Upper Chatanika State Recreation Area is an off the beaten path camping area off the Steese Highway, about 40 miles northeast of Fairbanks. As far as camping goes, you know you’re doing it right when only 2 out of 25 sites are in use during a summer weekend. Meanwhile, back down in Fairbanks all the RV parks are at 100% capacity, and it’s 10 degrees hotter to boot. We chose campsite #22, a very long and wide site that is right on the banks of the Upper Chatanika River, affording us a grand view out the front window of this very fast flowing river.
Plenty of room for our slides
Lots of room for relaxing, a picnic table and fire ring
I’d say only 3 sites are suitable for a 40+ foot motorhome, sites #3, 12 and 22. But given the low use here I would be very surprised to find all 3 taken on any given night. The camping fee is a reasonable $15, which includes use of vault toilets and a potable water spigot. From here we explored further down the Steese Highway, doing both the Tabletop Mountain hike and Pinnell Mountain Trail. There are few, if any, services available on the entire 161 mile Steese Highway, so bring everything you’ll need.
Rating: 
Campground website: Upper Chatanika State Rec Site
