Experience Alaska RVing at Fairbanks/Chena River KOA

RV Life

Many RVers are adventurous, but only some decide to brave the journey to reach Alaska! This is certainly a long trip, but it pays off with some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. If you want to experience Alaska in all its glory, then Fairbanks/Chena River KOA is a great place to do it.

There are several amazing destinations across Alaska, but Fairbanks is one of the most popular. It’s also fairly accessible to RVers, which is perfect after taking the long drive across the Canadian border.

This KOA is located on the outskirts of Fairbanks, so you get the best of both worlds. There’s the proximity to an interesting city, plus the added benefit of a wooded setting, quiet nights, and lots of fresh air. If you ever make the trek to Alaska, this will be a great place to set up camp.

Overview

Fairbanks/Chena River KOA is located in North Pole, Alaska. Santa Claus references aside, the KOA is situated outside of the city limits of Fairbanks, but still close enough to enjoy the benefits of dining, shopping, and entertainment. It also has the distinction of being the northernmost KOA in the world.

This RV park is located along the Chena River, but there are also a variety of small lakes nearby. A bit further south, you can find the winding Tanana River, which is dotted with islands and shorelines that are perfect for fishing.

The campground itself is fairly large, with a grand total of 155 sites. All sites include full hookups for water, sewage, and electricity. So even though you’re visiting the wild North, you can still enjoy a comfortable campsite!

Because Alaska experiences harsh weather, this KOA is only open on a seasonal basis. Guests can visit anywhere between May 15–September 15 before the park closes for the winter. But if you’re getting overheated in mainland America, this is a fantastic destination that stays pleasantly cool during the summer.

The prices here aren’t half bad either! This is a popular campground with some nice amenities, but the rates are still pretty affordable. The average nightly rates are as follows:

Pull-Thru Site, 30/20 amps: $73 per night
Pull-Thru Site, 50/30/20 amps, big-rig friendly: $78 per night
Back-In Site, 50/30/20 amps, extra privacy: $78 per night
Pull-Thru Site, 50/30/20 amps, premium w/ extra space: $80 per night
Pull-Thru Site, 50/30/20 amps, KOA Patio, close to river: $105 per night

As you can see, there’s a bit of a range when it comes to pricing. Certain features or locations will increase the cost, but there are also plenty of sites on the lower end if you’re on a budget. Overall, the pricing is competitive for the area, plus you’ll get great value for whichever option you pick!

For more information about different site types, availability, and pricing, visit the Fairbanks/Chena River KOA website.

Amenities

You might think that camping in the Alaskan wilderness means that you’ll have to rough it. But even way up North, you can still find campgrounds with great amenities. Fairbanks/Chena River KOA has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

In addition to the full hookups at each site, there are also bathrooms and shower facilities on-site so you can easily freshen up. You can also do your laundry at the 24/7 laundromat. Picnic tables are located at each site and there is a dish washing station so you can do the dirty work outside and keep your RV clean.

Propane fire pits and rustic log swings are located along the riverside. This setup is perfect for outdoor cooking, or just a peaceful ambiance as you watch the sunset over the water. Large trees wind through the park, providing lush scenery and plenty of shade.

You can even work remotely here! Good workcamping conditions are a top priority for this campground and they provide high-speed internet services to assist guests. There is also good cell phone service for carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Starlink, and more.

Don’t forget about your pets. This RV park enforces leash rules for dogs, but they can run wild at the massive 2,400 square-foot dog park. It’s the perfect place for them to get out their energy. Of course, you can also take them on walks throughout the park to enjoy the shady trails, but be sure to clean up after them!

Additional amenities at the Fairbanks/Chena River KOA include:

Pavilion
Giant Jenga
Cornhole
Horseshoe pit
Playground
Tetherball
River views and fishing
Game and book exchange room
Self service RV wash
ATM
Camp store
Nearby convenience store

Nearby Activities/Attractions

Fairbanks is one of the most popular travel destinations in Alaska, and for good reason! You can get a good mix of everything during your visit.

Because this town is so far North, you can actually take a tour to the Arctic circle. Although you may not see Santa’s workshop, you will see some gorgeous scenery. The Northern lights are often visible in this region, especially if you visit in August or later.

The KOA is closed during the winter, but Fairbanks still has plenty to offer during this time! You can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and more.

Popular year-round tourist destinations include the Museum of the North, Pioneer Park, Fountainhead Antique Automobile Museum, and Gold Dredge 8 Historic Train Tour. Visitors can also pan for gold, take a riverboat tour, or just enjoy the outdoors with a fishing rod or some hiking boots.

Feeling chilly? A dip at the Chena hot springs can warm you up right away! There are also plenty of spots where you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy some delicious Alaskan cooking. Some local favorites include:

Blue Roof Bistro
Soba
Chowder House
The Crepery
Pike’s Landing
The Pump House Restaurant
Lavelle’s Bistro
Turtle Club
Havana Nights
Chena’s Alaskan Grill
Bobby’s Downtown
The Cookie Jar Restaurant
KC’s Kitchen
And more!

Reviews

Finally, it’s time to look at some reviews for this KOA. The managers at the Fairbanks/Chena River KOA strive to make it a great experience. And their hard work has paid off in the form of some great reviews!

This RV park has an overall score of 8.7/10 on RV LIFE Campgrounds. Visitors enjoyed the beautiful area, the size of the sites, and all of the amenities that were offered. dog owners vouched for the dog park, reporting that their canine friends had a great time. Many people also complimented the park managers and how accommodating they were.

However, there are a few drawbacks that are worth mentioning. For one thing, some of the sites here are quite close together, so you may not have a lot of room along the sides. There is also an army base close by, so you may occasionally hear activity from it.

In general, the response was very positive. The overall agreement is that this park is beautiful, located in a perfect spot, and comes with great amenities. If you want to read more firsthand accounts from guests, check out the page for the Fairbanks/Chena River KOA on RV LIFE Campgrounds.

Related Articles: