Donnelly Creek State Recreation Site
00 review3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99709, United States
Donnelly Creek State Recreation Site
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The fee ranges from $20 for tent sites to $40 for reserving the public use cabin. Tent sites are first-come, first-serve, while the cabin can be reserved online.
About this campground
Nestled in Alaska's untamed wilderness, Donnelly Creek State Recreation Site offers adventurers a rare glimpse into the raw beauty of the Last Frontier. This remote sanctuary along the braided Delta River provides 12 pristine campsites where the towering Alaska Range dominates the horizon. Beyond standard amenities like vault toilets and hand-pumped drinking water, the campground features a cozy public use cabin for those seeking shelter from the elements. Here, where grizzly bears occasionally wander through camp and alpine wildflowers paint the landscape, visitors discover an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience far from the crowds.
Donnelly Creek Recreation Site is a versatile campground offering options for tent camping, RVs, and a public-use cabin. It operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis for tent sites, but the cabin can be reserved online.
Historical SignificanceDonnelly Creek sits at the crossroads of Alaska's rich cultural tapestry, where the timeless Delta River has carved both landscape and history. This gateway to the Alaska Range has long served as a corridor for indigenous peoples, early explorers, and modern adventurers alike. Today's visitors follow in the footsteps of countless generations who have been drawn to these mountains, experiencing the same awe-inspiring vistas and connecting with the enduring spirit of Alaska's frontier heritage.
Weather and SeasonsThe dramatic seasonal transformation at Donnelly Creek showcases Alaska's climatic extremes. Winter's fierce grip brings bone-chilling temperatures and frequent snowfall, creating a crystalline wonderland for the hardiest souls. As spring reluctantly gives way to summer, the landscape awakens under cold but increasingly dry skies. Peak camping season arrives from mid-June through late August, when moderate temperatures unlock the region's full splendor—wildflowers bloom, wildlife emerges, and endless daylight bathes the mountains in golden alpenglow.
ElevationPerched at the edge of Alaska's interior highlands, the campground occupies a strategic position where river valley meets mountain majesty, though specific elevation details await future documentation.
Natural Features and SceneryThe braided channels of the Delta River create an ever-changing tapestry of gravel bars and rushing water, while the Alaska Range erupts skyward in a dramatic wall of snow-capped peaks. This dynamic landscape supports a remarkable diversity of alpine plant communities, from delicate Arctic poppies to hardy dwarf willows. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound—massive moose browse the willows at dawn, grizzly bears fish the river channels, porcupines waddle through the underbrush, industrious beavers engineer the waterways, and snowshoe hares bound across the tundra, their coats changing with the seasons.
Geological RegionDonnelly Creek occupies a spectacular position in Northern Alaska's interior, where the braided Delta River has carved its serpentine path through ancient glacial deposits. This dynamic landscape showcases the raw power of geological forces, with some of the Alaska Range's most imposing peaks—sculpted by millennia of tectonic uplift and glacial erosion—creating a backdrop of unparalleled grandeur. The interplay between river, mountain, and sky forms a living geological textbook that captivates both casual observers and earth science enthusiasts.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are described as accessible, but no further details about overall campground accessibility are provided.
Sites SizeThe maximum RV length allowed is 30 feet, which could be restrictive for larger vehicles. A user review states, 'We are 29 feet and it was very hard to find a site that fit us.'
Sites PrivacyNo specific mention of site privacy, but the campground is described as 'secluded' and 'seldom crowded,' suggesting a fair level of privacy.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor campers with larger RVs (over 29 feet), finding a suitable site may be challenging due to size constraints.
Best CampsitesThe public use cabin (site number 127) appears to be popular and is reservable online.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Information unavailable
Check-out
Information unavailable
Stay Limit
Information unavailable
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 3 people allowed per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 12 sites arranged in a loop. There is a long dike protecting the Richardson Highway nearby which provides wind protection.
Open and Closed SeasonInformation unavailable
Reservation PlatformsReservations for the cabin can be made online, while tent sites are first-come-first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityTent sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis; typically there are spots available even in the evening according to reviews.
Cancellation PolicyInformation unavailable
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Donnelly Creek State Recreation Site offers several outdoor activities suitable for nature enthusiasts. Official sources emphasize hiking, birding, and blueberry picking as key attractions. The campground is also a good base for exploring the Alaska Mountain Range.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available, with scenic views of the Alaska Range. A user highlights, 'Walking along the "dike" will give you many great vantages of the mountains.'Biking
Mountain biking is mentioned as an available activity, but no additional details are provided about trails or terrain.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, including moose, bears, porcupines, beavers, snowshoe hares, various bird species, and occasionally caribou. 'The Delta bison herd can often be seen across the Delta River on their summer calving grounds.'Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing is available within the facility.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not referenced.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated rings.
- Quiet hours are Information unavailable
Hazards
General hazardsOccasional grizzly bears visit the campground, requiring safe storage of food. Roads within the campground are poorly maintained, including hazards such as sinkholes.
Active alertsNone explicitly mentioned.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 16.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely located in Delta Junction, the nearest population center.
Good to know
Peak season datesInformation unavailable
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are mentioned in official sources, but user reviews report their absence ('No bins for trash'). Campers should plan to pack out their waste.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the braided Delta River and Donnelly Creek. Beavers have dammed up sections of Donnelly Creek, which can be explored.
Common complaintsRoad conditions are a recurring issue mentioned in reviews, with reports of poorly maintained roads and sinkholes. Additionally, some users noted non-functional water pumps and missing trash bins.
HostHost information is not explicitly mentioned.
Campground Map
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99709, United States
Driving directionsDonnelly Creek State Recreation Site is 32 miles south of Delta Junction at mile 238 of the Richardson Highway.
Roads leading to the campground are poorly maintained, with some user reviews mentioning issues such as a sizable sinkhole near the entrance and difficult campground roads that need repairs.Nearby places
Delta Junction (32 miles south), Fairbanks (approximately 100 miles north)
Nearby supplies
Supplies for essentials like groceries, camping gear, and fuel are likely available in Delta Junction.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Donnelly Creek State Recreation Site has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user experiences at Donnelly Creek State Recreation Site are mixed. Positive feedback highlights the scenic views, wildlife presence, and relative seclusion. Common complaints revolve around poor road conditions, lack of trash facilities, and non-functional amenities like the water pump.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
1. 'Grand view of the Alaska Range across the Delta River.' 2. 'Great place to enjoy a weekend.' 3. 'Campsites and restrooms were clean.'
Common Concerns
1. Poorly maintained roads ('The road in the camp ground in real bad. Needs a lot of work on it.'). 2. Lack of trash bins and a functional water pump ('No trash or water here.'). 3. Difficulty...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
1. Bring your own water and trash bags due to missing facilities. 2. Consider reserving the cabin online if you prefer guaranteed lodging. 3. Arrive early to secure a tent site as they operate on a...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews often mention the abundance of blueberries and wildlife, while issues with road conditions and amenities are consistent across seasons.
Camper Quotes
1. 'The Donnelly Creek Rec Site has a grand view of the Alaska Range across the Delta River.' 2. 'Even though this campground is right off the highway, it has some awesome views of the snow capped...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The public use cabin, '127 - Donnelly Cabin,' is highlighted as being reservable online. Tent sites are first-come, first-served and reportedly plentiful in the evening.
Accessibility Features
Vault toilets are noted as accessible, but no further details about accessibility features are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground. There are no reviews specifically addressing pet-related experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025