Description: Given that their website indicated that the end of their season would be September 10th, we felt especially fortunate to have been able to book our last two nights in the RV here. The location was perfect right in town on the Chena River, yet out enough to have that "in the country" feel while camping. We were actually assigned a "premium" site right on the Chena River. It was very nice, with a great view. At $35/night (Good Sam rate) for full hook-ups, including sewer, cable TV, WiFI, a dumping station and on-site laundry; we were very happy.
Perhaps the best value-added option afforded to guests is the transportation assistance they provided or coordinated for guests. On the night of our arrival, we had plans to go to the Alaska Salmon Bake and show, and for $6/person we were able to obtain transportation roundtrip. The next morning, they provided complimentary transportation to the airport so that we could pickup our rental car for the last two days of touring around town. Some folks staying here also used the shuttle service to the Riverboat Discovery, which is actually right by the airport.
The RV camp is part of a larger resort facility which includes lodge style hotel rooms as well as cottages. Our shuttle bus driver from the Alaska Salmon Bake referred to them as the Gnome Cottages, which made everyone laugh out loud. As we walked through the property the next day, we sorta agreed with him. (Take a look at the photo attached to this review and judge for yourself!)
There are also a couple of full-service restaurants serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Breakfast is served buffet style in the Miner’s Hall located inside the main lodge building. For lunch and dinner, you have the opportunity to dine at Chena’s Alaskan Grill, which is on the property and just a short walk from the RV park. Because we were still camping in the RV, we didn’t have any need for dining at the resort.
For guests at the RV park, you can use their activities desk inside the main lodge. From there, you can book local tours as well as more adventurous trips like a drive or flightseeing trip to the Arctic Circle. In looking at their advertised prices, they are consistent with what I’ve seen if you were to book directly with the tour operator. They use Northern Alaska Tour Company, which is one I’m familiar with from my own winter Arctic Circle tour back in March 2007. They are a very good and reputable service provider, so you can book with them with assurance you’ll be well taken care of.
Like many locations in and around Fairbanks (and the rest of Alaska for that matter) they are seasonal and do close for the off season. We were told they had about another week to go before the lodge, cottages and restaurants would be closing until spring. Check out their website for more information on their tourist season, rates and reservations.
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