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."
