Salcha, Alaska sits at 675 feet of elevation in Interior Alaska, about 35 miles southeast of Fairbanks. The area experiences extreme temperature variations, from winter lows reaching -50°F to summer highs of 90°F. Camping options in the Fairbanks region range from primitive tent sites to cabins, with access to fishing and recreational activities along the Salcha and Chena Rivers.
What to do
Hiking trails: Chena River State Recreation Area offers numerous maintained trails through birch forests and alongside rivers. "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," notes Jared T. about River Park Campground.
Ice Museum tour: A unique winter attraction at Chena Hot Springs, featuring ice sculptures and specialty drinks. "Defined try the ice museum tour it was so cool! The appletinis are great too," recommends Riley N. at Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Fishing: The Salcha River provides excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for catching various fish species. "Caught my first fish ever here! It was a catfish I think," shares Joe C. about his experience at Salcha River State Recreation Site.
What campers like
Hot springs access: The mineral-rich pools at Chena Hot Springs are popular year-round. "The hot springs were so hot we definitely recommend visiting in cooler weather to really enjoy them," advises a visitor to Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Lake activities: Harding Lake offers swimming, boating, and beach recreation during summer months. "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," explains Samantha M. about her stay at Harding Lake State Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: The area provides opportunities to see moose and other Alaska wildlife. "There were plenty of opportunities to view wildlife as moose came running through our campsite," notes another review from Harding Lake State Recreation Area.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Summer brings heavy mosquito activity to the area. "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 Samantha M. about River Park Campground.
Services availability: Limited services in the Salcha area require advance planning. "The closest store is about 10 minutes down the road and has your basic essentials. There are other lakes to visit within an hour radius which makes this a fun location," notes a camper at Harding Lake.
Water access: Seasonal water level changes can affect swimming and boating. "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," suggests a visitor to Harding Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Baseball field access: Some recreation areas offer sports fields for family activities. "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," describes Andrew V. about Harding Lake State Recreation Area.
Water rentals: Seasonal equipment rentals provide family entertainment options. "There is 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," mentions Samantha M. about Harding Lake.
Swimming areas: Look for designated swimming zones for safer family water play. "This campground had a roped off beach area where people played, lounged, kayaked/canoed and spent all day," notes a review about River Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: For glamping in Salcha, Alaska, choose sites based on your needs. "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," recommends Tanya B. about her stay at Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Dump station access: Limited facilities make planning essential. "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," notes M.P. about the Chena Hot Springs facilities.
Solar considerations: Tree coverage affects power generation for boondocking RVers. "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," advises Shari G. about Chena Hot Springs Resort.
