Welcome to the Fairbanks / Chena River KOA - the Northern most KOA!

Welcome to Fairbanks / Chena River KOA, the northernmost KOA in the world, and your gateway to exploring the incredible beauty of Interior Alaska. Nestled along the banks of the Chena River, this campground offers stunning river views, spacious full-hookup pull-through sites, and easy access to some of Alaska's most iconic adventures. Whether you're recovering from the ALCAN Highway, setting off for the Arctic Circle, or planning a month-long stay, this KOA is your ideal basecamp.

Exploring Fairbanks, AK
Located between Fairbanks and the North Pole, this KOA puts you in the heart of some of Alaska's most unforgettable experiences. Just 2 hours from Denali National Park, Fairbanks is a hub for travelers heading to the Arctic Circle, Dalton Highway, and Chena Hot Springs. Enjoy a narrated Riverboat Discovery Cruise, pan for gold at Gold Dredge 8, marvel at the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, or visit Santa Claus House in the North Pole. For history and culture, check out Pioneer Park, the Museum of the North, and catch a Salmon Bake dinner and show. Planning a trip to Prudhoe Bay? We offer overflow RV parking while you tackle the rugged journey up the Dalton Highway.

Fairbanks / Chena River KOA Has a Way to Stay for Everyone

At Fairbanks / Chena River KOA, we offer a variety of sites for every type of traveler, including extended stay options:
· Full-Hookup Pull-Thru Sites – Easy access, large spaces, and beautiful river views.
· Back-In Sites – Well-equipped and perfect for shorter stays.
· Monthly & Seasonal Sites – Limited extended stay availability—book early if you're planning a longer adventure!

All sites are pet-friendly, so bring your four-legged companions along for the journey!

Fairbanks / Chena River KOA Amenities and Recreation
Take time to relax and recharge at the campground with a wide variety of amenities and activities:
· Riverside Patio – Sit back and enjoy the view of the Chena River.
· Propane Fire Pits – Gather with friends under the midnight sun.
· 2,400 sq. ft. Dog Park – Let your pets run and play freely.
· Outdoor Games – Horseshoes, corn hole, giant Jenga, and 4-in-a-row.
· Clean Restrooms & Showers – Modern and well-maintained facilities.
· Laundry Facilities – Convenient for longer stays.
· Free Wi-Fi – Stay connected, even in the wilderness.

Local Attractions and Recreation
From natural wonders to cultural experiences, Fairbanks offers something for everyone:
· Denali National Park – Majestic mountain peaks, abundant wildlife, and endless trails.
· Chena Hot Springs – Soak in soothing mineral waters year-round.
· Dalton Highway & Prudhoe Bay – Adventure north to the Arctic Ocean.
· Riverboat Discovery – Explore Alaskan waterways and history.
· Gold Dredge 8 – Learn the history of gold mining and try panning for yourself.
· Pioneer Park & Salmon Bake – Family-friendly fun, history, and local flavors.
· Museum of the North – Discover Alaska's art, culture, and science.
· Santa Claus House – Celebrate Christmas year-round in nearby North Pole, AK.

Can You See the Northern Lights at KOA?
Possibly! While sightings depend on nature's timing, Aurora Borealis may be visible outside of peak summer months. Plan your stay before May 21 or after August 21 for your best chance. Bring patience and warm clothes, and you just might witness the magic dancing across the Alaskan sky.

Book Your Stay with Fairbanks / Chena River KOA
Whether you're here to explore the Arctic Circle, relax by the river, or recover from the ALCAN, Fairbanks / Chena River KOA is ready to welcome you to Alaska's rugged interior.
Start planning your northern adventure today—book your stay at Fairbanks / Chena River KOA now!

Campground Amenities

  • 50 Max Amp
  • 72' Max Length
  • Wi-Fi
  • Fishing
  • Pavilion
  • Dog Park
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Ways to Stay

KOA Mobile App for Android and iOS

Download our free mobile app to plan your next camping trip and make your reservations right from your smart phone or other mobile device!

  • KOA iOS App Logo
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KOA Journey

KOA Journey Campgrounds

KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.

KOA Journeys Feature:

  • Pull-through RV Sites with 50-amp service
  • Premium Tent Sites
  • Well lit after hours check-in service

Latest Hot Deal

KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend

KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend Photo

WHEN: September 11-12, 2026

WHAT: KOA Rewards holders stay as a paying guest on Friday, September 11th at any participating KOA campground and get Saturday, September 12th for FREE*.

WHY: KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend is designed exclusively for KOA Rewards holders to say thanks for your loyalty and for trusting your camping memories to us. On this late-summer weekend, we gather to celebrate friends, family and fun in the great outdoors we all adore.

* Only at participating KOA locations. Applies to one site per a KOA Rewards account, for two consecutive nights at the same KOA. Sites may be limited. KOA Rewards discount does apply but not valid with other discounts.

Book This Hot Deal

Local Area

Denali National Park

Denali National Park and Preserve encompasses 6 million acres of Alaska's interior wilderness. Its centerpiece is 20,310-ft.-high Denali (fka Mount McKinley), North America's tallest peak. With terrain of tundra, spruce forest and glaciers, the park is home to wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and Dall sheep. Popular activities in summer include biking, backpacking, hiking and mountaineering

Mile 237 Highway 3

Denali Park, AK 99755

907-683-9532

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Arctic Circle

At latitude 66° 33' north, the sun does not rise for one day during winter solstice, December 21, nor does it set for one day during summer solstice, June 21. This place that many dream about visiting is 196 driving miles (or 140 air miles) north of Fairbanks. Tour via van, motorcoach or plane up the Dalton Highway, also known as the Haul Road, and cross over that invisible line that puts you in the company of ice road truckers, Alaska pipeline workers and intrepid travelers. The 415-mile long road is 75% gravel and 25% paved and has limited or no cell reception. Fairbanks is the perfect jumping off point to begin trips into the Arctic. As a basecamp, you can experience the vast wilderness panoramas, tundra-laden landscape, and the indigenous cultures that define Alaska's Arctic. See the mighty Yukon River and spot a muskox or an Arctic fox. Cross the Arctic Circle and explore regions farther north like the Brooks Range, the Gates of the Arctic National Park, Coldfoot, Wiseman, Fort Yukon, Bettles, Anaktuvuk Pass, Prudhoe Bay and Kaktovik. Fly bush mail routes into rural communities accessible only by air. Discover the enchanted treeless Arctic plain or walk the frozen shores of the Arctic Ocean at the northernmost point in North America. Many locations offer village tours, visitor centers and historic sites, the aurora borealis, wildlife viewing and more.

Dalton Highway

Yukon-Koyukuk

Coldfoot, AK 99701

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Santa Claus House

It's Christmas year-round in North Pole, Alaska—just a little over 10 minutes away from our campground. You'll find candy canes painted on city streets and holiday parades in July. And at the hub of the festivities is Santa Claus House, a frontier general store and post office turned holiday shop. The postal tradition lives on—official Letters from Santa are postmarked from the North Pole and stamped with an official Santa seal. And today, the store includes live reindeer, a coffee shop, holiday gift items, the world's largest Santa statue and, in summer months and over holidays, Santa himself.

101 St Nicholas Dr

North Pole, AK 99705

907-488-2000

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Riverboat Discovery

Climb on board an authentic Alaskan sternwheeler, the Riverboat Discovery, and take a journey back in time along the Chena and Tanana Rivers. Since 1950, the Binkley family has operated riverboat tours in Fairbanks; now you can cruise out into nature with third- and fourth-generation captains and experience the area's history and beauty firsthand. Take a tour with native Alaskans in a traditional village and meet some of the pioneers who call this land home.

1975 Discovery Dr

Fairbanks, AK 99709

907-479-6673

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