Camping sites near Eielson Air Force Base sit within Interior Alaska's boreal forest at approximately 500 feet elevation. The camping season typically runs from late May through mid-September, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 80°F during summer months. Mosquitoes peak in June and July when Interior Alaska receives nearly 22 hours of daylight, creating unique camping conditions that require proper preparation.
What to do
River activities: Chena River access points at Rivers Edge RV Park & Campground provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. "This RV park sits right on the banks of the Chena River. They are open June 15 through October 15. The river spots are a little extra a night but well worth it," notes camper Tanya B.
Baseball and recreation: Field access is available at Harding Lake State Recreation Area, located 20 minutes from North Pole. "The sandlot-reminiscent baseball field was a rare and magical find that suited our family's wiffleball addiction perfectly. It's like wandering through a moss grove and emerging into a boreal baseball field," reports Andrew V.
Hot springs visit: Day trip opportunity just 60 miles from Fairbanks near Rosehip Campground. "This campground is beautiful! Surrounded by birch trees with huge, private spots. This is one of the first campgrounds on the Chena Hot Springs road and it does have service," writes Erica C.
What campers like
Riverside camping experiences: Rosehip Campground offers quiet riverside locations with wildlife viewing opportunities. "This has been an awesome place to dip in the river. We have seen wolves in this river spot which was quite scary but an experience all the same," shares Kela W.
Private sites with natural buffers: Sites feature good separation with natural vegetation. "There's great separation between campsites. Only $15 per night!" mentions Megan B. about Rosehip Campground, while Riley N. adds, "The spots are fairly wooded. There are lots of mosquitoes in the area also."
Clean facilities and helpful staff: Tanana Valley Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Laundry works quickly and effectively. Clean, warm showers and bath. Location close to town, but you feel like your in the forest. I got great Service!" reports Amber W.
What you should know
Seasonal water restrictions: Water services vary by season and campground. At Eielson AFB Bear Lake, "We noticed that there were not many campers, and could immediately see why. The sites had non-potable per signs attached to the water spigot," notes MickandKarla W.
Mosquito protection essential: Bring appropriate insect repellent regardless of campground. "Bring all the bug repellant and preventative measures you can muster. I was swarmed by a biblical cloud of man-eating Culicidae when we first pulled in," warns Andrew V. about Harding Lake.
Limited cell coverage: Signal varies considerably across camping areas. Rosehip Campground "does have service," according to Erica C., while Tanya B. notes that at Tanana Valley, "Cell Service: Yes, Internet: Yes."
Primitive camping options: Pioneer Park offers basic overnight parking without amenities for $12/night. "It's nice if you need a place to stay. Just a parking lot nothing fancy," explains Riley N. Michael H. adds, "The camping is just a parking lot. It's 12 bucks a night, which in Alaska in the summer in a city is cheap."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation access: Chena Lake Recreation Area provides multiple family-friendly activities. "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," shares Kela W.
Playground and activity options: Recreation areas include dedicated play areas. "Great playground for kids, and lake with tons of activities 4 minute walk away," reports Bradee A. about Chena Lake Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Family camping provides nature education opportunities. Connor D. describes Rosehip Campground: "While there may not be a large number of site, if you get a site you will have lots of space. We were able to fit a 26' travel trailer plus the truck and not be in the road. 1/2 mile walk down to the river and several nature trails."
Budget-friendly options: Tanana Valley Campground offers affordable camping. "Electric at site, water and dump stations. Bathrooms & laundry and for 1/2 the price of everywhere around. But bring bug dope!" advises Bradee A.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Free facilities available in Fairbanks. "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," shares Kerry B.
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. At Bear Lake FamCamp, "There are pull-through sites on one row that could handle big rigs and then back-in sites of various lengths on another row. However, on most sites you would need to cut brush and low-hanging limbs," warns MickandKarla W.
Full hookup availability: Fairbanks / Chena River KOA offers complete services. "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," details MickandKarla W.
Pet accommodations: For pet friendly camping near Eielson AFB, Alaska, the KOA provides dedicated spaces. "There's a laundry facility, two fenced dog parks, swing benches by the river, and plenty of space to walk your dog," notes MickandKarla W.
