Olnes Pond Campground

For Alaska locals seeking an accessible yet authentic wilderness experience near Fairbanks, Olnes Pond Campground offers an exceptional opportunity to embrace the Interior's vast natural beauty. Situated within the Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area, this campground is a true year-round destination, providing a serene escape for those looking to fish, hike, explore, or simply marvel at the Alaskan night sky. It's a beloved spot for residents who appreciate the balance of convenient access and genuine outdoor immersion.

Olnes Pond Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to a myriad of recreational activities that define the Alaskan lifestyle. From excellent fishing opportunities in the stocked pond and nearby Chatanika River to abundant berry picking in late summer, there’s always something to do. As one delighted camper noted, it's a "Great place to go camping. Berry picking as well." This versatility makes it particularly appealing to local families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Furthermore, Olnes Pond holds a special allure for those chasing the elusive Aurora Borealis. Being "away from the city restricting light pollution," it offers one of the best viewpoints for aurora displays, especially during the darker months, as another reviewer highlighted after visiting in November when the lake was frozen. This unique feature solidifies its status as a must-visit for Alaskans eager to witness the magic of the northern lights close to home.

Olnes Pond Campground is strategically located at Mile 10.5, Old Elliott Hwy, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA. This places it approximately 22 miles north of Fairbanks, a manageable drive that allows for a quick escape from urban settings while retaining easy access to city amenities if needed. It is a key part of the Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area, encompassing roughly 400 acres.

Accessibility is straightforward for most vehicles. From Fairbanks, you can take the George Parks Hwy (which turns into the Robert Mitchell Expy), then exit onto Steese Hwy. Continue on Steese Hwy, which transitions into the Elliott Hwy. The campground entrance is clearly marked at milepost 10.5 of the Elliott Hwy. A one-mile access road leads from the highway to the campground entrance. While the main access roads are generally well-maintained, gravel surfaces are common within the campground itself.

This location offers excellent proximity to diverse points of interest. The Chatanika River, a popular spot for fishing and floating, is easily accessible. The broader Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area provides access to an extensive network of multi-use trails, perfect for hiking, biking, ATV riding, and snowmachining in the winter. For those looking to resupply or enjoy more urban activities, Fairbanks is a short drive away, providing the best of both worlds – wilderness immersion and city convenience.

Olnes Pond Campground offers a range of services designed to enhance the camping experience for all visitors, from tent campers to RV users.

• P: Campsites: The campground features 12 to 15 campsites (numbers vary slightly across sources) suitable for both tent camping and RVs, with no RV size limit on the gravel sites. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring for enjoyment.
• P: Potable Water: Drinking water is available seasonally, typically turned on from Memorial Day to Labor Day, ensuring campers have access to clean water during peak season.
• P: Restrooms/Toilets: Clean vault toilets are provided throughout the campground. These facilities are often praised in reviews for their maintenance, though they are winterized during the off-season.
• P: Refuse Disposal/Dumpsters: Trash receptacles are available seasonally, encouraging campers to keep the area clean and practice responsible waste management.
• P: Reservable Public-Use Cabin: A cozy 10' x 16' public-use cabin is available for reservation year-round, offering a more sheltered option. It features a wood stove, small table, kitchen counter, and sleeping platform. While wired for electricity, guests must bring their own generator and firewood. Note: The cabin may be unavailable for public reservations from May 1 through September 29, and water must be melted from snow in winter.
• P: Reservable Picnic Shelter: A picnic shelter is available for day use, perfect for group gatherings or events.
• P: Hand-Carried Boat Launch: Provides easy access for non-motorized boats like kayaks, canoes, and small fishing boats onto Olnes Pond.
• P: Self-Pay Stations: Fees for overnight camping and day-use parking are collected via self-pay stations located near the campground entrance, making access convenient year-round.
• P: Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept under control (leashed) at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up pet waste.

It's important to note that individual campsites do not have electrical, water, or sewer hookups, maintaining a more rustic feel for RV campers.

Olnes Pond Campground truly stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Alaska locals:

• P: Prime Aurora Viewing: Located far enough from Fairbanks to minimize light pollution, Olnes Pond is renowned as an excellent spot for viewing the spectacular Aurora Borealis, especially during the long, dark winter nights. Many visitors specifically choose this location for its unobstructed sky views.
• P: Excellent Fishing: Olnes Pond itself is a 16-acre pond stocked with Rainbow Trout and Arctic Grayling, offering fantastic fishing opportunities. The nearby Chatanika River is also popular for various species, including northern pike and salmon (check ADF&G regulations).
• P: Abundant Berry Picking: The surrounding boreal forest, particularly along the pipeline access road, is rich with wild berries like blueberries and cranberries, making it a favorite spot for berry picking during late summer.
• P: Year-Round Accessibility: Unlike many campgrounds that close for winter, Olnes Pond is accessible all year, allowing for diverse seasonal activities from summer camping to winter dog sledding, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing on the multi-use trails.
• P: Multi-Use Trail System Access: The campground serves as a hub for a vast network of trails within the Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area, accommodating hiking, biking, ATV riding, and snowmachining, catering to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.
• P: Public-Use Cabin Option: The availability of a reservable public-use cabin provides a comfortable alternative to tent or RV camping, especially valuable during colder months or for those seeking a more permanent base.
• P: Wildlife Viewing: The diverse Interior Alaska habitat, including river bottoms and boreal forest, offers opportunities to spot local wildlife, such as beavers and various bird species, enhancing the natural experience.
• P: Secluded Atmosphere: Despite its proximity to Fairbanks, the campground provides a tranquil and relatively secluded environment, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in nature's peace.

For inquiries and information about Olnes Pond Campground, including current conditions, cabin reservations, or seasonal updates, please use the following contact information. As it's an Alaska State Parks facility, inquiries are typically directed to the Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation.

Address: Mile 10.5, Old Elliott Hwy, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA

Phone: (907) 269-8400

Mobile Phone: +1 907-269-8400

Email: dnr.pic@alaska.gov (General Parks Information Center email)

For Alaska locals, Olnes Pond Campground is an indispensable resource for enjoying the vast and unique outdoor opportunities of the Interior region. Its strategic location near Fairbanks means residents can easily access a genuine wilderness experience without long, arduous journeys, making it perfect for weekend getaways or even spontaneous day trips. The year-round accessibility ensures that whether it's summer fishing, fall berry picking, or winter aurora viewing, locals have a reliable and engaging destination to turn to.

The campground truly caters to the Alaskan spirit of self-sufficiency and love for the outdoors, offering essential amenities while emphasizing the natural environment. From its prime position within the auroral oval for northern lights chasers to its stocked pond for anglers, Olnes Pond provides a rich tapestry of experiences right in Interior Alaska's backyard. It's a place where communities gather, families explore, and individuals find solace in the grandeur of the Alaskan landscape, solidifying its place as a cherished local treasure.