Public Campgrounds

The Pioneer Park parking lot is open to motor homes for $12. It has no hookups or showers but has potable water, restrooms, and a disposal station. Register in the cabin just inside the entrance.

Located within the fairgrounds, Tanana Valley Campground (College Rd., 907/456-7956, www.tananavalleyfair.org, mid-May–Aug., RVs $20, tents $16) is close to hiking and biking trails, and not far from Creamer’s Field. The setting is woodsy and quiet.

Chena River Wayside (907/452-7275, www.chenawayside.com, RVs $25, tents $10–17) is a state campground on University Avenue just north of Airport Way. It has running water, flush toilets, fireplaces, a boat launch, and fishing—a bit high density, but not bad for city camping, if you arrive early enough to get a site; the 11 RV hookup sites go quickly. There are no showers here, so you’ll need to find one at a local coin laundry. Another fine public campground ($10–12) is Chena Lakes Recreation Area, near North Pole.

Private Campgrounds and RV Parks

RVers often park for free at the Wal-Mart parking lot, but check with store personnel first. River’s Edge RV Park (on Boat St. off Airport Way near University Ave., 907/474-0286 or 800/770-3343, www.riversedge.net, mid-May–mid-Sept., RVs $38, tents $21) is a large handy campground on the banks of the Chena River.

Riverview RV Park (1316 Badger Rd., 907/488-6281 or 888/488-6392, www.riverviewrvpark.net, mid-May–mid-Sept., RVs $41, tents $20) is three miles east of town near North Pole and right along the Chena River. Sites include Wi-Fi and cable TV, and they throw in a free car wash.

© Don Pitcher from Moon Alaska, 10th Edition