Cripple Creek Campground

The feel

Cripple Creek sits at Milepost 60 of the Steese Highway, northeast of Fairbanks, on blacktop. It has 12 universal design vehicle sites and 6 walk-in sites, and each site has a parking area, a picnic table and a fire ring.

A riverside day use area on the Chatanika River offers fishing access, and a short interpretive trail runs through white spruce between the day use area and the campground. A hand pump well provides water, and the toilets are outhouse style.

What to expect

Layout and setting

12 vehicle sites and 6 walk-in sites, each with a parking area, picnic table and fire ring. A short interpretive trail through white spruce links the campground to the riverside day use area.

Parking and rig size

Each site has a parking area. No hookups.

Fees and reservations

$12 a night for vehicle sites and $6 a night for walk-in sites. All sites are first come, first served. Pay through the Recreation.gov app with Scan & Pay by scanning the campground QR code on site.

Cell signal

Paying works even without cell service.

Bathrooms and water

A hand pump well provides water. Outhouse-style toilets and trash cans are on site.

Season and access

Maintained from late May to mid-September, on a blacktop road.

Mingo says

Come between late May and mid-September, when the campground is maintained. If you float the Chatanika, expect to drag your boat in places at low water.

Before you go

• Bring firewood, because none is provided.
• Install the Recreation.gov app before you arrive, since that is how you pay on site.
• Call the Eastern Interior Field Office at 907-474-2200 with questions.

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