This basic Bureau of Land Management campground sits along the West Fork of the Chena River, offering primitive camping with fire rings and vault toilets. The campground has about 8 sites scattered through birch and spruce forest, with direct river access for water (treat it). It’s a quiet spot that fills up on weekends during summer months when locals escape Fairbanks heat.
Located right off Chena Hot Springs Road, it’s an ideal base camp for exploring the area’s mining roads and hot springs. The access road is gravel but suitable for any vehicle. Open roughly May through September, though snow can linger into May and return by early October.
Primitive river camping near Chena Hot Springs Road
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | 601 8th Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Fairbanks, Alaska |
| Miles from pavement | 26.8 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 8 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | May-September |
| Land manager | BLM |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |