Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area

0 review

3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99709, United States

Quick Facts

538 ft

Price

$15 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

No specific informat...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

538 ft

Price

$15 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

No specific informat...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area

$15.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Campground Map

3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99709, United States

Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area

3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99709, United States

Driving directionsFrom the George Parks Hwy, this turns into the Robert Mitchell Expy, exit Steese Hwy, this will turn into the New Steese Hwy. Stay on Steese, this will turn into the Elliott Hwy. Located at milepost 11 of the Elliott Hwy. From the Richardson Hwy, exit Steese Hwy, this will turn into the New Steese Hwy. Stay on Steese, this will turn into the Elliott Hwy. Located at milepost 11 of the Elliott Hwy.

The campground is accessed via the Elliott Highway, a paved road at milepost 11. However, no additional information is provided about seasonal access, road conditions, or specific challenges.

Nearby places

Fairbanks (exact distance and travel time to Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area are not stated).

Nearby supplies

Fairbanks, as the nearest major city, would likely have groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available. Specific stores or facilities are not detailed.

Best Time to Camp at Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area

Experience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformations at Lower Chatanika, where nature puts on a spectacular show year-round. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures plunging to a bracing -8.03°F during the coldest weeks, creating perfect conditions for ice fishing and aurora viewing. As summer arrives, the area comes alive with warmth and endless daylight, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 71.51°F by midsummer. The ever-changing sky offers its own drama, with crystal-clear conditions ranging from cozy 14% clarity during moody weeks to stunning 70% clarity that reveals the full majesty of Alaska's big sky.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers hiking, fishing, boating, berry picking and birding — peak activity season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall likely strong for birding and scenery but specifics on fall season are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers seasonal changes but specifics (access, conditions) are not provided.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 8% in AK

Winter activities listed: ice fishing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing and snowmachining.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates are not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: No specific information provided about open or closed seasons.
Current Alerts: Active alerts such as closures or construction are not mentioned.

About Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area

Discover 400 acres of pristine Alaskan wilderness at Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area, where adventure awaits at every turn. This expansive natural playground encompasses the popular Olnes Pond and Whitefish campgrounds, offering endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, paddling across serene ponds, exploring scenic hiking trails, or gazing up at the spectacular northern night sky, Lower Chatanika delivers an authentic Alaska experience that will leave you breathless.

Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area offers a mix of public-use cabins and campsites for visitors.

Historical SignificanceWhile the specific historical narratives of this area await discovery by curious visitors, the land itself tells the timeless story of Alaska's wild heart, where generations have come to connect with nature's raw beauty.

Weather and SeasonsExperience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformations at Lower Chatanika, where nature puts on a spectacular show year-round. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures plunging to a bracing -8.03°F during the coldest weeks, creating perfect conditions for ice fishing and aurora viewing. As summer arrives, the area comes alive with warmth and endless daylight, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 71.51°F by midsummer. The ever-changing sky offers its own drama, with crystal-clear conditions ranging from cozy 14% clarity during moody weeks to stunning 70% clarity that reveals the full majesty of Alaska's big sky.

ElevationThe gentle terrain of Lower Chatanika invites explorers of all skill levels to immerse themselves in Alaska's natural splendor, with accessible trails and waterways perfect for family adventures.

Natural Features and SceneryThe meandering Chatanika River serves as the lifeblood of this stunning recreation area, creating a ribbon of life through the Alaskan landscape. Along its banks, wild berries ripen in summer sunshine, offering sweet rewards for observant hikers. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the diverse avian population that calls these waters home, while winter transforms the river into a frozen highway perfect for ice fishing adventures.

Geological RegionNestled in Alaska's magnificent Northern region, Lower Chatanika showcases the diverse beauty of interior Alaska's ecosystem. The Chatanika River carves its ancient path through this landscape, creating a rich tapestry of habitats that support everything from summer berry patches bursting with wild fruit to winter ice fishing spots teeming with Arctic char. This ecological wonderland offers birders exceptional viewing opportunities, with the river corridor serving as a vital flyway for both resident and migratory species.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay information not provided.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per site: 4

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutDetails about loops or sections are not provided.

Reservation PlatformsReservation platforms are not specifically mentioned in the source.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not described explicitly in the source.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details are not provided.

Site SizeMaximum equipment length is 35 feet per site.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesNo specific site recommendations provided.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area offers diverse recreational opportunities. Activities include camping, fishing, hiking, berry picking, boating/floating, ATV/snowmachining, ice fishing, dog sledding, night sky viewing, and cross-country skiing.

HikingHiking is supported with various trails accessible within the recreation area.

FishingFishing opportunities are abundant, with access to the Chatanika River that winds through the recreation area.

BikingBiking and mountain biking activities are supported within the facility.

BoatingBoating and floating are supported, with access to the Chatanika River and a boat launch available.

Wildlife viewingBirding and other wildlife viewing opportunities are listed as available activities for visitors.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include frigid temperatures during winter and variable snowfall.

Active AlertsActive alerts such as closures or construction are not mentioned.

Fire PolicyFire policies are not explicitly stated.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesFairbanks is likely to have emergency services such as hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations, but specific facilities are not listed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash services are available within the campground.

Water FeaturesSituated near the Chatanika River, providing access for various water activities.

Camp HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.