🌤 Weather at Chena Pump State Recreation Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| -3 to 62 °F | 48–73 °F | -4 to 55 °F | -17 to 12 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Fairbanks International Airport, 2 mi away, elevation 432 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
A Day-Use Wayside With Two Picnic Shelters and a Boat Launch
Chena Pump State Recreation Site is a 29-acre day-use area at Mile 8.7 Chena Pump Road in Fairbanks, about 4.5 miles southwest of the Mitchell Expressway overpass. Alaska State Parks describes about 60,000 square feet of grass with clusters of trees, two large picnic shelters, a portable toilet and a beach-access boat launch.
The agency lists fishing, trails, picnicking and day use here. The parking area is maintained year-round. The site is not an ADA facility, according to Alaska State Parks.
Things to Do
- Picnicking: picnic sites and two large picnic shelters, which you can reserve
- Boating: a beach-access boat launch
- Fishing: listed as an activity by Alaska State Parks
- Trails: listed as an activity by Alaska State Parks
Fees and Shelter Reservations
Alaska State Parks says daily parking and boat launch fees apply here. As of October 2026, its fee schedule lists a $5 daily parking fee for Chena Pump and no separate boat launch amount. Under the schedule’s general rules, boaters who pay the daily boat launch fee do not pay an extra parking fee for their vehicle and trailer, and overnight parking takes two daily parking payments. The Chena Pump picnic shelter is listed at $30 per time block. You reserve it through the link on the Alaska State Parks page for Chena Pump.
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Mile 8.7 Chena Pump Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709 |
| Size | 29 acres (Alaska State Parks) |
| Access | Drive-in |
| Facilities | Toilet, picnic sites, two picnic shelters, beach-access boat launch |
| Fees | $5 daily parking; picnic shelter $30 per time block (as of October 2026) |
| Season | Parking area maintained year-round |
| Accessibility | Not an ADA facility, according to Alaska State Parks |
| Managed By | Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
| Coordinates | 64.7954, -147.9521 |
Getting There
Heading north on the Parks Highway, take the Geist Road/Chena Pump Road exit and turn left at the intersection onto Chena Pump Road. Continue 4.5 miles. Chena Pump State Recreation Site is on the left.
Nearby State Parks
The distances below are straight-line. Chena River State Recreation Site lies about 5 miles northeast in Fairbanks. Lower Chatanika River State Recreation Area is about 21 miles north, Salcha River State Recreation Site about 38 miles southeast and Chena River State Recreation Area about 48 miles east.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee at Chena Pump State Recreation Site?
Yes. As of October 2026, the Alaska State Parks fee schedule lists a $5 daily parking fee. The park page says boat launch fees also apply; boaters who pay the launch fee do not pay extra for parking.
Can you reserve a picnic shelter at Chena Pump?
Yes. The Chena Pump picnic shelter is listed at $30 per time block as of October 2026, reserved through the link on the Alaska State Parks page.
Is there a boat launch at Chena Pump State Recreation Site?
Yes. The site has a beach-access boat launch at Mile 8.7 Chena Pump Road.
Is Chena Pump State Recreation Site open in winter?
Alaska State Parks says the parking area is maintained year-round.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Chena Pump State Recreation Site; Alaska State Parks fee schedule; Alaska DNR, ASP Park Boundary (open data). Last updated: October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Chena Pump State Recreation Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 9 feet required in developed facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, swim beaches, boat ramps).
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide pet ban on beaches; swim beaches count as developed facilities where the 9-foot leash rule applies.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- In the backcountry leashes are not required but pets must remain under voice control; in trapping areas (e.g. Chena River SRA) leashing is strongly advised for dog safety.
Are dogs allowed at Chena Pump State Recreation Site?
Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.alaska.gov. More: Alaska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Chena Pump State Recreation Site
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
