Dispersed camping opportunities exist near Salcha, Alaska, a community in Interior Alaska approximately 30 miles southeast of Fairbanks. The area sits at around 600 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-75°F, while mosquitos remain active from June through August. Camping options range from primitive sites to facilities with limited services, with most requiring campers to pack out all trash.
What to do
River fishing access: Chena Lake Recreation Area offers both lake and river fishing opportunities. "The Chena Lake is great! 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," notes camper Kela W.
Hot springs visit: Approximately one hour from camping areas, Chena Hot Springs provides natural mineral waters. Campers at Rosehip Campground use it as a base for this excursion. "This campground is bigger than it looks. There are so many connecting trails it is worth exploring. This is also very close to Chena Hot-springs which is definitely a must stop if you have time," according to Tanya B.
Swimming with kids: Birch Lake offers designated swimming areas appropriate for children. "This was a parking lot style camping with 17 parking spots. There are a few walk-in tent sites on site as well. There's a rental place near by for water toys which makes a great day on the water for kids," reports Samantha M.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Birch Lake State Recreation Site provides campsites with natural separation. "During the week, it is very quiet. Weekends and holidays it can be crowded. Military recreation area just down the road. Over half the lake is privately owned," explains Georgia B.
River access: Campers appreciate direct river access at various parks. "This has been an awesome place to dip in the river. We have seen wolves in this river spot which was quite scary but an experience all the same," shares Kela W. about one river location.
Reasonable pricing: Many campgrounds maintain affordable nightly rates. "Great little campground just off Chena Hot Springs Road. There's great separation between campsites. Only $15 per night!" notes Megan B. about camping options in the area.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most RV parks Salcha, Alaska and surrounding areas operate from May through September. The Fairbanks / Chena River KOA specifies a May 15 to September 15 operating season, while other facilities close even earlier.
Wildlife awareness: Campers should maintain proper food storage and wildlife awareness. "We have seen wolves in this river spot which was quite scary but an experience all the same," one camper reported about their experience.
Mosquito preparation: Bring appropriate insect protection, particularly during peak summer months. "This campground is beautiful! Surrounded by birch trees with huge, private spots. This is one of the first campgrounds on the Chena Hot Springs road and it does have service. The only downside was the mosquitos, they were bad," warns Erica C.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: River Park Campground provides family-friendly facilities. "The playground and bike/walking trails were great. The kids thought it was fun to watch the many tadpoles!" shares Samantha M.
Beach activities: Several sites offer designated swimming beaches for children. "This campground offers both back in and pull through boondock sites. 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," notes Chris D.
Water rentals: Some locations have equipment rental options for family water activities. "There's a rental place near by for water toys which makes a great day on the water for kids. I would choose this place to swim over Harding Lake this summer due to high waters at Harding," explains one reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Year-round dump stations can be crucial for longer stays. "Easy to use class 1 download," notes Joe C. about the dump station at Chena Lake Recreation Area.
Site spacing considerations: Rivers Edge RV Park & Campground offers waterfront options but with varied spacing. "Whereas the campground map may make these sites look tight we were pleasantly surprised to find most of them had trees and brush separating each site. On-site laundry and showers this makes for a great longer-term spot," explains Shadara W.
Access routes: Some campgrounds have specific routing instructions for larger rigs. "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," shares one RV traveler about navigation considerations.
