Olnes Pond Campground

The feel

Olnes Pond is a campground on a 16-acre pond stocked with rainbow trout and arctic grayling, inside Lower Chatanika River State Recreation Area. The turnoff is at Mile 10.5 of the Elliott Highway, about 22 miles north of Fairbanks, and an access road runs one mile to the entrance.

Olnes Pond has 15 campsites, a picnic area, drinking water and outhouses. A public use cabin can be reserved in advance, and the pond is good for fishing and canoeing.

What to expect

Layout and setting

15 campsites on a stocked 16-acre pond, with a picnic area and no hookups.

Check-in and stay

First come, first served.

Parking and rig size

No RV size limit.

Fees and reservations

$20 a site. Campsites cannot be reserved, and there are no online reservations. The public use cabin can be reserved in advance.

Kids

Good for kids fishing and canoeing.

Bathrooms and water

Drinking water and vault toilets are on site.

Season and access

Roughly mid May to mid September, weather dependent.

Mingo says

The season depends on the weather, so check before you head up the Elliott Highway. Bring a rod and a canoe if you have one, since both suit this water.

Before you go

• Budget $20 a site, and plan to claim one when you arrive.
• Reserve the public use cabin ahead; it is reservable from September 30 to May 1.
• Bring your own firewood and generator if you rent the cabin.
• Call (907) 269-8400 with questions.

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