Mt.Prindle Campgrounds/Dept. of Inter.

**Introduction / Overview**

For Alaskans drawn to the vast, untamed wilderness of the Interior, the **Mount Prindle Campground** offers a classic, rustic basecamp experience. Managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this campground is a secluded gem located on the southern edge of the **White Mountains National Recreation Area (NRA)**. It is perfectly positioned for those seeking to escape the crowds of more heavily trafficked areas while retaining access to incredible backcountry recreation.

The campground’s setting is undeniably Alaskan: nestled among tall willow shrubs, below expansive alpine tundra meadows, and offering dramatic views of the namesake **Mount Prindle (5,286 feet)** and its iconic granite tors. It serves as one of two developed campgrounds in the Nome Creek Valley and is the ideal starting point for high-country excursions, especially onto the challenging and rewarding trails that lead into the White Mountains NRA. This is not a site for luxury RVs with full hookups; instead, it provides a quiet, authentic wilderness experience focused on self-reliance and appreciation for the rugged beauty of the Yukon-Tanana uplands.

Open primarily during the brief summer season, typically from June through mid-September, Mount Prindle Campgrounds is a favorite among local Fairbanks and Interior residents for its access to **gold panning** on nearby Nome Creek and its excellent trail network. As one visitor noted, it is a “Nice campground away from town,” perfect for families and adventurers alike, despite the typical Interior weather that can often feature "rain and wind." The small size, featuring only 13 sites, ensures a relatively quiet and low-impact stay.

**Location and Accessibility**

The **Mount Prindle Campground** is located in a remote but accessible area near **Central, AK 99730**, deep in the Alaskan Interior. Its exact location is within the Nome Creek Valley, acting as a true gateway to the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

For Alaskans driving from the Fairbanks area, the journey is a classic Interior road trip:

• **Initial Route:** Take the scenic **Steese Highway** (Alaska Route 6) North East to **Mile 57**.
• **Nome Creek Access:** Turn onto the **U.S. Creek Road** and follow it for approximately seven miles.
• **Final Approach:** Turn right onto the **Nome Creek Road**. The campground is situated about four miles further, at the upper end of the Nome Creek Valley.

While the roads are generally maintained during the summer season, visitors should be prepared for traveling on **gravel roads** characteristic of the Interior, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The campground is notably "away from town," emphasizing its secluded feel and minimizing light pollution—a huge draw for viewing the **Northern Lights** in the late season.

This relative remoteness ensures that those who make the effort to drive here are rewarded with a pristine environment, minimal traffic, and direct access to some of the finest backcountry hiking and **ATV trail riding** that the Alaska Interior has to offer, as attested to by local users who highlighted the "Plenty of ATV trails all around."

**Services Offered**

Consistent with its designation as a rustic BLM campground within a National Recreation Area, the **Mount Prindle Campgrounds** offers essential, low-impact services designed to protect the environment while supporting a comfortable tent or small RV camping experience. The campground operates on a **first-come, first-served** basis, with a modest nightly fee.

The 13 individual campsites provide the following amenities:

• **Designated Parking Area:** Each site includes a dedicated space for vehicle parking (accommodates tents and smaller RVs, but no hookups are available).
• **Picnic Tables:** A permanent table is provided at each site for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• **Fire Rings:** Metal fire rings are installed for contained campfires, essential for cooking and warmth (note: **firewood is NOT provided**; campers must bring their own).
• **Vault Toilets:** Clean, well-ventilated outhouse-style toilets are maintained on-site.
• **Hand Pump Well (Non-Potable Water):** Access to cold water via a hand pump is available for general use, though all water must be **boiled, filtered, or treated** before consuming.
• **Trash Cans:** Centralized trash receptacles are available to promote a clean campground environment.

It is important for Alaskan users to note that the nearest RV dump station and other major services are located approximately two hours away in Fairbanks, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency while staying at the campground.

**Features / Highlights**

The **Mount Prindle Campground** is a magnet for those Alaskans who prioritize natural beauty and accessible wilderness recreation. Its features are deeply tied to the rugged landscape of the White Mountains NRA:

• **Gold Panning on Nome Creek:** A key attraction, the proximity to Nome Creek allows visitors to try their luck at recreational gold panning, a cherished Alaskan pastime.
• **Direct Trailhead Access:** The campground is the starting point for popular trails, including the **Quartz Creek Trail**, providing immediate access for day hikes or extended backpacking into the high country and the alpine tundra.
• **Stunning Views of Granite Tors:** The campsite offers exceptional views of the massive, distinctive granite rock formations, or tors, that characterize Mount Prindle (5,286 feet)—a geological feature unique to the region.
• **Extensive ATV/OHV Trail System:** The surrounding area, particularly along Nome Creek Road and designated trails, is celebrated by local users for having "Plenty of ATV trails all around," making it a perfect hub for motorized recreation.
• **White Mountains NRA Basecamp:** It serves as a fantastic staging area for exploring the larger National Recreation Area, including access points for the nationally designated **Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River** for floating.
• **Family-Friendly Wilderness:** As noted in reviews, the quiet, open setting and trail access make it a surprisingly excellent spot for families with young children, providing a safe, engaging environment for "kids had the best time as well, ages 5, 3 & 1.5."
• **Dall Sheep and Caribou Habitat:** The upland areas around Mount Prindle are known habitats for **Dall sheep** and the **Steese-Fortymile caribou herd**, offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities for observant campers.

**Contact Information**

As a facility managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), all inquiries for **Mount Prindle Campground** are directed to the BLM's local field office.

• **Address:** Unnamed Road, Central, AK 99730, USA (General physical location). The administrative office address is: 222 University Ave. Fairbanks, AK 99709.
• **Phone (Fairbanks Field Office):** (907) 474-2200.
• **Mobile Phone (Alternative/General Line):** +1 907-474-2200.

Campers are encouraged to call ahead for current conditions, especially regarding road access and fire restrictions, as the operational season typically runs from June through mid-September, depending on the severity of snow and weather conditions.

**What is Worth Choosing**

For Alaskans, choosing the **Mount Prindle Campground** is an affirmation of the Interior's unique appeal. It is worth choosing because it provides an **uncompromised wilderness experience** that is surprisingly accessible via the Steese Highway. This is not a manicured tourist stop; it is rugged, genuine Alaska, managed to preserve its natural state.

The most compelling reason is the **combination of diverse outdoor activities** at a single, secluded location. Where else can you step out of your tent, hike up to see towering granite tors, spend the afternoon trying your hand at gold panning on a local creek, and then explore miles of **ATV trails**, all without fighting crowds? This versatility makes it ideal for the Alaskan family that owns a tent, a shovel, and an ATV.

Its position as a BLM site on the boundary of the White Mountains NRA provides an unparalleled starting line for true backcountry immersion—a chance to see **Dall sheep** on the high ridges and experience the true solitude of the tundra. Furthermore, the low cost ($12 per night) and the rustic, first-come, first-served nature appeal to the independent spirit of local users who value simplicity and authenticity over complex reservation systems and high fees.

In short, Mount Prindle Campground is worth choosing for its **seclusion, its geological spectacle, its recreational versatility**, and its honest, no-frills commitment to providing access to the raw beauty of the Alaskan Interior—a place where even the occasional "rain and wind" only adds to the adventure.