Several RV campgrounds operate near Fort Wainwright and Fairbanks, Alaska, with most open from May through September. RV campsites in this area range from full hookup sites along the Chena River to spacious pull-through campgrounds suited for large rigs. Rivers Edge RV Park provides full hookup sites along the Chena River with 30-amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections. Fairbanks/Chena River KOA in North Pole offers 150 sites with 50-amp service, pull-through sites, and accommodations for large rigs. Military personnel can access Glass Park RV Park at Fort Wainwright, which operates seasonally from May to September. The Tanana Valley Campground provides partial hookups with 30-amp service and water connections but lacks sewer hookups at individual sites. "The sites have enough space between for slide outs, but still a little tight. Really nice view of the Chena River," noted one visitor about the riverside camping options.
Pioneer Park in Fairbanks offers basic overnight RV parking without hookups, suitable for self-contained units from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For RVs requiring dump station access, Chena Lake Recreation Area provides this service along with spacious pull-through sites, though without electrical hookups. According to one camper, "We had a great huge pull through campsite. Lots of room for our three dogs." Most parks maintain shower facilities and restrooms, though water quality varies by location, with some campgrounds posting water advisories. Cell service is generally reliable at parks closer to Fairbanks but can become spotty at more remote locations. Pet policies vary by campground, with most allowing pets but requiring they remain leashed; Rivers Edge RV Park, Fairbanks/Chena River KOA, and Tanana Valley all accommodate pets.
"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
"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. "
"On-site laundry and showers this makes for a great longer-term spot."
"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
Fort Wainwright, located in central Alaska near Fairbanks, sits at an elevation of 446 feet and experiences temperature extremes from -66°F in winter to 99°F in summer. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through mid-September, with some rv parks Fort Wainwright, Alaska offering limited winter access. Most campgrounds in the area feature birch forests providing natural shade and privacy between sites.
Water activities at Chena Lake: The recreation area offers paddle board and boat rentals during summer months with a designated swimming area. "There is a bunch of trails to hike around, paved biking trails, a basketball court, volleyball courts and of course a playground. There are some really cool camping spots along the river as well," notes a visitor to Chena Lake Recreation Area.
Historic exploration at Pioneer Park: This unique attraction combines camping with immediate access to Fairbanks history exhibits and food vendors. "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," according to a camper at Pioneer Park.
Hot springs visit: Many campers use area campgrounds as a base for day trips to Chena Hot Springs, about an hour's drive away. "For two days, we used this site as a base camp to venture out to hiking (Angels Rock) and to Chena Hot Springs, which is about an hour away. Both are worth it," reports a visitor to River Park Campground.
Riverside camping: Several campgrounds offer sites directly along the Chena River with fishing access. "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," explains a camper at Rivers Edge RV Park & Campground.
Wooded privacy: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. "We were delighted how this campground (in a city) feels like wilderness. The camp sites aren't right on top of each other and there is foliage around," notes a reviewer at River Park Campground.
Convenient laundry facilities: After days of outdoor activities, on-site laundry becomes essential. "Laundry works quickly and effectively. Clean, warm showers and bath. Location close to town, but you feel like your in the forest," mentions a camper at Tanana Valley Campground.
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have natural well water with coloration. "For water, there are several pumps that you have operate yourself, but our only issue with it was the color of the water, which comes out a little yellow/orange," reports a camper at River Park Campground.
Mosquito preparation essential: Summer months bring significant mosquito activity. "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," warns a visitor at River Park Campground.
Limited winter facilities: While some camping areas remain accessible year-round, amenities are reduced. "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," notes a winter camper.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "The campground offers both back in and pull through boondock sites. All the sites are spacious a decent distance from neighbors. Sites are a short drive to the swim beach," notes a visitor at Chena Lake Recreation Area.
Mini-golf and activities: Some rv parks near Fort Wainwright include recreational amenities. "Campsite was clean and easily accessible. My kids enjoyed the park across the road and had mini golf and a Rhoades car available for use. Showers and bathroom and laundry nice and close," mentions a family at Nenana RV Park & Campground.
Beach areas: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming zones. "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," recommends a family camper at Chena Lake.
Special routing instructions: Some campgrounds have specific entry procedures for larger rigs. "This site has special routing instructions—staff had us drive a few hundred yards down Old Badger Road, which runs adjacent to the CG, to enter through the back KOA gate. From there, it was an easy approach into our site," explains an RVer at Fairbanks / Chena River KOA.
Connectivity considerations: Internet and cell service can be limited. "On arrival, the CG WiFi was unusable, but we got an email update that they were working on it. A later speed test showed 4.97 Mbps download—good enough for email and light browsing. Starlink worked but was slower than usual in this area despite a clear sky view."
Dump station locations: Not all rv parks Fort Wainwright offer on-site sewer hookups. "Free dump and water fill at the Sourdough gas station located at Van Horn and Lathrop streets just a few miles south, with easy rig access," notes a helpful RVer staying at Pioneer Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Fort Wainwright, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Fort Wainwright, AK is Fairbanks / Chena River KOA with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 31 RV camping locations near Fort Wainwright, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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