Chena River State Recreation Area
All three campgrounds (Rosehip, Granite Tors, and Red Squirrel) are open as of May 22, 2026. Campgrounds are first-come first-served with no advance reservations. 15-day camping limit applies. Quiet hours 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Flood Watch issued September 18 at 4:31AM AKDT until September 19 at 4:00PM AKDT by NWS Fairbanks AK
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Including the following areas, Fairbanks, North Pole, Two Rivers, Fort Wainwright, Ester, and Fox * WHEN...Through Saturday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Heavy rain may result in minor flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - The Chena River is running higher than normal and will continue to be high through the week. As of 4 AM AKDT Friday, river levels near the Upper Chena have crested and are beginning to come down. The Chena below Hunts Creek is still rising gradually but beginning to level off. The Chena below Moose Creek Dam is also rising still. Water levels on the Little Chena are still gradually rising but it will be cresting soon as the rate of rise has dropped off. Peak water levels near Moose Creek Dam will likely be tonight through Saturday. - This means low-lying and typical flood-prone areas may experience areas of flooding through the end of the week as water levels gradually rise then fall. In addition, other creeks and streams in the vicinity will be running at elevated levels. - For more updated river information, please refer to water.noaa.gov or weather.gov/aprfc
Flood Advisory issued September 17 at 10:47AM AKDT until September 19 at 8:45AM AKDT by NWS Fairbanks AK
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Chena River Basin from Moose Creek Dam to the end of Chena Hot Springs Road. * WHEN...Until 845 AM AKDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Water over roadways. River or stream flows are elevated. Ponding of water in areas is occurring or is imminent. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1042 AM AKDT, gauge reports indicated heavy rain across the advisory area. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly, especially near Chena River. Between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.25 inches are possible in the advisory area. - For Chena River below Hunts Creek near Two Rivers : At 10:00am the stage was 14.9 feet. Flood Stage is 17.2 feet. Forecast: A crest around 16.2 feet is expected at 10:00am Friday. - For Chena River below Moose Creek dam: At 10:00am the stage was 22.1 feet. Flood Stage is 24.5 feet. Forecast: A crest around 25.0 feet is expected at 4:00am Saturday. - For Chena River near Two Rivers: At 10:00am the stage was 19.4 feet. Flood Stage is 19.5 feet. Forecast: A crest around 20.1 feet is expected at 10:00pm Thursday. - Http://www.weather.gov/aprfc
About
Chena River State Recreation Area lies twenty-six miles east of Fairbanks and encompasses more than 254,000 acres of rolling hills, boreal forest, and river valleys characteristic of Interior Alaska. The Chena River winds through the area, providing excellent fishing and paddling opportunities. Three developed campgrounds serve the recreation area along Chena Hot Springs Road. Rosehip Campground at mile 27 offers 37 campsites, a boat launch, walk-in group camping, and rentable picnic shelters. Granite Tors Trail Campground at mile 39 has 24 sites and serves as the trailhead for the popular 15-mile loop to the granite tor rock formations. Red Squirrel Campground at mile 43 provides 5 sites with picnic shelters and ADA-accessible facilities. The area is renowned for the Granite Tors Trail, which climbs through spruce forest into alpine tundra where dramatic granite spires tower above the landscape. Wildlife viewing opportunities include moose, beaver, and numerous bird species. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowmachining, and ice fishing at the Mile-48 hut.
Directions
From Fairbanks, take the Steese Highway north to Chena Hot Springs Road and turn east. Rosehip Campground is at mile 27, Granite Tors Trail Campground at mile 39, and Red Squirrel Campground at mile 43.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $20 - $250 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 37ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (907) 451-2695 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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