Lukas G.
Traveler
TravelerRiver Park Campground
Great little spot for the price
There is a boat ramp outside the camp ground. It is gated to get in. It’s the cheapest site I have seen at $20 a night with water and electric
Tent Camping near Ester, AK
7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Tent campsites near Ester, Alaska range from free primitive trail shelters to more developed tent camping at Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Area, located approximately 20 miles northeast along the Chatanika River. These sites in the boreal forest north of Fairbanks include hike-in options at Summit Trail and Wickersham Creek Trail Shelter. Additional tent camping can be found at Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Area, providing drinking water, toilets, trash service, and fire pits with picnic tables.
Most tent sites in this region lack amenities, with the exception of Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Area which offers drinking water, toilets, trash service, and fire pits with picnic tables. The three trail shelters—Summit Trail, Summit Trail Shelter, and Wickersham Creek Trail Shelter—are all hike-in accessible and provide free primitive camping. Tent campers should pack out all waste, as most sites have no facilities. Mosquitoes are prevalent during summer months, so appropriate repellent is essential. A review mentioned, "It was the most crowded site we have been to up here yet but the spots offer privacy so it didn't bother us." The camping season generally runs from May through September, with potential closures during early spring due to snowmelt conditions.
Walk-in tent locations like Summit Trail and Table Top Mountain Loop Trail provide more secluded camping compared to drive-in options. These tent-only sites require hikers to pack in their own supplies, including water and food. The primitive nature of these areas offers a genuine wilderness experience with minimal development. A visitor commented that Summit Trail Shelter is a "cool place to relax for a bit" along the trail. Tent campers seeking more comfort may prefer Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Area, where campsites positioned along the riverbank offer convenient water access and fishing opportunities. August and early September provide optimal conditions with fewer insects and potential for berry picking on nearby hillsides, though overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in late summer.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Ester (7)
1. Summit Trail
2. Wickersham Creek Trail Shelter
3. Summit Trail Shelter
4. Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area
"A lot of spots had wood stacked at them already and had picnic tables and fire pits. There is a bathroom on site as well."
"This is a nice campsite a little outside of Fairbanks. The campsites have good spacing between them for privacy. You can get right up to the river. The biggest downside was TONS of mosquitoes."
5. Table Top Mountain Loop Trail
6. BLM Cripple Creek
7. Group Camping Area — Harding Lake State Recreation Area
from $100 / night
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Drive Time
- 25 min from Fairbanks, AK
Tent Camping Reviews near Ester, AK
88 Reviews of 7 Ester Campgrounds
Connie B.
RangerPioneer Park
A parking lot to a very cool park
This is a parking lot with some larger rig markers. Dry camping for $15. It is the parking lot to Pioneer Park. This park is very cool. A lot of history of Alaska, gold mining and just living in a pioneer lifestyle. Many houses were original to the area. It is a very cool park with lots to see and do for kids and adults alike.
Douglas S.
LegendFairbanks / Chena River KOA
All in all a nice KOA holiday campground.
Just outside of fairbanks, this holiday campground offers spacious sites lots of trees and riverfront access.
Also as is normal for most koas, the staff was extremely helpful in making sure I had a site near to a bathroom.
Ask for the rest I'll let the attached video and pictures do the talking.
Lee D.LegendFairbanks / Chena River KOA
The northernmost KOA (located on the Chena River)
General: 153-site RV park, all with FHU (30/50 amp). Gravel roads and camper pads. All are level. Most are pull-through except for one section.
Site Quality: A small patch of grass separates the sites from each other. A small wooden picnic table completes the site. Several sites are premium and include a private pavilion, propane BBQ grill, table, and chairs. If you want to pay the price, IMO the best of these sites is #83 as it has trees separating it from the next row.
Bath/Shower house: Several restroom/shower buildings located throughout the RV park. The women’s restroom nearest our site was clean; three toilets and four sinks. Soap and paper towels. The shower rooms are individual unisex rooms with a bench. Most have hooks, but at least one does not. Shower was pleasant with good (but not forceful) spray and hot water).
Activities/Amenities:
* Laundry. But beware, someone in our caravan had a white item turn brown from the water here. Also, the dryer resets itself once you open the door (and this is not the way I do laundry)
* Rentable indoor pavilion
* Outdoor pavilion near the river with corn hole, giant Jenga, propane firepits, bench swing, table and chairs
* Horseshoe, tetherball, playground
* Off-leash dog park
* Game room/library
* Firewood available for purchase
* Free RV/Car wash (hose and water provided, bring your own brushes and sponges
As far as large RV parks go, this one is good. There are signs posted throughout the facility warning that you are on camera surveillance; I have to wonder if there is a safety risk, although I felt safe.
Mary M.
ScoutNenana RV Park & Campground
Just Okay
As with most camp sites we utilized during our interior Alaska tour, it’s nothing special. The positives were the trees were trimmed providing a little sun/shade, the water/electric worked as it should. The laundry and showers areas were just okay, but IMO could use an overhaul. For the cost of a site, definitely over priced and in need of some TLC
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.
Martha H.GuideNenana RV Park & Campground
Easy on off Highway
Laundry, showers, and bathrooms. All you need for a night's stay.
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.
- 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 Ester
Tent camping options near Ester, Alaska range across several public lands within a 30-mile radius. Located in Interior Alaska approximately 10 miles northwest of Fairbanks, this boreal forest region has temperature extremes from -40°F in winter to 80°F in summer. The camping season typically runs from late May through early September, with spring conditions often muddy due to permafrost thaw and fall bringing early frost by mid-August.
What to do
River fishing access: Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Area offers riverbank camping with access to salmon and grayling fishing opportunities. "A lot of spots had wood stacked at them already and had picnic tables and fire pits. There is a bathroom on site as well," notes camper Riley N.
Hiking trails: The Table Top Mountain Loop Trail provides moderate hiking opportunities with tent camping spots along the route. "Great trail, but would definitely use all trails next time," advises Joe C., suggesting hikers utilize navigation tools when exploring this area.
Berry picking: Hillsides surrounding the camping areas offer seasonal berry picking, particularly in August and September. Blueberries, cranberries, and crowberries are common finds in the region. Bring containers and be prepared to share the picking areas with local wildlife.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Despite being relatively close to Fairbanks, many camping areas maintain good spacing between sites. At Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area, "The campsites have good spacing between them for privacy. You can get right up to the river," according to Megan B.
Primitive experience: The lack of development at many sites appeals to those seeking genuine wilderness camping. "Was a tough first start but I'm getting the hang of it now," mentions Joe C. about Summit Trail, highlighting the rustic nature of camping in this area.
Trail shelters: Several locations feature basic shelter structures available for tent campers. One visitor described Wickersham Creek Trail Shelter as bringing to mind "Stephen King at this spot," referring to its remote, rustic character typical of Interior Alaska wilderness structures.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Insect populations can be overwhelming during summer months. "The biggest downside was TONS of mosquitoes," warns a camper about Chatanika River. Bring appropriate insect repellent, head nets, and consider camping later in August when populations decrease.
Weather variability: Even summer nights can drop below freezing, especially in late August. Days can range from 50-80°F while nights might fall to 30-40°F. Pack appropriate cold-weather gear regardless of season.
Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas have minimal or no facilities. At BLM Cripple Creek, campers found it was "Not at all what I had imagined," suggesting expectations should be adjusted for primitive conditions at most sites.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose less remote locations for family camping with younger children. Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Area offers more amenities including toilets, trash service, and defined campsites appropriate for families.
Safety preparations: Wildlife encounters are possible throughout the area. Store food properly in vehicles or bear-resistant containers, keep cooking areas separate from sleeping areas, and educate children about proper wilderness protocols.
Activity planning: Wickersham Creek Trail Shelter offers cabin-style protection from elements if weather turns. "Honestly I thought of Stephen King at this spot," one camper noted, suggesting the shelter's rustic character might spark imagination for older children while providing weather protection.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Most tent camping areas near Ester have restricted vehicle access and aren't suitable for RVs. Upper Chatanika River State Rec Area does accommodate smaller RVs, though spaces are limited.
Water access: No hookups are available at most locations. "This is a fairly standard state-run campground on the upper Chatanika River," notes Melinda S., adding that "primitive camping on gravel bars on the river" is possible with 4WD vehicles further west of the main campground.
Seasonal conditions: Road access to many camping areas becomes difficult during spring thaw (May) and fall rains (September). RVers should check road conditions before traveling to more remote locations.
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