Upper Chatanika River State Recreation Site Campground

The feel

Twenty-four campsites line the Chatanika River at Mile 39 of the Steese Highway. Highway travelers and weekend campers from Fairbanks use it often. A road leads to a gravel bar where visitors can camp, picnic, sunbathe or fish.

Canoes and rafts launch here for an all-day float on the Chatanika River, ending at Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area at Mile 11 of the Elliott Highway.

What to expect

Layout and setting

24 campsites and 4 picnic sites on 73 acres along the Chatanika River, with a road to a gravel bar. No hookups.

Check-in and stay

First come, first served. The camping limit is 15 days.

Crowds and best time

Used often by highway travelers and weekend campers from Fairbanks.

Parking and rig size

No RV size limit.

Fees and reservations

$20 per site. Campsites cannot be reserved and there are no online reservations.

Bathrooms and water

Vault toilets and drinking water are on site.

Season and access

Roughly mid May to mid September, weather dependent. From the George Parks or Richardson Highway, take the Steese Highway to milepost 39. A boat launch and fishing access are here.

Mingo says

Check the river-level gauges at the Steese Bridge and Elliott Bridge before a float. Weather decides the edges of the camping season.

Before you go

• Bring $20 per site; there is no way to reserve ahead.
• Allow a full day for the float to Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area.
• Call the DNR Public Information Center at (907) 269-8400 with questions.

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