Chena Lake Recreation Area Campground

The feel

Chena Lake Recreation Area is a Fairbanks North Star Borough park on the Chena River flood control lake near North Pole. The Lake Park campground has 45 sites, including 11 pull-throughs, and the River Park campground has 35 sites, including 10 pull-throughs.

Lake Park has two designated swimming areas with sandy beaches, boat rentals including paddle boats, row boats, canoes and kayaks, and two fishing docks, one of them wheelchair accessible. Six tent sites sit on the island and can be reached by boat only. River Park has a 4.5 km self-guided nature trail. The Chena River offers Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike, Whitefish, Burbot and a seasonal King Salmon run.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Two campgrounds. Lake Park has 45 sites with beaches, fishing docks and a playground; River Park has 35 sites and a nature trail. Six tent sites on the island are reachable by boat only.

Check-in and stay

Camping is limited to five consecutive nights or 10 nights within a 30-day period. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Parking and rig size

11 pull-throughs at Lake Park and 10 at River Park.

Fees and reservations

Sites are first-come, first-served.

Kids

Lake Park has a playground, three volleyball courts, a horseshoe pit and two pavilions rentable by the hour.

Hazards

Bears are possible, even though the area is close to North Pole.

Bathrooms and water

Potable water stations and restrooms at both parks. A dump station and firewood for sale.

Season and access

Open 24/7 from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but beaches and day-use areas close from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Boat launches at both parks.

Mingo says

Go between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when the park is open around the clock. Plan beach time before the 10 p.m. closing.

Before you go

• Plan a stay within the limit of five consecutive nights or 10 nights within a 30-day period.
• Store food with care, since bears are possible.
• Call the Fairbanks North Star Borough at (907) 459-1070 about fees and reservations.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.