Best Glamping near Fairbanks, AK

Chena Hot Springs Resort and Salcha River State Recreation Site offer distinctive glamping experiences near Fairbanks, with accommodations ranging from yurts to luxury cabin-style glamping units. These properties provide a blend of wilderness immersion and comfort, with amenities not typically found in traditional camping. Harding Lake State Recreation Area complements these options with seasonal glamping accommodations. One reviewer highlighted that Chena Hot Springs "has so much to do! Aurora viewing, cozy cabins, hot springs, pool, Ice Museum, dog sledding, dining, and so much more." The resort's glamping sites feature electricity, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and proximity to natural hot springs, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking rustic luxury in the Alaskan wilderness. Each location provides easy access to water recreation, with Salcha River and Harding Lake offering waterfront glamping opportunities.

The natural hot springs at Chena Resort serve as the centerpiece of the glamping experience, with mineral-rich waters providing relaxation after days spent exploring. Hiking trails weave through the surrounding boreal forest, while winter visitors can witness the northern lights from their comfortable accommodations. A recent visitor mentioned, "The aurora is spectacular and I would love to go back for a trip in the summer." Seasonal considerations affect availability, with summer offering extended daylight hours for activities and winter providing ideal aurora viewing conditions. Visitors should note that children cannot access the hot springs themselves, though swimming pools are available for families. The resort offers additional experiences like ice museum tours, which showcase spectacular ice sculptures and serve signature appletinis in ice glasses. Most glamping sites provide access to restroom facilities, fire pits, and picnic areas, creating a balanced outdoor experience with essential comforts.

Map showing campgrounds near Fairbanks, Alaska

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Best Glamping Sites Near Fairbanks, Alaska (4)

1. River Park Campground
8 Reviews
Badger, AK
14 miles
Website
"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."

"We wanted to experience a couple campsites in the area near Fairbanks and this was the most 'central' that we found to all the attractions in Fairbanks."
2. Harding Lake State Recreation Area
5 Reviews
Salcha, AK
36 miles
Website
+1 (907) 451-2695
$100 / night
"Harding Lake State Recreation Area is a shady and scenic site about twenty minutes from North Pole."

"The mosquitoes were unbearable outside and in 73 degree weather you needed to be completely covered. The water was so high that the only water play area was the boat launch area."

3. Salcha River State Recreation Site
3 Reviews
Salcha, AK
33 miles
Website
+1 (907) 451-2695
$45 / night
"The staff was very nice as well. The lake view very nice. Friendly people."
4. Chena Hot Springs Resort
9 Reviews
Eielson AFB, AK
50 miles
Website
+1 (907) 451-8104
$20 / night
"It also offers camping with and without electrical hook-ups in either creek side privacy or open lot RV parking. It is a world-famous destination with shuttle buses to and from Fairbanks daily."

"If you don’t mind walking, then you can stay anywhere in the campground. If your main reason for visiting is the Hot Springs, then closer to the resort is best. "

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Recent Glamping Photos near Fairbanks, AK

7 Photos of 4 Fairbanks Campgrounds

Glamping Reviews near Fairbanks, AK

25 Reviews of 4 Fairbanks Campgrounds

Andrew V.
Traveler
May. 23, 2023
Harding Lake State Recreation Area
Fantastic and Clean Campground, Great for Kids
Harding Lake State Recreation Area is a shady and scenic site about twenty minutes from North Pole. The lesser-known and elder cousin of the many water-themed state recreation areas that trace the Richardson Highway from Fairbanks to Delta Junction.

This large and accommodating campground boasts a boat launch into Harding Lake, a baseball field, a large group recreation area near the water, a self-guided nature trail, a trailer dump site, and unpotable bulk water--along with various bathrooms with trash receptacles.

Our family of 5 tent camped in May and had a fantastic weekend. 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. A subarctic Field of Dreams. I also hit two first-pitch homeruns off my 9 and 5 year old--which may or not be related to the magic of this field--but I choose to believe.

The spacious and thoughtfully-designed campground certainly feels beyond its prime--old, unserviceable water pumps (perhaps not yet operable for the season); aspen saplings dotting the baseball infield; and many downed spruces over the nature trail. The posted maps are a little outdated. However, the campground boasted some of the cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen, anywhere-with a very friendly on-site host who came by to chat and kept the facilities in pristine condition. The camping spots are well-placed along the loop to allow for varying degrees of privacy between sites.

Mosquitoes are everywhere in springtime Alaska--please let me know when you find a campground in a birch forest without them. That said, 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--but they soon dispersed and only became annoying for intermittent periods.

Overall this was a magnificent campground, quiet and clean, with plenty for the kids to do. Fantastic and memorable experience.
Shari G.
Legend
Oct. 12, 2022
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Forest Camping + Hot Springs = Heaven!
Chena Hot Springs offers a full resort experience with hotel rooms, cabins, restaurants, and a host of activities including soaking in the infamous hot pools. It also offers camping with and without electrical hook-ups in either creek side privacy or open lot RV parking. It is a world-famous destination with shuttle buses to and from Fairbanks daily. You will meet people from all over the world.

Camping and soaking are charged separately, as are any extra experiences like the Ice Museum (glad I did it, not sure I would again). Vault toilets, rubbish and recycling bins, and potable water are all available in the campsite, flush toilets and showers are a part of the pool/hot springs facility. Hiking, biking, boating and fishing are all available close by in addition to the experiences offered by the resort.

The nearest services for groceries are about 45 miles back down the road toward Fairbanks, or North Pole, AK. We camped in the primitive area, which was lovely, forested and right along the creek, but the opportunity for solar power collection was limited by the trees, so plan ahead. We parked in the main lot for awhile to recharge, then took our rig back into the campground. Worked well!
Samantha M.
Ranger
Jun. 15, 2020
Harding Lake State Recreation Area
Mosquitoville
This was a nice campground with a friendly couple hosting. The spaces were spaced out with privacy trees. I think we scored one of the best spots number 11. The mosquitoes were unbearable outside and in 73 degree weather you needed to be completely covered. The water was so high that the only water play area was the boat launch area. The kids still had a great time but I would check the water level before coming back. There is a dump station, water, and plenty of bathrooms throughout the campground. It is a party campground for water activities so expect noise well after 2am. There are no electric hookups. The closest store is about 10 minutes down the road and has your basic essentials. There are other lakes to visit within an hour radius which makes this a fun location. There is a baseball/soccer field on site which was a lot of fun for the children to run off so energy and it wasn’t very buggy. The water pump was turned off due to Covid19. There’s a water toys rental by the boat launch that offers paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards $25/2 hours or $35 for all day. They are only open Friday-Sunday or by appointment.
a
anna C.
Guide
Jun. 21, 2018
River Park Campground
Beautiful, quiet campground!
We camped here just this past week and it was wonderful. 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. Some of the campsites are on the river and some are across the street from it, but there is access to the Clearwater river from the day use area for all visitors. The campsite is still close to town if you need supplies, about a 20 minute drive. This is now one of my favorite sites in the state. A quiet, beautiful spot to camp, engage in water sports, and fish.
Sara S.
Legend
Jun. 30, 2016
River Park Campground
busy but good campground
We wanted to experience a couple campsites in the area near Fairbanks and this was the most 'central' that we found to all the attractions in Fairbanks. It was busier than expected and the sites/bathrooms were typical of a state park. Lots of unique things to do in the park. This is a place I would recommend if you just wanted to have a bit of nature while exploring the city and surrounding attractions, not an 'out in the wild experience.'
K
Kathy P.
Scout
Jun. 16, 2016
River Park Campground
Chena River Wayside
The Chena runs for a very long way through AK and there are several campgrounds near this river. This particular campground is centrally located in Fairbanks and has everything you need. Toilets, water, camp sites, covered gazebos, volleyball nets and even a boat launch. It is a great place for an overnight stay or a quick trip with the kids.
Kayla A.
Guide
Jul. 3, 2018
Harding Lake State Recreation Area
Quiet, clean campground in Alaska
Beautiful campground with much to do all around. The Kenai Fjords National Park is close distance.
Tanya B.
Legend
Sep. 6, 2020
Chena Hot Springs Resort
So worth it-kids not allowed in Hot springs
Kids cannot go in the hot springs This campground is first come first served. If you don’t mind walking, then you can stay anywhere in the campground. If your main reason for visiting is the Hot Springs, then closer to the resort is best. If you are traveling with children, they can go in the swimming pools but not the hot springs them selves which is really why we all go here. I have been here in the dead of winter in the bitter cold and there is nothing like jumping in the Hot Springs even if its overcast. The springs are AMAZING. There are plenty of things to see if you are traveling to or from Anchorage. The pipeline runs up the Richardson Highway, you can tour the ice house, and if you have time a stop at the world famous Skinny Dick’s Halfway Inn is worth a stop and a t-shirt. Cell Service: no Internet: no 2020 Cost: $30 Distance from Anchorage: 426 miles Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 5
Samantha M.
Ranger
Jul. 22, 2018
River Park Campground
Wooded area
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. The campsites were private, plenty of site options, bathrooms conveniently located and water to play in near by. 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!