George U.
Scout
ScoutCripple Creek Campground
Peace
The bathroom is new! Some sites are uneven, but it was peaceful.
Camping near North Pole, AK
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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.
Best Campgrounds near North Pole (45)
1. River Park Campground
"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."
2. Chena Lake Recreation Area
"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 Availability3. Fairbanks / Chena River KOA
"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 Availability4. Tanana Valley Campground
"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."
5. Pioneer Park
"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."
"The water spigot is on the south side of lot near the turn in. The trash cans can get full quick. "
6. Eielson AFB Bear Lake
7. Military Park Fort Wainwright Glass Park RV Park & Outdoor Adventure
"Great rates loved the location"
8. Rivers Edge RV Park & Campground
"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"
10. Why Knot Sleep Here
from $40 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 10 min from Fairbanks, AK
Recent Camping Photos near North Pole, AK
16 Photos of 45 North Pole Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near North Pole, AK
116 Reviews of 45 North Pole Campgrounds
Andrew K.
GuideCripple Creek Campground
Nice area
Nice area. Short little trails around it. Nestled back far enough so you aren’t on top of the others
Ricky R.GuideMile 38.1 Chena River Access
Between River and Highway
Gravel 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.
- AAshley G.Scout
Mount Prindle Campground
Quiet, beautiful area!
Will be one of our favorite local places!
- JJose P.Scout
Military Park Fort Wainwright Glass Park RV Park & Outdoor Adventure
Military and Civilian friendly
This campground is fantastic! They’re expanding with both large and small spots, perfect for all kinds of gatherings. Plus, there are big gazebos ideal for meetings, birthdays, or just relaxing. The staff is super friendly and always ready to lend a hand.
MG S.GuideTanana Valley Campground
3.5/5 - wouldnt have stayed here if there were other options in Fairbanks
This was one, if not the only, campsite in Fairbanks that we saw. The park map was confusing and the first site we picked ended up being sketchy. The first site was right along the road inside the camp and a intoxicated man wandered in and sat down in the camp next to us. We spoke to the camp host and we were able to move to a more secluded area, thankfully. He (camp host) was great and friendly. Camp price for a tent was $30 (another reason we didnt want to stay here). Got to do laundry, though, so that was a plus. If you are a woman camping alone, please do not stay in the t40-t45 area of the map. Wanderers from College Road will stay there. We moved to the 35c-38c area and we felt better there.
MickandKarla W.
LegendEielson AFB Bear Lake
Seen Better Days
While staying in North Pole, AK, we decided to check out Eielson AFB Bear Lake FamCamp as we’d heard from other military RVers and on different forums that the campground was not worth staying at. On the major RV review sites the most recent review was from 2023. We normally don’t post reviews on a campground (CG) we didn’t stay at, but made an exception to help other military RVers out. As we entered the campground, we noticed that there were not many campers (there was what looked like a camp host, but no sign), and could immediately see why. The sites had non-potable per signs attached to the water spigot. We also noticed that many of the sites were grown over. 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). However, on most sites you would need to cut brush and low-hanging limbs. There were signs on the bathhouse and laundry facility that the water was bad due to too much chlorine. They do have a dump station. There’s a lake at the end of the CG area, but the grass again was so high it was up through the picnic tables along the shoreline. Based on the CG’s condition and distance from the sights to see in the Fairbanks area, this in our opinion is not a good CG choice, especially with taller 5th wheels or Class A rigs. Fort Wainwright, which is closer to Fairbanks, has Glass Park RV Campground on post and they have sites that should fit bigger rigs according to the site sizes on their webpage.
- Janet P.Scout
Rivers Edge RV Park & Campground
Awful place
The sites are crammed together. The neighbors sewer pipe right next to your picnic table. Lots not mowed. Had to walk through weeds. Staff very unfriendly. I would rather stay at walmart.
- MickandKarla W.Legend
Fairbanks / Chena River KOA
One of the Best KOAs We've Stayed
For once in a long time on our journey through Alaska, the campground (CG) was not right off the highway. We followed our RV GPS to the Badger Road exit and found the CG tucked back from the main road. Check-in was busy but quick. We were assigned pull-through site 133D with full hookups and 50 AMP. 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. Site 133D is a KOA Patio site with a deluxe Trex deck, outdoor furniture, propane fire pit, and a Weber propane grill with tools. The gravel pad was long enough for our 40’ toy hauler and F450, with room to put down our rear patio. 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. We got one bar on both Verizon and T-Mobile. This is a well-run KOA, with staff constantly mowing, cleaning, and maintaining the grounds. During our stay, several RV caravans came through—they had their own designated area and even buses for tours. The CG has spaces for all types of campers, from tents to big rigs. There’s a laundry facility, two fenced dog parks, swing benches by the river, and plenty of space to walk your dog. All in all, this is one of the best private CGs we’ve stayed at. If you need a great vet while in the area, we highly recommend Dr. Dawn Brown at North Pole Veterinary Hospital. They are an AAHA accredited clinic and we’ sure all the vets are great, but we definitely had a wonderful experience with Dr. Brown during our appointment with our two Braque's. The CG made an excellent base for exploring the Fairbanks area.
Guide to North Pole
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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?
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?
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?
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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