People will confuse "Chena River" Recreation Area with the "Chena Lake" Recreation areas. Both near North Pole AK. Chena Lake will be reviewed below: There is a total of a 100 sites broken up in two loops about a mile from each other. Between the two there are 20 pull thru sites and the rest are back in, with enough space for RV's in the 35' range. The main road into the park is paved. The actual campground loop roads and campsites are hard packed gravel. All sites looked level. There is a dump station on the paved road into the park. All campsites are primitive. The one loop I walked had 4 outhouses. That were so-so. Close by ( 100') there was s paved bike path that went for at least 10 miles total. The beach, boat rental, picnic area and boat launch were 500' away. The Chena Lake Rec. Area is 3 miles east of the main North Pole business area on the Richardson highway. There are even a few tent campsite on a island near the picnic area. The other smaller loop of campsites is near the dam and river. The whole Chena Lake area is about a levy to hold back the Chena River as to not flood the North Pole / Fairbanks area.
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What campers say
Chena Lake Recreation Area offers lakeside and riverfront scenery, roomy dry camping sites, and miles of trails popular with hikers and dogs. Visitors note good fishing, kayaking, swimming and a beach-like feel, plus large sites and wide roads that accommodate big rigs. Amenities are basic — typical park restrooms, no drinking water on site, and a dump station that requires an access code — so plan ahead. The area is prized for quiet winter hiking and aurora viewing when skies cooperate, but weather can change quickly. A few reports mention dog waste on the beach; leash rules and cleanup help keep it pleasant.
Our summary of 208 traveler reviews.




