How much does camping cost at Cripple Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Cripple Creek Campground range from $6-$12/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Cripple Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cripple Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cripple Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Cripple Creek Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cripple Creek Campground?

Cripple Creek Campground is open May 22 to September 16. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cripple Creek Campground?

Cripple Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cripple Creek Campground have?

Cripple Creek Campground has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Cripple Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Cripple Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cripple Creek Campground?

Cripple Creek Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Cripple Creek Campground

0 review

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,211 ft

Price

$6 - $12/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Maintained during th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,211 ft

Price

$6 - $12/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Maintained during th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)Official Website

Get Directions

Cripple Creek Campground

$6.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite: $12.00; Walkin-Campsite: $6.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$6.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907-474-2200EasternInterior@blm.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Cripple Creek Campground

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Campground Map

Cripple Creek Campground

65.2762, -146.6478

Weather at Cripple Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cripple Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm weather, extended daylight, and full campground services — the site is maintained June through mid-September. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F (13–24 °C) and cool nights around 40–50 °F (4–10 °C), with very long daylight hours in June and July. This is peak time for hiking the spruce-fringed trails, boating on the Chatanika River, and fishing for Arctic grayling and other interior species; crowds are modest thanks to the small Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June–mid‑September; long daylight in June/July and mild daytime temps favor summer visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 16. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Maintained during the summer season, June through mid-September.

About Cripple Creek Campground

Cripple Creek Campground is a small BLM site in the foothills outside Fairbanks, Alaska, offering free or very low cost camping from June through mid-September. The campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a spruce-fringed setting with access to trails and boating. Long summer daylight and cool nights make it a straightforward base for exploring the Interior Alaska backcountry.

The site offers 12 first-come, first-served universal design campsites and 6 walk-in campsites; campsites include a parking area, picnic table, and fire ring. The campground is maintained seasonally (June through mid-September).

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm weather, extended daylight, and full campground services — the site is maintained June through mid-September. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s °F (13–24 °C) and cool nights around 40–50 °F (4–10 °C), with very long daylight hours in June and July. This is peak time for hiking the spruce-fringed trails, boating on the Chatanika River, and fishing for Arctic grayling and other interior species; crowds are modest thanks to the small Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1211 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Chatanika River runs through the campground, bordered by stands of white spruce. The elevation here is 1,211 feet, and the forest feels dense enough to offer shade without blocking river access. A short interpretive trail connects the day-use area to the main campground. Anglers fish for Arctic grayling and pike along the riverbank. The spruce canopy filters sunlight, and the constant sound of the river defines the atmosphere.

Programs & ActivitiesAn interpretive trail along the Chatanika River provides educational signage and information for visitors.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityContains 12 universal design campsites (explicitly described as universal design).

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesHand pump well provides non-potable water; bring potable water or adequate treatment. Each site has a parking area, picnic table, and fire ring.

Best CampsitesSites 1-12 are drive-in universal design sites with parking, picnic tables, and fire rings. Sites T1-T6 are walk-in only. Review data doesn't specify which sites have better river views or privacy.

Amenities available

Cripple Creek Campground has 12 first-come, first-served universal design campsites and 6 walk-in campsites. The site is maintained June through mid-September and provides a hand-pump well with non-potable water, outhouse-style toilets, trash cans, parking at each campsite, picnic tables, and fire rings.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Activities include hiking a short interpretive trail along the Chatanika River, riverside fishing access, and boating/float trips on the Chatanika River (class I-II). The day-use riverside area supports fishing and short visits; longer float trips to the Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site are possible.

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist