena Lake Recreation Area?

    Chena Lake Recreation Area is located at 492 feet.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Chena Lake Recreation Area?

    Chena Lake Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 100 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Chena Lake Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Chena Lake Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Chena Lake Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Chena Lake Recreation Area does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Chena Lake Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.