Overview
The Chena Lakes Recreation Area is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Alaska’s interior, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Located just 15 miles east of Fairbanks, this recreation area is a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast. The campground is situated on the shores of Chena Lake, a 2,000-acre lake that offers stunning views, excellent fishing, and a variety of water sports. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and an abundance of wildlife, making it an ideal location for nature lovers and photographers.
One of the unique features of the Chena Lakes Recreation Area is its proximity to the Chena Hot Springs Resort, a world-famous destination for its natural hot springs and stunning scenery. Visitors can soak in the hot springs, explore the surrounding trails, or simply relax in the beautiful surroundings. The recreation area also offers a range of amenities, including a boat launch, picnic areas, and hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Location & Directions
To get to the Chena Lakes Recreation Area, take the Steese Highway (AK-2) from Fairbanks and drive for approximately 15 miles. The recreation area is located at mile marker 26.5, and the entrance is well-marked. The GPS coordinates for the campground are 64.7667° N, 146.9667° W. From the entrance, follow the signs to the campground, which is located on the shores of Chena Lake.
The road to the recreation area is paved and well-maintained, making it accessible to all types of vehicles. However, it’s always a good idea to check the road conditions before heading out, especially during the winter months when the roads can be icy and snowy. The Alaska Department of Transportation provides up-to-date information on road conditions, which can be accessed online or by calling (511) from a phone.
Campground Details
The Chena Lakes Recreation Area campground has a total of 80 campsites, including tent sites, RV sites, and walk-in sites. The campground is open from May 15 to September 15, and reservations can be made through reserve.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. The campground is also available on a first-come, first-served basis, but reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
The campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes, and there are also vault toilets and potable water available throughout the campground. The maximum RV length is 40 feet, and there are no hookups available. The fees for the campground are $10 per night for tent sites and $20 per night for RV sites, and there is a $5 fee for day use.
The check-in time for the campground is 2 pm, and the check-out time is 12 pm. The campground is patrolled by park rangers, and there are also bear safety educational programs available throughout the summer.
Reservations and Fees
Reservations for the Chena Lakes Recreation Area campground can be made through reserve.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. The fees for the campground are as follows:
- Tent sites: $10 per night
- RV sites: $20 per night
- Day use: $5 per vehicle
It’s always a good idea to check the reservation website or call the park rangers to confirm the fees and availability before heading out.
Facilities & Amenities
The Chena Lakes Recreation Area offers a range of facilities and amenities, including:
- Potable water: available throughout the campground
- Restrooms: vault toilets and flush toilets available
- Fire rings: available at each campsite
- Picnic tables: available at each campsite
- Bear boxes: available at each campsite
- Boat launch: available for access to Chena Lake
- Dump station: available for RVs
- Firewood: available for purchase at the park entrance
The recreation area also offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. There are also picnic areas and scenic overlooks throughout the recreation area, making it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers.
Hiking & Activities Nearby
The Chena Lakes Recreation Area offers a range of hiking trails and recreational activities, including:
- Chena Lake Trail: a 2.5-mile trail that surrounds Chena Lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape
- Angel Rocks Trail: a 3.5-mile trail that leads to a scenic overlook with stunning views of the surrounding mountains
- Chena Hot Springs Resort Trail: a 1.5-mile trail that leads to the Chena Hot Springs Resort and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape
- Fishing: Chena Lake is home to a variety of fish species, including salmon, trout, and grayling
- Boating: the recreation area offers a boat launch and access to Chena Lake, making it an ideal destination for boaters and fishermen
- Berry picking: the surrounding landscape is home to a variety of berry species, including blueberries, raspberries, and salmonberries
- Wildlife viewing: the recreation area is home to a variety of wildlife species, including moose, bears, and eagles
The recreation area also offers a range of scenic overlooks and picnic areas, making it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers.
Fishing Opportunities
Chena Lake is home to a variety of fish species, including:
- Salmon: king, sockeye, and coho salmon are all found in Chena Lake
- Trout: rainbow trout and grayling are both found in Chena Lake
- Grayling: arctic grayling are abundant in Chena Lake and offer a unique fishing experience
The best techniques for fishing in Chena Lake include:
- Spin casting: using spin casting gear and lures to catch salmon and trout
- Fly fishing: using fly fishing gear and flies to catch grayling and trout
- Trolling: using trolling gear and lures to catch salmon and trout
The fishing regulations for Chena Lake are as follows:
- Bag limit: 5 fish per day, with a minimum size limit of 14 inches
- Season: the fishing season for Chena Lake typically runs from June 15 to September 15
- Licenses: a valid Alaska fishing license is required to fish in Chena Lake
It’s always a good idea to check the fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses before heading out.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Chena Lakes Recreation Area is during the summer months, typically from May 15 to September 15. The peak season is usually in July and August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the days are long. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and visitors can expect to encounter crowds and long lines at the park entrance.
To avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season, which typically runs from May 15 to June 15 and September 1 to September 15. The weather is usually mild and sunny, and the crowds are smaller, making it an ideal time to visit for those who want to experience the recreation area without the crowds.
The mosquito season typically runs from June 15 to August 15, and visitors should be prepared with insect repellent and protective clothing. The weather patterns in the recreation area are typically characterized by warm and sunny days, with cooler nights, and visitors should be prepared with layers and rain gear.
Wildlife & Bear Safety
The Chena Lakes Recreation Area is home to a variety of wildlife species, including:
- Bears: black bears, brown bears, and grizzly bears are all found in the recreation area
- Moose: moose are abundant in the recreation area and offer a unique viewing experience
- Eagles: bald eagles and golden eagles are both found in the recreation area and offer a unique viewing experience
To stay safe in bear country, visitors should:
- Store food and trash properly: using bear boxes and keeping a clean campsite
- Make noise: making noise while hiking and walking to avoid surprising bears
- Carry bear spray: carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it
- Be aware of surroundings: being aware of the surroundings and watching for signs of bears
In the event of a bear encounter, visitors should:
- Stay calm: staying calm and speaking in a calm voice
- Give the bear space: giving the bear plenty of space and allowing it to leave
- Use bear spray: using bear spray if the bear approaches and the visitor is within spraying distance
It’s always a good idea to check with park rangers and visitor centers for up-to-date information on bear safety and wildlife viewing opportunities.
What to Bring
When visiting the Chena Lakes Recreation Area, visitors should bring:
- Layers: bringing layers for changing weather conditions, including rain gear and warm clothing
- Insect repellent: bringing insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects
- Bear spray: bringing bear spray and knowing how to use it
- Food and water: bringing enough food and water for the duration of the stay, and storing it properly
- First aid kit: bringing a first aid kit and knowing how to use the items in it
- Map and compass: bringing a map and compass, and knowing how to use them
- Firewood: bringing firewood and following the park’s firewood policy
It’s also a good idea to check with park rangers and visitor centers for any specific regulations or recommendations for the recreation area.
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to the Chena Lakes Recreation Area is Fairbanks, which is located approximately 15 miles west of the recreation area. Fairbanks offers a range of amenities, including:
- Gas stations: several gas stations are located in Fairbanks, including Chevron and Exxon
- Restaurants: several restaurants are located in Fairbanks, including the Pump House Restaurant and the Salmon Bake
- Supplies: several stores are located in Fairbanks, including Walmart and the Fairbanks Cooperative Market
Other nearby attractions include:
- Chena Hot Springs Resort: a world-famous resort that offers natural hot springs and stunning scenery
- Angel Rocks Trail: a 3.5-mile trail that leads to a scenic overlook with stunning views of the surrounding mountains
- University of Alaska Museum of the North: a museum that offers a range of exhibits on Alaska’s natural and cultural history
Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby town of North Pole, which offers a range of amenities and attractions, including the Santa Claus House and the North Pole Post Office.
Tips from Experienced Campers
Experienced campers recommend:
- Arriving early: arriving early to secure a campsite and beat the crowds
- Bringing layers: bringing layers for changing weather conditions, including rain gear and warm clothing
- Storing food properly: storing food and trash properly to avoid attracting bears and other wildlife
- Being prepared: being prepared for changing weather conditions and unexpected events
- Respecting the environment: respecting the environment and following the park’s regulations and guidelines
Visitors should also be aware of the cell service in the area, which can be limited, and plan accordingly. The park rangers and visitor centers can provide up-to-date information on cell service and other important details.
In terms of noise considerations, visitors should be aware that the recreation area is a quiet and peaceful place, and should respect the other visitors and the environment. The sunrise and sunset times can be spectacular, and visitors should plan to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.