For Alaskans affiliated with the Department of Defense (DoD), Chena Cove Campground on Fort Wainwright offers a unique and highly practical dry camping experience in Fairbanks. This isn't your average public campground; it’s a dedicated facility providing a straightforward, budget-friendly option for military personnel and their families. While it’s recognized for its "pretty basic" amenities, its affordability, spacious sites, and direct management through MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) Outdoor Recreation make it a valuable resource for locals who have the necessary access. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most useful places are the ones that cater specifically to the needs of our community, providing a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Interior Alaska without breaking the bank.
Chena Cove Campground is located on Fort Wainwright at Fegre Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA. Its location within a military installation means that accessibility is restricted. You "must have some kind of DoD ID card to get on the installation," as noted by past visitors. This is a crucial piece of information for anyone planning a stay. While this might seem like a hurdle to some, for authorized personnel, it guarantees a sense of security and a more private camping environment.
Once on the installation, navigating to Chena Cove is straightforward. The campground itself offers a rustic experience, with sites "nicely spaced out and tucked into the trees," providing a welcome sense of privacy and a connection to nature despite being on a military base. While the campground offers dry camping, a significant advantage of its location is the nearby availability of more comprehensive facilities. Potable water and a dump station are readily accessible at the Glass Park RV Park (located at Moose Loop and Denali Loop), which is described as being "close to the main gate" and only "about a five-minute drive" from Chena Cove. This same area also provides access to essential amenities like showers and laundry facilities, transforming Chena Cove into a more comfortable option for longer stays or those needing occasional full-service access. This convenient arrangement allows campers to enjoy the quiet, affordable dry camping while having modern conveniences just a short drive away.
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Contact Information:
Address: Fegre Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA
Phone: (907) 361-6349 (This number is for MWR Outdoor Recreation, which manages the campground).
Mobile Phone: +1 907-361-6349
It is highly recommended to call the MWR Outdoor Recreation office ahead of your visit, especially for first-timers, to confirm current access requirements, availability, and any specific procedures for checking in.
Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals
For Alaskans who are part of our military community, Chena Cove Campground on Fort Wainwright is a truly invaluable resource. We understand the unique challenges of traveling and finding suitable accommodations across our vast state, and a reliable, affordable option like Chena Cove is a significant asset. The requirement for a DoD ID isn't a barrier for us; it’s a guarantee of a secure, familiar environment where fellow service members and their families can relax and enjoy the Alaskan outdoors.
The concept of "dry camping" is also deeply ingrained in the Alaskan spirit of self-sufficiency. We're accustomed to being prepared, and the knowledge that potable water, a dump station, showers, and laundry are just a five-minute drive away at Glass Park makes Chena Cove a perfect blend of rustic charm and convenient access. This flexibility allows us to enjoy the quiet, wooded sites without sacrificing essential comforts for longer trips. At $20 a night, it represents exceptional value, especially when compared to other options in the Fairbanks area.
For military families navigating long drives or simply looking for a weekend escape, Chena Cove provides a peaceful respite. It’s a practical solution for those late-night arrivals when "hotels full or overpriced," and the MWR management ensures it’s run by a system familiar to us. This campground truly embodies a local, community-focused approach to outdoor recreation within our own backyard, making it an excellent choice for authorized Alaskans seeking an authentic and convenient camping experience.
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Restroom
Good for kids
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
This is the dry camping area on Ft Wainwright…you must have some kind of DoD ID card to get on the installation. Pretty basic, there are pit toilets but potentially a long walk from your campsite. But sites are nicely spaced out and tucked into the trees. Potable water and a dump station are available at the Glass Park (Moose Loop and Denali Loop) RV park, close to the main gate. It’s about a five minute drive to that area, which also has showers and laundry facilities. $20/night, managed through the MWR outdoor recreation office.
Looking for a place to camp at 3 am tired driving 11 hrs, hotels full or overpriced. Googled campgrounds. Arrived to find it's on fort wainwright Tried to turn around before entrance. Got waved in to be questioned and id'ed for 15 minutes. Thank google.
Warning: camp ground is located on an active military base, must be able to enter FT Wainwright to go here. (Not accessible to most people).
Not a horrible place to go, but to be honest it's not worth the two our drive. I feel like the overall experience was Blehh. The ice house was cool, but they really pushed on ordering shots at the bar, which only accepted cash. Then there's the restaurant, which we waited about an hour to get a seat and then another hour for the food to arrive.
The Anderson review is inaccurate; his looks like it's for Chena Hot Springs. Chena Cove CG is on Ft Wainwright, on the Chena River. Pit Toilets, canoe put-in, small boat launch. Back-in camp spots.