Ophir Creek Campground

For Alaskans living in the Interior, escaping the bustle of city life and getting out into the true wilderness is a vital part of our lifestyle. Ophir Creek Campground, nestled deep within the vast White Mountains National Recreation Area (NRA), offers exactly that—a genuine, rustic Alaskan camping experience. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this campground is far more than just a place to park an RV; it’s the definitive launch point for some of the region’s most spectacular outdoor adventures. It embodies the wild spirit of the Last Frontier, providing a peaceful, secluded setting along the banks of Nome Creek, surrounded by the stunning, rolling hills and dense white spruce forests of the White Mountains.

As a local, you know the value of a secluded campsite, and Ophir Creek delivers. The remote location ensures a quiet stay, often offering true solitude, especially during midweek. Imagine the towering spruce trees, the clear waters of the creek, and the distant views of the Alaska Range on a clear day—this is the scenery that makes Interior Alaska truly special. It is the perfect spot for both the seasoned adventurer planning a multi-day float trip and the family seeking a weekend retreat away from Fairbanks. Be prepared to embrace the rustic nature of the site, which, as many residents appreciate, is what keeps the crowds away and the wildlife close.

Ophir Creek Campground is located on Nome Creek Road, Alaska, USA, situated on the southern edge of the White Mountains National Recreation Area. While geographically remote, it is highly accessible for Fairbanks-area residents via a scenic drive:

To reach the campground, travelers should head north from Fairbanks on the Steese Highway (Alaska Route 6). You will turn off the Steese Highway at milepost 57 onto U.S. Creek Road. After following U.S. Creek Road for approximately seven miles, you will reach the Nome Creek Road junction. A left turn onto Nome Creek Road will lead you about 12 miles further to the campground. This drive itself is renowned among locals for its picturesque scenery, traversing hills and offering a rolling picture show of the Alaskan landscape.

It is crucial for locals to be aware of the road conditions. As confirmed by recent visitor reports, the Nome Creek Road is subject to maintenance and repair, often resulting in midweek closures (Monday–Friday) during the summer season for road improvements. Planning your trip for a weekend stay is often necessary to ensure access. The rugged nature of the road requires careful driving, but the beautiful destination is worth the effort, delivering you to a remote valley that feels a world away from the highway.

Ophir Creek Campground is maintained for a genuine wilderness experience, meaning the services are rustic and designed for self-sufficient campers. While modern luxuries are absent, the essentials for a comfortable, authentic stay are provided:

• Campsites: The campground offers 20 individual campsites and one dedicated group site, most of which are beautifully situated along the Nome Creek.
• Restrooms: Clean, well-maintained vault toilets are provided throughout the campground, with a separate vault toilet believed to be available at the group site.
• Water: Hand-pump wells provide non-potable (non-drinking) water. Campers are advised to treat or boil all water before consumption, or to bring their own potable water supplies.
• Fire Facilities: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a sturdy fire ring for campfires. Note that firewood is not provided, so please gather dead and down wood or bring your own.
• Parking: Dedicated parking areas are available at each individual site for vehicles and small trailers, but there are no hookups or dump stations (the nearest RV dump station is located in Fairbanks).
• Fees: A modest fee is charged per night per site (on a first-come, first-served basis), with a higher rate for the group site.

Ophir Creek Campground’s main draw is its location and access to true Interior Alaska wilderness recreation. The list of highlights is what makes this a must-visit spot for local adventurers:

• Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River Access: Ophir Creek is the recognized put-in point for floating the Beaver Creek National Wild and Scenic River. This 154-river-mile float trip to the Yukon River is acclaimed as one of the most gorgeous, multi-day wilderness floats in North America.
• Tabletop Mountain Trailhead: The campground is in close proximity to the trailhead for the Tabletop Mountain Trail, a challenging but highly rewarding 3-mile loop. The strenuous climb offers panoramic views of the White Mountains and the Alaska Range—scenery that locals call “to die for.”
• Fairbanks Trails Challenge Site: Tabletop Mountain is famously known as a key destination on the popular Fairbanks Trails Challenge List, motivating local hikers to bag this peak for bragging rights and outdoor accomplishment.
• Nome Creek Fishing and Paddling: The creek adjacent to the campground provides excellent opportunities for fishing and a calm paddle before entering the larger Beaver Creek system.
• White Mountains NRA Base: It serves as a central hub for exploring the one-million-acre White Mountains NRA, which boasts over 200 miles of multi-use trails, public cabins, and exceptional wildlife viewing, including Dall sheep, moose, caribou, and bears.
• Seclusion and Scenery: Nestled among tall white spruce and birch trees, the campsites are generally spacious and offer unparalleled solitude along the creek bank, providing the ultimate escape from city lights.

Ophir Creek Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is part of the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

Address:

Nome Creek Road, Alaska, USA (Access via U.S. Creek Road off Steese Highway MP 57)

Contact Phone (BLM Eastern Interior Field Office - for White Mountains NRA inquiries):

Phone: (907) 474-2200

Mobile Phone: +1 907-474-2200 (Use for general information, trail conditions, and road closure updates)

Choosing Ophir Creek Campground is a choice to commit to the authentic Interior Alaska outdoor experience. It is worth choosing for the unique combination of road-accessible wilderness and gateway access to iconic adventures. This campground isn't just a convenient stop; it is the essential jumping-off point for a potentially life-changing float down the Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River. Furthermore, the chance to complete a segment of the Fairbanks Trails Challenge by climbing the stunning Tabletop Mountain is a huge draw for the local community. While the road may be challenging and the mosquitoes numerous—a true Alaskan reality that requires extra bug spray—the unparalleled reward is an evening of quiet, an abundance of scenic beauty, and direct access to hiking and paddling that is simply unmatched near Fairbanks. For local Alaskans seeking the most gorgeous, secluded, and recreation-rich spot in the White Mountains NRA, Ophir Creek is, without a doubt, a must-stay location.