Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site
There are two state park units north of Fairbanks. Both of these units sit on the banks of the Chatanika River. On the Elliott Highway is Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area. Farther north on the Steese Highway, is Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site.
Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area
The Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area is a 570-acre recreation area near mile 11 of the Elliott Highway. It has two campgrounds. The Whitefish Campground, on the north side of the Chatanika River Bridge, has 12 campsites, picnic sites, a picnic shelter, latrines, drinking water, and fishing access. There is also a boat ramp for people floating the Chatanika River. There is a nightly camping fee and a boat launch fee.
Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site
The Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site, at mile 39 of the Steese Highway, is popular with highway travelers and weekend campers from Fairbanks. It has 25 campsites, four picnic sites, drinking water and latrines. There is a road to a gravel bar where visitors can camp, picnic, sunbathe, or fish. Canoers and rafters launch their boats here for an all-day-float on the Chatanika River, ending at the Lower Chatanika State Recreational Area, at mile 11 of the Elliott Hwy.
Canoeists and rafters launch their boats here for an all-day float to the Lower Chatanika River State Recreation Area.
