Fairbanks / Chena River KOA provides 150 full-hookup sites with water, electric (50/30 amp), and sewer connections from May 15 to September 15. Riverview RV Park features riverfront pull-through sites with most accommodating larger rigs, while Rivers Edge RV Park offers similar amenities along the Chena River with easy access for big rigs. Pioneer Park near downtown Fairbanks allows RV parking without hookups for those needing a convenient in-town option. Sites throughout the area typically consist of level gravel pads, with premium riverside locations available at several parks. "Most sites are pull through with enough space between for slide outs, but still a little tight. Really nice view of the Chena River."
Several RV parks around Fairbanks maintain sanitary dump stations, though availability varies seasonally with most facilities closing by mid-September due to freezing temperatures. Cell service is generally reliable near town but becomes spotty in more remote locations like Chena River State Recreation Area. Pet-friendly policies are common across most RV parks, though specific breed restrictions may apply. Laundry facilities and showers are standard amenities at the larger parks, particularly important for extended stays. Winter RV camping options are extremely limited, with most parks completely closed from October through April. Chena Lake Recreation Area offers more natural surroundings with fewer amenities but remains a popular option for RVers seeking a less developed camping experience near water access points.
"For once in a long time on our journey through Alaska, the campground (CG) was not right off the highway."
"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."
from $50 - $80 / night
"On-site laundry and showers this makes for a great longer-term spot."
"With full hook ups, and RV wash, shower facilities, and a gift shop this is a great place to RV. There are also lodging and tent camping options. "
"We did our laundry and refilled a propane tank while we were her. Nothing fancy just a nice place to stop and visit. The town is small but has a museum with a fun caretaker and is worth a stop."
"Showers and bathroom and laundry nice and close. We were camping in a tent and although it was sunny the trees in the yard gave the perfect amount of shade."
Campground full next weekend
from $15 - $42 / night
"Such a great bnb my pup and I had to stop after that other location, just too much beauty that words"
from $55 - $70 / night
"Great rates loved the location"
"I'd like to extend a warm welcome to your host, Ray. Camping is offered on a flat area, perfect for your tent or RV. There are no hook-ups, so be prepared to have all that you need."
from $40 / night
"No bathrooms, electricity, or reservations. They keep it plowed in the winter so we stopped here for a night."
"It’s 12 bucks a night, which in Alaska in the summer in a city is cheap. The park is like an old time amusement park without rides. It is really cool though."
"It was super convenient to stores/restaurants in Fairbanks."
"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!"
from $45 / night
GuideNice little campground. No one was around at the campground but us. A lot of people camping other spots moose hunting. But had the campground to ourselves mainly. Nice level spots with some room even if others were around I think it would have been just fine! River next to camp. Caught a couple little fish.
TravelerThere 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
RangerThe lake is lovely. You can kayak or put in a jet ski. No rentals available. These are drive in sites, like a parking lot. But the scenery is nicer. There is a fire pit and printable for each site. Tent sites also or didn’t rain so mud was not a problem but we needed shade the heat! There is a vault toilet.
RangerThis 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.
LegendJust 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.
LegendGeneral: 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.
TravelerThe bathroom is new! Some sites are uneven, but it was peaceful.
GuideNice area. Short little trails around it. Nestled back far enough so you aren’t on top of the others
ScoutAs 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
Fairbanks camping areas operate seasonally, with most sites open from mid-May through mid-September due to Alaska's extreme winter conditions. Located at 446 feet elevation in the Tanana Valley, the region experiences wide temperature swings between summer highs of 70°F and winter lows reaching -40°F. Campgrounds typically offer level gravel pads with variable spacing and tree coverage depending on proximity to the Chena River or surrounding forests.
Riverside activities: At Chena Lake Recreation Area, families enjoy the beach area with both grassy and sandy spots for relaxation. "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," notes Kela W. in her review.
Winter camping adventures: Pioneer Park provides year-round access with winter plowing, making it one of few options for cold-weather camping near Fairbanks. "Visited in March 2022. Pioneer Park is really just a parking lot. No bathrooms, electricity, or reservations. They keep it plowed in the winter so we stopped here for a night," shares Elizabeth G., highlighting this rare winter accommodation option.
Cultural exploration: Pioneer Park offers more than just overnight parking. "The park is like an old time amusement park without rides. It is really cool though. There is a Salmon Bake restaurant that seems very popular," explains Michael H., making it an excellent base for experiencing local Alaskan culture.
River views: Rivers Edge RV Park & Campground offers premium waterfront sites that many campers specifically request. "The river spots are a little extra a night but well worth it. With full hook ups, and RV wash, shower facilities, and a gift shop this is a great place to RV," writes Tanya B., highlighting the value of splurging for waterfront camping.
Affordable options: Tanana Valley Campground provides budget-friendly camping with essential amenities. "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., emphasizing the cost advantages compared to other facilities.
Natural settings: Many campers appreciate the natural ambiance at Chena River State Recreation Area, even with its proximity to Fairbanks. "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," shares Stacey C.
Seasonal operations: Almost all rv camping near Fairbanks, Alaska shuts down between mid-September and mid-May. "Open June 15 through October 15. The river spots are a little extra a night but well worth it," notes Tanya B. about Rivers Edge RV Park, which offers one of the longer operating seasons in the area.
Bug preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly in wooded areas and near water. "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," writes Samantha M. about her experience at Chena River State Recreation Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Fairbanks, AK is Fairbanks / Chena River KOA with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
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