Best Glamping near Salcha, AK

Salcha River State Recreation Site and Chena Hot Springs Resort offer premium glamping accommodations in the Fairbanks region of Alaska. The Salcha River site features waterfront glamping and yurt options with seasonal availability all year round, providing a serene natural setting along the picturesque riverbank. "We loved camping here! The river is so pretty and the mountains are beautiful," one visitor noted about the Salcha River location. Meanwhile, Chena Hot Springs Resort provides upscale glamping experiences and yurt accommodations alongside cabin options, complete with access to the resort's renowned hot springs, restaurant, and market. Both locations allow pets and fires, creating an ideal balance of comfort and connection with Alaska's wilderness.

Soaking in the natural hot springs remains the signature experience at Chena Hot Springs Resort, where guests enjoy mineral-rich thermal pools surrounded by pristine Alaskan forest. "The springs are AMAZING. There is nothing like jumping in the Hot Springs even in the bitter cold," shared one enthusiast who visited the resort. Beyond relaxation, the resort offers unique attractions including the famous Ice Museum tour with specialty appletinis, hiking trails through the surrounding wilderness, and prime opportunities for aurora viewing during winter months. The Salcha River location provides excellent fishing and boating with its dedicated boat launch, while both glamping destinations serve as ideal basemaps for exploring the greater Fairbanks area, with attractions like Harding Lake State Recreation Area within reasonable driving distance.

Best Glamping Sites Near Salcha, Alaska (4)

    1. Harding Lake State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Salcha, AK
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 451-2695

    $100 / night

    "Harding Lake State Recreation Area is a shady and scenic site about twenty minutes from North Pole."

    "The mosquitoes were unbearable outside and in 73 degree weather you needed to be completely covered. The water was so high that the only water play area was the boat launch area."

    2. Salcha River State Recreation Site

    3 Reviews
    Salcha, AK
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 451-2695

    $45 / night

    "The staff was very nice as well. The lake view very nice. Friendly people."

    3. River Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Badger, AK
    20 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Chena Hot Springs Resort

    9 Reviews
    Eielson AFB, AK
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 451-8104

    $20 / night

    "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. "

    "Awesome to be able to camp at the resort with easy access to the Hot Springs. Dry camping no amenities except a outdoor bathroom."

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Glamping Reviews near Salcha, AK

25 Reviews of 4 Salcha Campgrounds


  • Andrew V.
    May. 23, 2023

    Harding Lake State Recreation Area

    Fantastic and Clean Campground, Great for Kids

    Harding Lake State Recreation Area is a shady and scenic site about twenty minutes from North Pole. The lesser-known and elder cousin of the many water-themed state recreation areas that trace the Richardson Highway from Fairbanks to Delta Junction.

    This large and accommodating campground boasts a boat launch into Harding Lake, a baseball field, a large group recreation area near the water, a self-guided nature trail, a trailer dump site, and unpotable bulk water--along with various bathrooms with trash receptacles. 

    Our family of 5 tent camped in May and had a fantastic weekend. 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. A subarctic Field of Dreams. I also hit two first-pitch homeruns off my 9 and 5 year old--which may or not be related to the magic of this field--but I choose to believe.

    The spacious and thoughtfully-designed campground certainly feels beyond its prime--old, unserviceable water pumps (perhaps not yet operable for the season); aspen saplings dotting the baseball infield; and many downed spruces over the nature trail. The posted maps are a little outdated. However, the campground boasted some of the cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen, anywhere-with a very friendly on-site host who came by to chat and kept the facilities in pristine condition.  The camping spots are well-placed along the loop to allow for varying degrees of privacy between sites.

    Mosquitoes are everywhere in springtime Alaska--please let me know when you find a campground in a birch forest without them. That said, bring all the bug repellant and preventative measures you can muster. I was swarmed by a biblical cloud of man-eating Culicidae when we first pulled in--but they soon dispersed and only became annoying for intermittent periods. 

    Overall this was a magnificent campground, quiet and clean, with plenty for the kids to do. Fantastic and memorable experience.

  • Samantha M.
    Jun. 15, 2020

    Harding Lake State Recreation Area

    Mosquitoville

    This was a nice campground with a friendly couple hosting. The spaces were spaced out with privacy trees. I think we scored one of the best spots number 11. The mosquitoes were unbearable outside and in 73 degree weather you needed to be completely covered. 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. There is a dump station, water, and plenty of bathrooms throughout the campground. It is a party campground for water activities so expect noise well after 2am. There are no electric hookups. 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. There is a baseball/soccer field on site which was a lot of fun for the children to run off so energy and it wasn’t very buggy. The water pump was turned off due to Covid19. 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.

  • a
    Jun. 21, 2018

    River Park Campground

    Beautiful, quiet campground!

    We camped here just this past week and it was 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. Some of the campsites are on the river and some are across the street from it, but there is access to the Clearwater river from the day use area for all visitors. The campsite is still close to town if you need supplies, about a 20 minute drive. This is now one of my favorite sites in the state. A quiet, beautiful spot to camp, engage in water sports, and fish.

  • Kayla A.
    Jul. 3, 2018

    Harding Lake State Recreation Area

    Quiet, clean campground in Alaska

    Beautiful campground with much to do all around. The Kenai Fjords National Park is close distance.

  • Tanya B.
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Chena Hot Springs Resort

    So worth it-kids not allowed in Hot springs

    Kids cannot go in the hot springs This campground is first come first served.  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.  If you are traveling with children, they can go in the swimming pools but not the hot springs them selves which is really why we all go here.  I have been here in the dead of winter in the bitter cold and there is nothing like jumping in the Hot Springs even if its overcast.  The springs are AMAZING.  There are plenty of things to see if you are traveling to or from Anchorage.  The pipeline runs up the Richardson Highway, you can tour the ice house, and if you have time a stop at the world famous Skinny Dick’s Halfway Inn is worth a stop and a t-shirt.   Cell Service: no Internet: no 2020 Cost: $30 Distance from Anchorage: 426 miles Bug Factor (1 minimal to 10 too many to enjoy): 5  

  • Samantha M.
    Jul. 22, 2018

    River Park Campground

    Wooded 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. The campsites were private, plenty of site options, bathrooms conveniently located and water to play in near by. This campground had a roped off beach area where people played, lounges, kayak/canoe and spent all day. If we came again I would bring more beach appropriate items. The playground and bike/walking trails were great. The kids thought it was fun to watch the many tadpoles!

  • Kristi D.
    Sep. 3, 2023

    Chena Hot Springs Resort

    Awesome spot

    Awesome to be able to camp at the resort with easy access to the Hot Springs. Dry camping no amenities except a outdoor bathroom. River behind the spots though, spots close together and close to camping. Level spots but wet from rain. Puddles etc....no internet. You got 10 free minutes by the lodge but then you are prompter to start paying. Did get to see the Northern lights so that was a bonus. Missed the ice museum as it said closed for maintenance on the website and when we got there is appeared you could get in by tours. It was too late by that time.

    Hot springs are nice but it was chaos! Line to get in and the locker rooms are a nightmare. The springs had a lot of people in them but it wasn't terrible and you could still relax.

  • J
    Jul. 9, 2019

    River Park Campground

    Short proximity to Fairbanks

    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.

    They offer boats and paddle boards for day use at a reasonable price! Fun to take the family for a day or a weekend.

  • Dave G.
    Jul. 7, 2018

    River Park Campground

    Only Issue was the mosquitoes; nothing but solace

    Campground Review:

    This was the first two nights of our 8 night Alaska trip. The campground is called Rosehip, but it's apart of the Chena River State Recreation Area. We arrived late (midnight) and were surprised that even a week before July 4th, that there were only 3 other campers at the campground (all RV's). The wooded areas are composed of mostly white birch which we took its bark when we saw downed trees. Birch bark is great for starting fires. The pit toilets are maintained and do not smell. 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. 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. No encounters with wildlife except for the mosquitoes. This site is your typical state run facility and was clean, equipped, and cheap.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At Chena River State Recreation Area, I tested gear from Snapbuds.

    The Snapbuds are magnetized clips that, when attached to your headphones, aim to make it easier to coil the headphones up and make them tangle-free. I give the Snapbuds a 2/5 for a couple of reasons:

    1. The instructions were a little difficult to follow; it took me awhile to realize that there are two versions of the Snapbuds, but the instructions include both, and I only had the one kind.
    2. When I attached the snapbuds to the headphones in the locations that were specified, I tried to clip the snapbuds together, but several of the clips wouldn't close; the tiny plastic wings that help close it permanently, would easily bend the other way, making it impossible to secure the clip. Out of the ten clips that come in one package, I could only attach 6. (see picture below)
    3. After attaching as many of the clips that didn't break, I tested out the tangle-freeness of the product. I found that after attaching the buds together via their magnets, that the headphones still weren't effectively secured with the buds attached (see last picture).

    I understand how this product works and in some cases, why it's needed, but the Snapbuds were shipped to me with the white Apple headphones. I've been using these headphones for several years now and really haven't had them tangle, even if I bunch them up in my hand and stuff them in my pocket. Perhaps the Snapbuds would be more effective on non-Apple headphones?


Guide to Salcha

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Salcha, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Salcha, AK is Harding Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Salcha, AK?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 glamping camping locations near Salcha, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.