Rosehip Campground

The feel

Rosehip is one of three developed campgrounds in Chena River State Recreation Area, about 397 square miles of forests, rivers and alpine tundra at Mile 27 of Chena Hot Springs Road. With 37 sites it is the largest of the three, and it has no RV length limit.

It also serves as a takeout for river floats from upstream. Fishing access and picnic sites are on hand, and the wider recreation area offers hiking, rock climbing at Granite Tors, four-wheeling on forest trails and winter dog mushing.

What to expect

Layout and setting

37 sites at Mile 27 of Chena Hot Springs Road, within Chena River State Recreation Area, with picnic sites and fishing access.

Check-in and stay

Camping is limited to 15 days.

Crowds and best time

The recreation area sees more than 150,000 visitors a year.

Parking and rig size

No RV size limit. Reach it from the Steese Highway.

Fees and reservations

$20 a site. Campsites are first come, first served and cannot be reserved. A picnic shelter and a walk-in group camping area can be reserved through reservealaskastateparks.com.

Bathrooms and water

Vault toilets and drinking water are on site. There is no dump station.

Season and access

Roughly mid May to mid September, weather dependent. There are no hookups, and a boat launch is on site.

Mingo says

Come between mid May and mid September, when the campground is open. Float the river from upstream and use Rosehip as your takeout.

Before you go

• Plan on a first come, first served site, since campsites cannot be reserved.
• Reserve the picnic shelter or walk-in group area online if you need one.
• Call the DNR Public Information Center at (907) 269-8400 with questions.

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