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
Glamping near Fairbanks, AK
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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.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Fairbanks (4)
1. River Park Campground
"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
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $100 / night
3. Salcha River State Recreation Site
"The staff was very nice as well. The lake view very nice. Friendly people."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 / night
4. Chena Hot Springs Resort
"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. "
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
Recent Glamping Photos near Fairbanks, AK
7 Photos of 4 Fairbanks Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Fairbanks, AK
26 Reviews of 4 Fairbanks Campgrounds
- Kristi D.
LegendChena Hot Springs Resort
Awesome spot
Awesome to be able to camp at the resort with easy access to the Hot Springs. Dry camping no amenities except a outdoor bathroom. River behind the spots though, spots close together and close to camping. Level spots but wet from rain. Puddles etc....no internet. You got 10 free minutes by the lodge but then you are prompter to start paying. Did get to see the Northern lights so that was a bonus. Missed the ice museum as it said closed for maintenance on the website and when we got there is appeared you could get in by tours. It was too late by that time.
Hot springs are nice but it was chaos! Line to get in and the locker rooms are a nightmare. The springs had a lot of people in them but it wasn't terrible and you could still relax.
Andrew V.TravelerHarding 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.
Samantha F.
GuideChena Hot Springs Resort
Rustic Cabin Winter Getaway
We came here a month ago in November for a last minute winter getaway. We rented the Forget-me-Not cabin. It’s a dry cabin with an outhouse, but it does have electricity and a DVD player. Just make sure you bring your own DVDs if you plan to use it.
The cabin itself was very rustic and outdated, but a great size for two couples. The provided toaster caught on fire as soon as we turned it on. We told the front desk and they didn’t seem surprised.
Obviously the Hot Springs was the main attraction. It was AMAZING! Definitely a must see. Their restaurant was really good too. No cell service, but WIFI in the main lodge.
Shari G.LegendChena 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!
M P.GuideChena Hot Springs Resort
Boondocking with plenty to do
20 a site, dry. There are a few sites that have trees surrounding the sites, offering a bit of privacy. A few sites are open and face the resort and road. Potable water and dump station on grounds. 15 per adult (over 18, per day) to get into the hot springs. Pool and hot tub also available. Hiking trails, fishing in the Beaver Lake, and a tour of the ice castle. Restaurant/bar has great food and all of the workers were congenial. We enjoyed our time and will stay again!
Riley N.LegendSalcha River State Recreation Site
Earthquake!
We loved camping here! The river is so pretty and the mountains are beautiful. We were sitting in our van and all of the sudden there was an earthquake! Just a small one but it was kind of exciting. The sunrise was also beautiful over the water. The have restrooms, water pump, and a boat launch as well.
- Riley N.Legend
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Such a cool experience
Defined try the ice museum tour it was so cool! The appletinis are great too. The hot springs were so hot we definitely recommend visiting in cooler weather to really enjoy them
- Reba C.
ScoutRiver Park Campground
Peace and serenity
The location that we were at was so peaceful and serene. We enjoyed cooking out. The location is very convenient. We simply enjoyed the seclusion.
Guide to Fairbanks
Fairbanks sits at the junction of the Chena and Tanana rivers in Alaska's interior region, approximately 358 miles north of Anchorage at an elevation of 446 feet. The area experiences extreme temperature variations, with summer highs reaching 80°F and winter lows plunging to -40°F. Glamping in Fairbanks, Alaska offers visitors the opportunity to experience these dramatic seasonal changes with significantly more comfort than traditional tent camping provides.
What to do
Hiking trails: The Chena River State Recreation Area features numerous trails through boreal forest environments. One visitor noted, "Hiking trails weave through the surrounding boreal forest, while winter visitors can witness the northern lights from their comfortable accommodations."
Water recreation: At Harding Lake State Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy multiple water activities during summer months. According to a camper, "There was a boat launch and water that we could walk very far out in with the children. There were about 70-80 site options, nice walking/bike trails, picnic areas, fire rings, water play area."
Ice Museum tour: Beyond hot springs, Chena Hot Springs Resort offers unique Alaskan cultural experiences. A visitor mentioned, "Defined try the ice museum tour it was so cool! The appletinis are great too."
Baseball field: Some Fairbanks glamping locations feature unexpected recreational amenities. One family discovered, "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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Harding Lake State Recreation Area offers well-designed sites that maintain separation. As one camper explained, "It felt like there were plenty of camping options with privacy. There were plenty of opportunities to view wildlife as moose came running through our campsite."
Clean facilities: Despite rustic surroundings, many glamping locations maintain exceptional standards. A visitor observed, "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."
Natural setting close to town: River Park Campground combines accessibility with natural immersion. According to one review, "We were delighted how this campground (in a city) feels like wilderness. In late Aug it was getting cooler and sparsely populated. In July, it was pretty crowded but the camp sites aren't right on top of each other and there is foliage around."
Hot spring access: Luxury glamping sites with mineral waters remain popular year-round. A visitor explained, "We parked in the main lot for awhile to recharge, then took our rig back into the campground. Worked well!"
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Summer visitors should prepare for significant insect activity. One camper advised, "The mosquitoes were unbearable outside and in 73 degree weather you needed to be completely covered."
Children's access restrictions: Salcha River State Recreation Site offers family-friendly options, but some facilities have age limitations. As one visitor noted, "Kids cannot go in the hot springs. If you are traveling with children, they can go in the swimming pools but not the hot springs themselves which is really why we all go here."
Limited services: Many glamping locations require advance preparation. A camper explained, "The nearest services for groceries are about 45 miles back down the road toward Fairbanks, or North Pole, AK."
Seasonal considerations: Water levels impact recreational opportunities significantly. One visitor shared, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Consider wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy animal sightings near glamping accommodations. One family noted, "There were plenty of opportunities to view wildlife as moose came running through our campsite."
Pack extra bug protection: Insect activity can significantly impact children's outdoor experience. A parent advised, "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."
Look for water recreation: Chena River State Recreation Area offers water-based activities for children. A visitor shared, "This campground had a roped off beach area where people played, lounged, kayak/canoe and spent all day. If we came again I would bring more beach appropriate items."
Bring DVDs for cabins: Some luxury glamping accommodations include entertainment options. A family recommended, "It's a dry cabin with an outhouse, but it does have electricity and a DVD player. Just make sure you bring your own DVDs if you plan to use it."
Tips from RVers
Consider site proximity to amenities: When glamping in Fairbanks at full-service resorts, location matters. One RVer explained, "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."
Solar limitations in wooded sites: Chena Hot Springs Resort offers beautiful forested sites with power challenges. An RVer noted, "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."
Check dump station locations: Not all glamping sites offer full hookups. According to one camper, "Potable water and dump station on grounds. 15 per adult (over 18, per day) to get into the hot springs."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Fairbanks, AK?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Fairbanks, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Fairbanks, AK is River Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.
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glamping camping near
Fairbanks, AK?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Fairbanks, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 glamping camping locations near Fairbanks, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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