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 Fort Wainwright, AK
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Chena Hot Springs Resort features glamping accommodations in a natural setting about an hour from Fort Wainwright, with yurts and glamping tents along creekside locations offering forest privacy, electricity, comfortable bedding, and private spaces. These glamping campsites provide a more luxurious alternative to traditional camping without giving up access to the boreal wilderness. "We had so much fun at Chena Hot Springs. There is so much to do! Aurora viewing, cozy cabins, hot springs, pool, Ice Museum, dog sledding, dining, and so much more," noted one visitor. Harding Lake State Recreation Area also offers glamping options with more refined accommodations than standard tent sites, making it accessible for those seeking nature without sacrificing comfort.
The mineral hot springs form the centerpiece of the glamping experience at Chena, with natural rock-lined pools where adults can soak while enjoying the boreal forest surroundings. The resort provides numerous activities including hiking trails, fishing in Beaver Lake, and the opportunity to view the Northern Lights during winter stays. One camper shared, "The aurora is spectacular and I would love to go back for a trip in the summer." Winter visitors can tour the Ice Museum and enjoy appletinis served in ice glasses. Salcha River State Recreation Site extends the glamping options near Fort Wainwright with yurt accommodations that feature electrical hookups, water access, and proximity to the river. These eco-friendly glamping sites remain open year-round, though winter access requires additional planning and suitable vehicles.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Fort Wainwright (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."
"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."
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
"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. "
"Awesome to be able to camp at the resort with easy access to the Hot Springs. Dry camping no amenities except a outdoor bathroom."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
Drive Time
- 1 min from Fairbanks, AK
Recent Glamping Photos near Fort Wainwright, AK
7 Photos of 4 Fort Wainwright Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Fort Wainwright, AK
26 Reviews of 4 Fort Wainwright 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 Fort Wainwright
The Fort Wainwright area in Interior Alaska sits within a subarctic climate zone, experiencing temperature extremes from -50°F in winter to 90°F during summer months. Located at approximately 450 feet elevation within the Tanana Valley, this region serves as a gateway to numerous camping opportunities where visitors can experience both densely wooded sites and open riverside locations. Primitive camping options in this area typically remain open year-round, though winter camping requires specialized gear due to extreme cold conditions.
What to do
Winter aurora viewing: At Chena Hot Springs Resort, visitors can experience prime northern lights viewing during winter stays. One camper notes, "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."
Fishing access: Salcha River State Recreation Site provides direct river access for anglers. A first-time fisherman shares, "Caught my first fish ever here! It was a catfish I think."
Baseball and outdoor sports: The recreation field at Harding Lake serves as an unexpected sports venue. As one visitor describes, "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
Mineral hot springs: Visitors appreciate the natural rock pools at Chena Hot Springs Resort. A camper states, "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."
Waterfront activities: At Harding Lake State Recreation Area, the beach area proves popular despite seasonal mosquito challenges. One visitor reports, "This was a campground with a fun water area for the children. There was a boat launch and water that we could walk very far out in with the children."
Wilderness proximity to town: River Park Campground offers a wooded experience despite its location. A camper notes, "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."
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Insect populations can be intense during summer months. At Harding Lake, one visitor warns, "The mosquitoes were unbearable outside and in 73 degree weather you needed to be completely covered."
Age restrictions for hot springs: Families should note access limitations at some facilities. A reviewer at Chena Hot Springs explains, "Kids cannot go in the hot springs themselves which is really why we all go here. If you are traveling with children, they can go in the swimming pools but not the hot springs."
Limited services: Many glamping sites near Fort Wainwright require advance planning. A Chena Hot Springs Resort visitor advises, "The nearest services for groceries are about 45 miles back down the road toward Fairbanks, or North Pole, AK."
Tips for camping with families
Water rental equipment: Some sites offer recreational equipment. A Harding Lake visitor notes, "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."
Kid-friendly swimming areas: River Park Campground offers designated water access. As one camper describes, "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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children may encounter local fauna at campsites. A Harding Lake visitor shares, "There were plenty of opportunities to view wildlife as moose came running through our campsite."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: RV glamping near Fort Wainwright often means dry camping. A Chena Hot Springs visitor notes, "Camping and soaking are charged separately, as are any extra experiences like the Ice Museum. Vault toilets, rubbish and recycling bins, and potable water are all available in the campsite."
Solar considerations: Tree cover impacts power generation at some sites. One RVer at Chena explains, "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."
Seasonal water levels: Water access can vary throughout the season at Harding Lake State Recreation Area. A camper warns, "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."
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Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Fort Wainwright, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Fort Wainwright, AK is River Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.
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