George U.
Scout
ScoutCripple Creek Campground
Peace
The bathroom is new! Some sites are uneven, but it was peaceful.
Camping near Badger, AK
45 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds in the Badger, Alaska area range from established facilities to military-operated sites, with most located along the Chena River system. Fairbanks/Chena River KOA offers 150 sites with full hookups for RVs and tent camping areas, while Chena Lake Recreation Area provides more natural settings with both lakefront and wooded sites. The North Pole and Fairbanks vicinity contains several mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with Tanana Valley Campground and River Park Campground serving as popular options for visitors seeking developed facilities near urban amenities.
Most campgrounds in the Badger area operate seasonally, typically from mid-May through mid-September, with very limited winter camping options. "We stayed here for 2 nights over memorial weekend. Clean campground with pull through sites. Great playground for kids, and lake with tons of activities 4 minute walk away," notes one camper about Chena Lake Recreation Area. Road access to most sites remains good throughout the operating season, with gravel roads leading to many of the campgrounds. Water quality varies by location, with some sites reporting non-potable water issues at certain times of the year. Temperatures can fluctuate significantly even during summer months, and mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as a consideration when camping in the region.
Riverside camping locations receive particular praise from visitors to the area. The Chena River corridor provides numerous camping options with water access and scenic views. One camper described River Park Campground as a place where "wooded areas are composed of mostly white birch" and noted it was "clean, equipped, and cheap." Many campgrounds feature spacious sites with adequate distance between neighbors, fire rings, and picnic tables. The military campgrounds like Fort Wainwright Chena Cove and Eielson AFB Bear Lake cater specifically to service members and veterans, though conditions at these facilities can vary widely. Several campgrounds near Badger provide boat launches or water access points, making them attractive bases for fishing or paddling adventures on the region's lakes and rivers.
Best Campgrounds near Badger (45)
1. River Park Campground
"Wonderful campground if you are looking to get away from town but still in close proximity. Well maintained camping area, with options to camp on an island in the middle of the lake."
"I’m not sure if we planned the trip around the largest mosquito outbreak ever but this is the first time I wanted a head net! :) the bugs were terrible but the campsite wonderful."
2. Chena Lake Recreation Area
"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."
"Great playground for kids, and lake with tons of activities 4 minute walk away"
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability3. Tanana Valley Campground
"Location close to town, but you feel like your in the forest. I got great Service!"
"The cost is not back and you have all the things you need within driving distance."
4. Fairbanks / Chena River KOA
"For once in a long time on our journey through Alaska, the campground (CG) was not right off the highway."
"The bathrooms are a bit of a walk from the tents, but the wonderful and free showers are nice. The laundry, showers, and bathrooms are well-kept and a nice luxury."
from $50 - $80 / night
Check Availability5. Pioneer Park
"It’s 12 bucks a night, which in Alaska in the summer in a city is cheap. The park is like an old time amusement park without rides. It is really cool though."
"The water spigot is on the south side of lot near the turn in. The trash cans can get full quick. "
6. Rivers Edge RV Park & Campground
"Located right along the Chena River this RV Resort has a gift shop for when you need a candy fix or warmer swearer and the availability to book direct for Riverboat Discovery, historic Fairbanks tour,"
"Cell Service: yes Internet: yes 2020 Cost: $64.95-$34.95 Distance from Anchorage: 365 miles Best sites: Along the River Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 5"
7. Military Park Fort Wainwright Glass Park RV Park & Outdoor Adventure
"Great rates loved the location"
8. Why Knot Sleep Here
from $40 / night
Check Availability10. Eielson AFB Bear Lake
Drive Time
- 14 min from Fairbanks, AK
Recent Camping Photos near Badger, AK
16 Photos of 45 Badger Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near Badger, AK
116 Reviews of 45 Badger Campgrounds
Andrew K.
GuideCripple Creek Campground
Nice area
Nice area. Short little trails around it. Nestled back far enough so you aren’t on top of the others
Ricky R.GuideMile 38.1 Chena River Access
Between River and Highway
Gravel access off Chena Hot Springs Road at mile 38.1. When you enter the area stay to the right and it opens up on a large gravel area above the river. There is parking in this area and at 2 spurs to the left and right. Check out the spurs before you drive in as turnaround is tight. Tons of stink bugs when we were there the first week of June.
- AAshley G.Scout
Mount Prindle Campground
Quiet, beautiful area!
Will be one of our favorite local places!
- JJose P.Scout
Military Park Fort Wainwright Glass Park RV Park & Outdoor Adventure
Military and Civilian friendly
This campground is fantastic! They’re expanding with both large and small spots, perfect for all kinds of gatherings. Plus, there are big gazebos ideal for meetings, birthdays, or just relaxing. The staff is super friendly and always ready to lend a hand.
MG S.GuideTanana Valley Campground
3.5/5 - wouldnt have stayed here if there were other options in Fairbanks
This was one, if not the only, campsite in Fairbanks that we saw. The park map was confusing and the first site we picked ended up being sketchy. The first site was right along the road inside the camp and a intoxicated man wandered in and sat down in the camp next to us. We spoke to the camp host and we were able to move to a more secluded area, thankfully. He (camp host) was great and friendly. Camp price for a tent was $30 (another reason we didnt want to stay here). Got to do laundry, though, so that was a plus. If you are a woman camping alone, please do not stay in the t40-t45 area of the map. Wanderers from College Road will stay there. We moved to the 35c-38c area and we felt better there.
MickandKarla W.
LegendEielson AFB Bear Lake
Seen Better Days
While staying in North Pole, AK, we decided to check out Eielson AFB Bear Lake FamCamp as we’d heard from other military RVers and on different forums that the campground was not worth staying at. On the major RV review sites the most recent review was from 2023. We normally don’t post reviews on a campground (CG) we didn’t stay at, but made an exception to help other military RVers out. As we entered the campground, we noticed that there were not many campers (there was what looked like a camp host, but no sign), and could immediately see why. The sites had non-potable per signs attached to the water spigot. We also noticed that many of the sites were grown over. There are pull-through sites on one row that could handle big rigs and then back-in sites of various lengths on another row. These sites are water and electric 50 and 30 AMP). However, on most sites you would need to cut brush and low-hanging limbs. There were signs on the bathhouse and laundry facility that the water was bad due to too much chlorine. They do have a dump station. There’s a lake at the end of the CG area, but the grass again was so high it was up through the picnic tables along the shoreline. Based on the CG’s condition and distance from the sights to see in the Fairbanks area, this in our opinion is not a good CG choice, especially with taller 5th wheels or Class A rigs. Fort Wainwright, which is closer to Fairbanks, has Glass Park RV Campground on post and they have sites that should fit bigger rigs according to the site sizes on their webpage.
- Janet P.Scout
Rivers Edge RV Park & Campground
Awful place
The sites are crammed together. The neighbors sewer pipe right next to your picnic table. Lots not mowed. Had to walk through weeds. Staff very unfriendly. I would rather stay at walmart.
- MickandKarla W.Legend
Fairbanks / Chena River KOA
One of the Best KOAs We've Stayed
For once in a long time on our journey through Alaska, the campground (CG) was not right off the highway. We followed our RV GPS to the Badger Road exit and found the CG tucked back from the main road. Check-in was busy but quick. We were assigned pull-through site 133D with full hookups and 50 AMP. This site has special routing instructions—staff had us drive a few hundred yards down Old Badger Road, which runs adjacent to the CG, to enter through the back KOA gate. From there, it was an easy approach into our site. Site 133D is a KOA Patio site with a deluxe Trex deck, outdoor furniture, propane fire pit, and a Weber propane grill with tools. The gravel pad was long enough for our 40’ toy hauler and F450, with room to put down our rear patio. On arrival, the CG WiFi was unusable, but we got an email update that they were working on it. A later speed test showed 4.97 Mbps download—good enough for email and light browsing. Starlink worked but was slower than usual in this area despite a clear sky view. We got one bar on both Verizon and T-Mobile. This is a well-run KOA, with staff constantly mowing, cleaning, and maintaining the grounds. During our stay, several RV caravans came through—they had their own designated area and even buses for tours. The CG has spaces for all types of campers, from tents to big rigs. There’s a laundry facility, two fenced dog parks, swing benches by the river, and plenty of space to walk your dog. All in all, this is one of the best private CGs we’ve stayed at. If you need a great vet while in the area, we highly recommend Dr. Dawn Brown at North Pole Veterinary Hospital. They are an AAHA accredited clinic and we’ sure all the vets are great, but we definitely had a wonderful experience with Dr. Brown during our appointment with our two Braque's. The CG made an excellent base for exploring the Fairbanks area.
Guide to Badger
Situated 10 miles southeast of Fairbanks, camping options near Badger, Alaska feature mixed birch forests with summer temperatures ranging from 50-80°F. The region experiences intense mosquito activity from mid-June to early August and has limited winter camping facilities, with temperatures dropping as low as -40°F. Seasonal considerations include variable water availability and extended daylight hours during summer camping season.
What to do
Water recreation: Chena Lake: The recreation area offers diverse water activities during summer months. "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," notes Kela W. about Chena Lake Recreation Area.
Pioneer Park exploration: 20-minute drive from campsites. Located in Fairbanks, this historical park offers unique attractions. "The park is like an old time amusement park without rides. It is really cool though. There is a Salmon Bake restaurant that seems very popular," says Michael H. about Pioneer Park.
River activities: Fishing and boating. The Chena River system provides multiple water access points. "You can reserve sites which is nice especially if you are traveling some distance and just want to pull in and sleep," notes Tanya B. about camping near the river, adding that "you have all the things you need within driving distance."
What campers like
Spacious sites with good separation: Many campgrounds offer adequate distance between neighbors. "All the sites are spacious a decent distance from neighbors. Centralized Water, bathrooms, and a dump station are available," writes Chris D. about Chena Lake Recreation Area.
Birch forest settings: The distinctive white birch trees create scenic camping environments. "The wooded areas are composed of mostly white birch which we took its bark when we saw downed trees. Birch bark is great for starting fires," explains a camper at River Park Campground.
Convenient amenities: Despite the rural setting, many campsites offer practical facilities. "For water, there are several pumps that you have operate yourself," notes one camper, while another mentions "The laundry, showers, and bathrooms are well-kept and a nice luxury" at various facilities in the area.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds near Badger operate only during warmer months. "They are open June 15 through October 15," states a reviewer about one riverside campground, which aligns with most facilities in the region.
Water quality concerns: Several campsites have water quality issues. "Our only issue with it was the color of the water, which comes out a little yellow/orange," reports a camper at River Park Campground, while Eielson AFB Bear Lake had "signs on the bathhouse and laundry facility that the water was bad due to too much chlorine."
Mosquito preparation essential: Bug protection is frequently mentioned as necessary equipment. "I'm not sure if we planned the trip around the largest mosquito outbreak ever but this is the first time I wanted a head net!" reports Samantha M., adding that "the bugs were terrible but the campsite wonderful."
Tips for camping with families
Lake access for children: Water activities keep kids engaged during long summer days. "Great playground for kids, and lake with tons of activities 4 minute walk away," mentions a reviewer about Tanana Valley Campground, which offers family-friendly amenities.
Playground facilities available: Many campgrounds include play areas for children. "There are a variety of campsites, some large enough to accommodate an RV, as well as well-maintained restrooms, well-water, a dumpster, and every site had a picnic table and fire pit with grate," notes anna C. about a campsite in the area.
Family-friendly trails: Accessible hiking options suit various age groups. "This campground had a roped off beach area where people played, lounges, kayak/canoe and spent all day. If we came again I would bring more beach appropriate items. The playground and bike/walking trails were great. The kids thought it was fun to watch the many tadpoles!" shares a family camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites carefully based on specific needs. "For once in a long time on our journey through Alaska, the campground was not right off the highway," mentions an RVer about Fairbanks / Chena River KOA, adding that "site 133D is a KOA Patio site with a deluxe Trex deck, outdoor furniture, propane fire pit, and a Weber propane grill with tools."
Connectivity considerations: Internet access varies widely between campgrounds. "On arrival, the CG WiFi was unusable, but we got an email update that they were working on it. A later speed test showed 4.97 Mbps download—good enough for email and light browsing," reports an RV camper.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal with limited facilities. "Free dump and water fill at the Sourdough gas station located at Van Horn and Lathrop streets just a few miles south, with easy rig access," advises an experienced RVer about resources near the Pioneer Park area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Badger, AK?
What camping is available near Badger, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, Badger, AK offers a wide range of camping options, with 45 campgrounds and RV parks near Badger, AK and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Badger, AK?
Which is the most popular campground near Badger, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Badger, AK is River Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Badger, AK?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Badger, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Badger, AK.
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