Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area

What if your next camping destination combined peaceful riverfront scenery, rugged Alaskan wilderness, and a rich mining history? Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area, located a mere 30-minute drive north of Fairbanks along the Elliott Highway, offers a unique escape for travelers seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

This 400-acre recreation area runs along the Chatanika River and boasts two campgrounds: Olnes Pond and Whitefish Campground. Both are primitive-style, with gravel sites outfitted with fire rings and picnic tables, but no hookups, making them ideal for RVs, trailers, and tents. Visitors can enjoy amenities like restrooms, drinking water (seasonal), trash services, and a boat launch. The campgrounds' quiet atmosphere is complemented by proximity to trails, which are perfect for hiking, ATV riding, and wildlife observation. Anglers will appreciate the river's excellent fishing opportunities, while adventurous guests may enjoy canoeing or floating the Chatanika.

Beyond the campgrounds, the area's mining heritage remains a subtle backdrop, with remnants of the historic railroad town of Olnes nearby. This connection to the past, paired with the natural beauty of the boreal forest and riverfront, makes it an excellent location for day trips, weekend getaways, or extended nature-based vacations.