Mount Prindle Campground
4.336 reviews222 University Ave, Fairbanks, AK, 99709, USA
Mount Prindle Campground
$12.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$24.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Recreation use fees are $12 per night per site for individual campsites and $24 per night for the group site. Fees are paid on a first-come-first-serve basis.
About this campground
Nestled at the southern gateway to Nome Creek Valley in the pristine White Mountains National Recreation Area, Mount Prindle Campground offers an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience. Thirteen secluded campsites are tucked among towering willow shrubs, creating natural privacy screens while opening to breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine tundra. The majestic Mount Prindle towers at 5,286 feet above, watching over adventurers who come to try their luck gold panning in the historic creeks or exploring the rugged Quartz Creek Trail that winds through this untamed landscape.
Mount Prindle Campground offers first-come, first-served camping options with 13 campsites that include a group site.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here tells its own story, with dramatic shifts that keep visitors on their toes. Rain and wind sweep through the valley with regularity, creating a dynamic atmosphere where clouds dance across the peaks. Those fortunate enough to catch one of the rare clear days are rewarded with crystalline views that stretch for miles. The campground follows the rhythm of Alaska's seasons, with summer bringing both the most accessible conditions and the full spectrum of weather personalities that make this region so memorable.
ElevationPerched in the shadow of mighty Mount Prindle's 5,286-foot summit, the campground occupies a unique position where the boreal forest gives way to alpine grandeur. This elevation creates a natural amphitheater effect, with the mountain's presence felt in every direction. The air here carries the crisp clarity of the high country, while still maintaining the accessibility that makes this an ideal base camp for exploring both the valley below and the tundra meadows above.
Natural Features and SceneryNature paints with a bold palette at Mount Prindle Campground, where sweeping alpine tundra meadows cascade down from the peaks like natural carpets of wildflowers and hardy mountain plants. Tall willow shrubs create living walls of green, their leaves whispering ancient stories in the mountain breeze. Nome Creek meanders nearby, its waters carrying whispers of gold rush dreams and geological secrets. The commanding presence of Mount Prindle dominates the skyline, its 5,286-foot summit serving as both landmark and inspiration for those who venture into this remarkable landscape.
Geological RegionMount Prindle Campground claims a spectacular position on the southern edge of the White Mountains National Recreation Area, where Nome Creek Valley opens like a natural gateway to adventure. This geological wonderland showcases the dramatic transition from valley floor to alpine heights, with expansive tundra meadows flowing down the mountainsides like frozen waterfalls of vegetation. The protective embrace of tall willow shrubs at lower elevations gives way to the exposed grandeur of Mount Prindle's 5,286-foot summit, creating a living textbook of Alaska's diverse mountain ecosystems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites Size13 sites are available, but no specific size classifications (e.g., standard, large) are noted.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit details about site privacy, such as whether sites are secluded or clustered, are provided.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring bug spray to counter insects. Sites offer picnic tables and fire rings but lack firewood provision.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Agroup site is available for $24 per night on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 13 individual sites arranged below the tundra meadows and near Nome Creek. Each site includes a parking area, picnic table, and fire ring.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June through mid-September, which aligns with summer maintenance schedules.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis due to no reservation system.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made; all sites are first-come-first-serve.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, gold panning, and ATV riding, with nearby trails and open spaces for exploration.
Hiking
The campground is located near the Quartz Creek Trail, which offers access to the alpine tundra meadows and Mount Prindle (5,286 feet). User reviews repeatedly highlighted hiking opportunities and the outstanding views.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Firewood is not provided by the campground.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include inclement weather like rain and wind, as well as bugs that require insect repellent (as noted in user reviews).
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Slight rain
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 86%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 11 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Slight rain
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
The nearest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located in Fairbanks, approximately 57 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune through mid-September
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available and were noted to be clean and empty by a user review.
Proximity to water featuresNome Creek runs near the campground, offering opportunities for recreation such as gold panning.
Common complaintsUser complaints include frequent rain and wind.
Campground Map
222 University Ave, Fairbanks, AK, 99709, USA
Driving directionsTo reach Nome Creek from Fairbanks, take the Steese Highway to mile 57 and follow the U.S. Creek Road for seven miles to the Nome Creek Road. Taking a right at the junction, it is 4 miles to the upper end of Nome Creek Valley, the Quartz Creek Trailhead, and the Mount Prindle Campground.
The road is described as 'easily accessible and well maintained' by user reviews. Roads leading to the campground are primarily paved, with the final stretch being U.S. Creek Road and Nome Creek Road. Seasonal accessibility aligns with summer months when maintenance is performed.Nearby places
Fairbanks (approximately 57 miles
travel time depends on road conditions and vehicle type)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Fairbanks, which is the nearest population center.
Camper Reviews
4.3
6 reviews
Mount Prindle Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews describe Mount Prindle Campground as a clean, quiet, and scenic destination. Positive mentions include the cleanliness of facilities, outstanding views, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Weather can be challenging with rain and wind being common.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean facilities, well-maintained roads, scenic views, hiking trails, and picnic benches were frequently praised. One reviewer noted, 'Bathrooms very clean. Bathroom even had a boot scraper outside...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users mentioned the prevalence of rain and wind as a drawback. One review stated, 'Rarely has great weather but more often than not has rain and wind.'
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray as one user mentioned, 'Good camping spots, lots of open space to admire. Bring your bug spray.'
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is best accessed during the summer season (June through mid-September) when facilities are maintained. User reviews and descriptions do not address other seasons specifically.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Bathrooms very clean. Bathroom even had a boot scraper outside in case your shoes were muddy.' - Jean Alex
2. 'Campground was nice and clean, road was easily accessible and well maintained.' -...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground consists of 13 individual sites and one group site. No specific reviews identify particular site numbers.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews address pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025