45 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping areas near North Pole, Alaska include a mix of developed campgrounds and recreational sites primarily clustered along the Chena River and nearby lakes. The Chena Lake Recreation Area provides spacious sites for both tent and RV camping with pull-through options and picnic tables. Fairbanks North Star Borough maintains several campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of North Pole, including recreational sites on the Chena River. Military facilities like Eielson AFB Bear Lake and Fort Wainwright's Glass Park RV Park offer additional options for eligible personnel. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of hookups and amenities.
Most developed campgrounds in the North Pole region operate seasonally from May through September, with limited winter accessibility. Temperatures and ground conditions greatly affect camping experiences. As one camper noted, "We stayed here for 2 nights free and paid for 3 nights over memorial weekend. Clean campground with pull through sites." Reservations are recommended for popular campgrounds, especially during holiday weekends and summer festivals. Several campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, while others offer more primitive experiences. Cell service is generally available near North Pole but may become limited at campgrounds farther from town. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, particularly in wooded and waterfront areas.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the North Pole area. The Chena River State Recreation Area receives consistently positive reviews for its natural setting and water access. A review from The Dyrt highlighted that "The location that we were at was so peaceful and serene. We enjoyed cooking out. The location is very convenient." Many mixed-use campgrounds provide both recreational amenities and natural experiences. Families particularly appreciate campgrounds with swimming areas, playgrounds, and walking trails. Several reviews mention the birch forests as a distinctive feature of camping in this region. While some campgrounds offer full facilities with showers and flush toilets, others maintain a more rustic atmosphere with vault toilets and hand-pump water systems. The proximity to both wilderness and urban amenities makes North Pole a practical base camp for exploring interior Alaska.
"Wonderful campground if you are looking to get away from town but still in close proximity. Well maintained camping area, with options to camp on an island in the middle of the lake."
"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."
"This is the 1st campground my family and I stayed at Alaska. The Chena Lake is great! The beach area is great fun for all with grassy and sandy areas."
"All the sites are spacious a decent distance from neighbors. Centralized Water, bathrooms, and a dump station are available. Sites are a short drive to the swim beach."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability"This is a great place to stay near North Pole/Fairbanks. They were really helpful with booking. The sites have enough space between for slide outs, but still a little tight."
"For once in a long time on our journey through Alaska, the campground (CG) was not right off the highway."
from $50 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Location close to town, but you feel like your in the forest. I got great Service!"
"The cost is not back and you have all the things you need within driving distance."
"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."
"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."
"Great rates loved the location"
"Located right along the Chena River this RV Resort has a gift shop for when you need a candy fix or warmer swearer and the availability to book direct for Riverboat Discovery, historic Fairbanks tour,"
"Cell Service: yes Internet: yes 2020 Cost: $64.95-$34.95 Distance from Anchorage: 365 miles Best sites: Along the River Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 5"
from $40 / night
Check Availability
GuideThis 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.
ScoutDecent little area but there’s a group that looks like they’re staying long term. Seemed to be kind but felt a little intrusive to try and stay in the same spot.
TravelerRoad's under construction, getting in and out is chancey except weekends. Can't access most of what makes Nome Creek fun.
Very buggy, clean enough toilets, not worth visiting until construction clears.
ScoutThe 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
RangerGravel access off Chena Hot Springs Road at mile 38.1. When you enter the area stay to the right and it opens up on a large gravel area above the river. There is parking in this area and at 2 spurs to the left and right. Check out the spurs before you drive in as turnaround is tight. Tons of stink bugs when we were there the first week of June.
ScoutWill be one of our favorite local places!
Camping areas surrounding North Pole, Alaska offer diverse options for campers at elevations averaging 450 feet above sea level in the Tanana Valley. The region experiences wide temperature variations, from summer highs in the 70s to winter lows well below zero. Most camping facilities near North Pole maintain gravel pads for RVs and designated areas for tents, with variable accessibility depending on seasonal conditions.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campsites near North Pole provide access to wildlife habitats. At Chena Lake Recreation Area, campers report seeing tadpoles in abundance. As Riley N. notes, "We enjoyed this ground. It had a lot of day use areas, plenty of places to sit and look out over the lakes and river."
Water recreation: The lakes and rivers around North Pole offer swimming, boating, and fishing. Riverview RV Park provides direct river access. "The sites have enough space between for slide outs, but still a little tight. Really nice view of the Chena River," mentions Megan B., who appreciated the waterfront location.
Trail exploration: Many camping locations feature trail networks for hiking and biking. "There is a bunch of trails to hike around, paved biking trails, a basketball court, volleyball courts and of course a playground," explains Kela W. about the recreational amenities at Chena Lake Recreation Area.
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate spaces that offer some separation from neighbors. At River Park Campground, visitors enjoy the natural setting. Anna C. describes it as "wonderful. 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."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained campgrounds consistently receive positive mentions. Chris D. reports that Chena Lake is a "very well maintained campground with lots to offer. Staff was courteous and helpful. This campground offers both back in and pull through boondock sites. All the sites are spacious a decent distance from neighbors."
Birch forests: The distinctive woodland setting adds character to many camping spots. "Our spot was shaded and looked beautiful with the sun peaking through," shares Riley N. about Chena Lake Recreation Area, adding that the grounds feature "lots of birch trees."
Mosquito preparation: Summer brings significant mosquito activity, especially near water. At River Park Campground, Samantha M. warns, "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."
Water quality concerns: Some facilities may have water issues. At Eielson AFB Bear Lake, MickandKarla W. observed "signs on the bathhouse and laundry facility that the water was bad due to too much chlorine." They also noted that "on most sites you would need to cut brush and low-hanging limbs."
Seasonal timing: Most facilities operate from May to September with variable opening dates. Tanana Valley Campground typically runs from "May 15 to Sep 15" according to site information. A visitor noted, "the bathrooms are closed for the season so to take a shower, we had to walk through a dog show in the fairgrounds to get ourselves clean."
Look for playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Tanana Valley Campground, families appreciate the convenient location. As Bradee A. notes, it offers "Electric at site, water and dump stations. Bathrooms & laundry and for 1/2 the price of everywhere around. But bring bug dope!"
Beach activities: Waterfront camping options include swimming areas suitable for families. Bradee A. mentions that Chena Lake has a "Great playground for kids, and lake with tons of activities 4 minute walk away."
Festival awareness: Check local events calendars when booking. Tanya B. shares about Tanana Valley: "When in Fairbanks this is my families go to spot. There is often stuff going on here so be prepared for music. When we were here in July the Rodeo was going on so there was loud music the whole day."
Leveling requirements: Most sites require minimal leveling but conditions vary. At Pioneer Park, Kevin H. found "Level parking lot, access to Pioneer Park" and noted it was "Great location. Level. Water available."
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds offer sanitary dump facilities. For Tanana Valley Campground, campers mention "electric at site, water and dump stations." At Pioneer Park, Kerry B. advises: "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."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on your specific needs and priorities. MickandKarla W. caution about Eielson AFB Bear Lake: "There are pull-through sites on one row that could handle big rigs and then back-in sites of various lengths on another row. These sites are water and electric 50 and 30 AMP."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there lake access at North Pole Campground?
While there isn't a specific 'North Pole Campground,' several nearby camping options offer excellent lake access. Harding Lake State Recreation Area is located about twenty minutes from North Pole and provides scenic lake access in a shady setting. Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area features Olnes Pond, which is stocked with fish and offers beautiful surroundings. For those staying in the North Pole area, these locations provide convenient water recreation opportunities.
What amenities are available at North Pole Campground?
While there isn't a specific 'North Pole Campground,' nearby camping options offer various amenities. Chena Lake Recreation Area provides extensive recreational facilities including a beach area with grassy and sandy sections, hiking and paved biking trails, basketball and volleyball courts, and a playground. Chena Hot Springs Resort offers camping with and without electrical hookups, plus resort amenities like hot pools, restaurants, and various activities. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic facilities like restrooms and water access.
Where is North Pole Campground located?
North Pole is a city near Fairbanks in Alaska, about 14 miles southeast of downtown Fairbanks. While there isn't a specific 'North Pole Campground,' several camping options are available in the area. Fairbanks / Chena River KOA is located near North Pole, accessible via the Badger Road exit and tucked away from the main road. Another option is Eielson AFB Bear Lake, which is situated in the North Pole area and serves as a military FamCamp.
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