Cripple Creek Campground

0 review

Quick Facts

Price

$6 - $12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Maintained during th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$6 - $12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Maintained during th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Get Directions

Cripple Creek Campground

$6.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$12 per night per site for sites 1-12 (drive-in); $6 per night per walk-in site (T1-T6). All sites are first-come, first-served.

Standard Site Fee$12.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$6.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$18.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

Fees & Passes at Cripple Creek Campground

$6 - $12/night

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

$12/night

Prices verified December 10, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website.

Best Time to Camp at Cripple Creek Campground

The campground welcomes visitors during Alaska's precious summer months, from June through mid-September, when the midnight sun bathes the spruce forest in golden light and the Chatanika River runs clear and inviting. These warm-weather months offer the perfect window to experience the area's natural beauty, with long daylight hours that seem to stretch endlessly and temperatures ideal for riverside relaxation and exploration.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Maintained during the summer season, June through mid-September.

About Cripple Creek Campground

Tucked along the winding Chatanika River at milepost 60 of the Steese Highway, Cripple Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Alaska's wilderness. This charming riverside retreat features 12 drive-in universal design campsites and 6 walk-in sites, where tall white spruce trees frame your adventure and the river's gentle current provides a constant, soothing soundtrack.

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 SeasonsThe campground welcomes visitors during Alaska's precious summer months, from June through mid-September, when the midnight sun bathes the spruce forest in golden light and the Chatanika River runs clear and inviting. These warm-weather months offer the perfect window to experience the area's natural beauty, with long daylight hours that seem to stretch endlessly and temperatures ideal for riverside relaxation and exploration.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Chatanika River serves as the campground's centerpiece, its waters weaving through a cathedral of towering white spruce that have stood sentinel here for decades. A dedicated riverside day-use area provides prime access for anglers hoping to land grayling or pike, while a short interpretive trail connects the day-use area to the campground, offering glimpses into the region's ecology and natural history. The forest here feels primeval yet welcoming, with dappled sunlight filtering through the spruce canopy and the constant whisper of the river reminding you that you've truly left civilization behind.

Campsite details

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

Total Campsites18 campsites

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

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 are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwelve universal design drive-in sites (sites 1-12) and six walk-in sites (T1-T6); each site includes a parking area, picnic table, and fire ring.

Open and Closed SeasonMaintained during the summer season, June through mid-September.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served; walk-in sites T1-T6 available on a first-come basis.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

Hiking

A short interpretive trail winds through white spruce along the river between the day-use area and the campground.

Fishing

Riverside day-use area with fishing access along the Chatanika River.

Boating

Class I-II float trip to the Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site (~25 miles) is possible; occasional low water and log jams may require dragging or portaging.

Water Sports

Floating/boating (class I-II) and fishing on the Chatanika River.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring. (No specific fire restrictions provided.)

Hazards

General hazardsRiver hazards include occasional low water and log jams on float routes, which may require boat dragging or portaging. On-site hand pump well provides non-potable water.