Best Campgrounds near Ester, AK

Camping near Ester, Alaska, offers a unique blend of wilderness and accessibility. With stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

What to do

• Fishing: Many campgrounds are near rivers and lakes, perfect for fishing. At Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area, one camper mentioned, “We saw a beaver and a hawk catch a fish right in front of us which was cool.”
• Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. A visitor at Chena Lake Recreation Area noted, “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.”
• ATV Trails: If you enjoy riding, check out the trails at Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area. One reviewer said, “There are lots of ATV trails.”

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Tanana Valley Campground remarked, “The shower house was very clean with a new shower mat provided for each shower.”
• Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Chena Lake Recreation Area shared, “Had a great huge pull through campsite. Lots of room for our three dogs.”
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. One reviewer at River Park Campground said, “Staff was courteous and helpful.”

What you should know

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Harding Lake State Recreation Area warned, “The mosquitoes were unbearable outside.”
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Pioneer Park, have minimal facilities. A visitor noted, “It’s nice if you need a place to stay. Just a parking lot, nothing fancy.”
• Seasonal Access: Check the season for each campground. For example, River Park Campground is open from June 10 to August 10.

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer fun for kids. At Nenana RV Park & Campground, a parent said, “My kids enjoyed the park across the road and had mini golf and a Rhoades car available for use.”
• Bring Bug Spray: Protect your family from mosquitoes. A camper at Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area mentioned, “There were plenty of mosquitoes, and our handheld bug zapper came in handy.”
• Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Tanana Valley Campground noted, “It can be loud and bring in all sorts of people.”

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rivers Edge RV Park & Campground said, “Whereas the campground map may make these sites look tight, we were pleasantly surprised to find most of them had trees and brush separating each site.”
• Reserve Ahead: It’s a good idea to book your spot in advance. A camper at Chena Lake Recreation Area advised, “It is always worth it to reserve your site online before you get there.”
• Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Pioneer Park mentioned, “The trash cans can get full quick.”

Camping near Ester, Alaska, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a little preparation, you can have a memorable experience in this beautiful region.