The Mount Prindle Campground is one of two campgrounds located at either end
of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the White Mountains National
Recreation Area. The campground’s 13 sites, are situated among tall willow
shrubs, below expansive alpine tundra meadows and Mount Prindle (5,286 feet),
making it the ideal spot to begin a trip into the high country. From here you
can enjoy gold panning in Nome Creek or explore the nearby Quartz Creek Trail.

Campgrounds are maintained during the summer season (June thru mid-September)
and have hand pump wells, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets. Each
campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is not
provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.

<p>The Mount Prindle Campground is one of two campgrounds located at either end of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the <a href="/node/100497" rel="nofollow">White Mountains National Recreation Area</a>. The campground’s 13 sites, are situated among tall willow shrubs, below expansive alpine tundra meadows and Mount Prindle (5,286 feet), making it the ideal spot to begin a trip into the high country. From here you can enjoy gold panning in Nome Creek or explore the nearby <a href="/node/100886" rel="nofollow">Quartz Creek Trail</a>.</p><p>Campgrounds are maintained during the summer season (June thru mid-September) and have hand pump wells, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.</p>

$12 per night per site on a first-come basis for individual sites

Bird's eye view of the campground

Mount Prindle Campground

## Overview

**Mount Prindle Campground-** The Mount Prindle Campground is one of two
campgrounds located at either end of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern
edge of the White Mountains NRA. The campground’s 13 sites are situated among
tall willow shrubs, below expansive alpine tundra meadows and Mount Prindle
(5,286 feet), making it the ideal spot to begin a trip into the high country.
From here you can enjoy gold panning in Nome Creek or explore the nearby
Quartz Creek Trail.

Campgrounds are maintained during the summer season (June thru mid-September)
and have hand pump non-potable water, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets.
Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is
not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.

**Fees-** $12 per night per site (sites 1-13) on a first come basis.

**Directions-** To 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.

## Recreation

The campground’s 13 sites are situated among tall willow shrubs, below
expansive alpine tundra meadows and Mount Prindle (5,286 feet), making it the
ideal spot to begin a trip into the high country. From here you can enjoy gold
panning in Nome Creek or explore the nearby Quartz Creek Trail.

## Nearby Attractions

Quartz Creek Trail, Table Top Trail, Nome Creek for fishing, floating, and or
goldpanning, put-in for Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/mount-prindle-campground" rel="nofollow"><strong>Mount Prindle Campground-</strong></a> The Mount Prindle Campground is one of two campgrounds located at either end of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the White Mountains NRA. The campground’s 13 sites are situated among tall willow shrubs, below expansive alpine tundra meadows and Mount Prindle (5,286 feet), making it the ideal spot to begin a trip into the high country. From here you can enjoy gold panning in Nome Creek or explore the nearby Quartz Creek Trail.</p><p>Campgrounds are maintained during the summer season (June thru mid-September) and have hand pump non-potable water, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.</p><p><strong>Fees-</strong> $12 per night per site (sites 1-13) on a first come basis.</p><p><strong>Directions-</strong>To 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.</p><h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The campground’s 13 sites are situated among tall willow shrubs, below expansive alpine tundra meadows and Mount Prindle (5,286 feet), making it the ideal spot to begin a trip into the high country. From here you can enjoy gold panning in Nome Creek or explore the nearby Quartz Creek Trail.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Quartz Creek Trail, Table Top Trail, Nome Creek for fishing, floating, and or goldpanning, put-in for Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.</p>

**Fees-** $12 per night per site (sites 1-13) on a first come basis.

Mt. Prindle Campground over view

Mt. Prindle Campground Layout and fee area

Fee Sign

Mt. Prindle Campground Sign

Mt. Prindle Fee sign

Mt. Prindle Campground Fee sign

Located at milepost 60 of the Steese Highway, Cripple Creek Campground has 12
first come first served universal design campsites, as well as 6 walk-in
campsites. The campground also has a riverside day use area with fishing
access along the Chatanika River. Winding through tall white spruce trees
along the river between the day use area and the campground is a short
interpretive trail for visitors.

A class I-II float trip to the Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site at
milepost 39 is approximately 25 miles (40 km) long. Occasional low water may
require some boat dragging.

The campground is maintained during the summer season, end of May through mid-
September. The campground has a hand pump well for potable water, trash cans,
and outhouse style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables,
and fire rings.

<p>Located at milepost 60 of the Steese Highway, Cripple Creek Campground has 12 first come first served universal design campsites, as well as 6 walk-in campsites. The campground also has a riverside day use area with fishing access along the Chatanika River. Winding through tall white spruce trees along the river between the day use area and the campground is a short interpretive trail for visitors. </p>

<p>A class I-II float trip to the Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site at milepost 39 is approximately 25 miles (40 km) long. Occasional low water may require some boat dragging. </p>

<p>The campground is maintained during the summer season, end of May through mid-September. The campground has a hand pump well for potable water, trash cans, and outhouse style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings.</p>

<p> </p>

$12 per night for vehicle sites

$6 per night for walk-in sites

Cripple Creek Campground

## Overview

**Cripple Creek Campground-** Located at milepost 60 o f the Steese Highway,
Cripple Creek Campground has 12 first come first served universal design
campsites, as well as 6 walk-in campsites. The campground also has a riverside
day use area with fishing access along the Chatanika River. Winding through
tall white spruce trees along the river between the day use area and the
campground is a short interpretive trail for visitors.

A class I-II float trip to the Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site at
milepost 39 is approximately 25 miles (40 km) long. Occasional low water and
log jams may require some boat dragging or portaging.

The campground is maintained during the summer season, June through mid-
September. The campground has a hand pump well for non-potable water, trash
cans, and outhouse style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic
tables, and fire rings.

**Fees-** $12 per night per site (sites 1-12) on a first come basis.

$6 per night per walk in site (Walk-in-sites T1-T-6) on a first come basis.

**Directions-** Blacktop highway accessible. Campground is at mile 60 on the
Steese Highway, northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska.

## Recreation

Hiking the short interprative trail along the Chatanika River, fishing,
floating, day trip into the Nome Creek Valley.

## Nearby Attractions

Nome Creek Valley, Quartz Creek Trail, Table Top Trail, Pinnell Mt. Trail,
Chatanika River, Nome Creek, Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River Put-in.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/cripple-creek-campground" rel="nofollow"><strong>Cripple Creek Campground-</strong></a> Located at milepost 60 o f the Steese Highway, Cripple Creek Campground has 12 first come first served universal design campsites, as well as 6 walk-in campsites. The campground also has a riverside day use area with fishing access along the Chatanika River. Winding through tall white spruce trees along the river between the day use area and the campground is a short interpretive trail for visitors. </p><p>A class I-II float trip to the Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site at milepost 39 is approximately 25 miles (40 km) long. Occasional low water and log jams may require some boat dragging or portaging.</p><p>The campground is maintained during the summer season, June through mid-September. The campground has a hand pump well for non-potable water, trash cans, and outhouse style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings.</p><p><strong>Fees-</strong> $12 per night per site (sites 1-12) on a first come basis.</p><p>          $6 per night per walk in site (Walk-in-sites T1-T-6) on a first come basis.</p><p><strong>Directions-</strong> Blacktop highway accessible. Campground is at mile 60 on the Steese Highway, northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska.</p><h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Hiking the short interprative trail along the Chatanika River, fishing, floating, day trip into the Nome Creek Valley.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Nome Creek Valley, Quartz Creek Trail, Table Top Trail, Pinnell Mt. Trail, Chatanika River, Nome Creek, Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River Put-in.</p>

Campsite in Cripple Creek Campground

Campground Information and Interpretation

Interpretation Sign

Water Pump

Fee Structure

HWY Sign

River walking trail

Vault Toilet

Campsite

The Ophir Creek Campground is one of two campgrounds located at either end of
the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the White Mountains National
Recreation Area. Nestled in tall white spruce trees on the bank of Nome Creek,
the campground includes 20 campsites, including one group site.

From here you can enjoy fishing in Nome Creek or take a short day-hike over to
Beaver Creek. Also nearby is the 3-mile loop trail to Table Top Mountain, with
awesome views of the higher peaks in the White Mountains. Ophir Creek
Campground also provides river access to Nome Creek for paddlers headed to
Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

The campground is maintained during the summer season (Memorial Day thru mid-
September) and have hand pump wells, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets.
Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is
not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.

**NOTICE: Nome Creek Road repair with midweek closures May – October 2025**

Monday – Friday the Nome Creek Road to Ophir Creek Campground will be closed
to the public for road improvements and culvert replacement.

When planning your visit go to the trail updates webpage for access
information, current events and notices about temporary closures or
restrictions.

<p>The Ophir Creek Campground is one of two campgrounds located at either end of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Nestled in tall white spruce trees on the bank of Nome Creek, the campground includes 20 campsites, including one group site.</p><p>From here you can enjoy fishing in Nome Creek or take a short day-hike over to Beaver Creek. Also nearby is the 3-mile loop trail to Table Top Mountain, with awesome views of the higher peaks in the White Mountains. Ophir Creek Campground also provides river access to Nome Creek for paddlers headed to Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.</p><p>The campground is maintained during the summer season (Memorial Day thru mid-September) and have hand pump wells, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.</p><p> </p><p><strong>NOTICE: Nome Creek Road repair with midweek closures May – October 2025</strong></p><p>Monday – Friday the Nome Creek Road to Ophir Creek Campground will be closed to the public for road improvements and culvert replacement.</p><p>When planning your visit go to the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/white-mountains/trail-update" rel="nofollow">trail updates webpage</a> for access information, current events and notices about temporary closures or restrictions.</p>

$12 per night for individual sites

$24 per night for the group site

All sites are available on a first come, first served basis

Ophir Creek Campground

## Overview

Ophir Creek Campground- The Ophir Creek Campground is one of two campgrounds
located at either end of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the
White Mountains National Recreation Area. Nestled in tall white spruce trees
on the bank of Nome Creek, the campground includes 20 campsites, including one
group site.

From here you can enjoy fishing in Nome Creek or take a short day-hike over to
Beaver Creek. Also nearby is the 3-mile loop trail to Table Top Mountain, with
awesome views of the higher peaks in the White Mountains. Ophir Creek
Campground also provides river access to Nome Creek for paddlers headed to
Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

The campground is maintained during the summer season (June through mid-
September) and have hand pump non-potable wells, trash cans, and outhouse-
style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire
rings. Firewood is not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.

Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)

Yes. An accessible toilet and hand water pump are available.

**Fees-** $12 per night per site (sites 1-19) on a first come basis.

$24 for group site 20 per night on a first come basis.

**Directions-** To 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 left at the junction, it is 12 miles to the Ophir Creek Campground
and the put-in for floating Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

## Recreation

Fishing, gold panning, hiking, floating, wildlife watching.

## Nearby Attractions

Put-in for Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River, Table Top Trail (3 mile loop
non-motorized trail).

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/ophir-creek-campground-0" rel="nofollow">Ophir Creek Campground-</a> The Ophir Creek Campground is one of two campgrounds located at either end of the Nome Creek Valley, on the southern edge of the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Nestled in tall white spruce trees on the bank of Nome Creek, the campground includes 20 campsites, including one group site.</p><p>From here you can enjoy fishing in Nome Creek or take a short day-hike over to Beaver Creek. Also nearby is the 3-mile loop trail to Table Top Mountain, with awesome views of the higher peaks in the White Mountains. Ophir Creek Campground also provides river access to Nome Creek for paddlers headed to Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.</p><p>The campground is maintained during the summer season (June through mid-September) and have hand pump non-potable wells, trash cans, and outhouse-style toilets. Each campsite has a parking area, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is not provided. The nearest RV dump station is in Fairbanks.</p><p>Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)</p><p>Yes. An accessible toilet and hand water pump are available.</p><p><strong>Fees-</strong> $12 per night per site (sites 1-19) on a first come basis.  </p><p>          $24 for group site 20 per night on a first come basis.</p><p><strong>Directions-</strong>To 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 left at the junction, it is 12 miles to the Ophir Creek Campground and the put-in for floating Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.</p><h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Fishing, gold panning, hiking, floating, wildlife watching.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Put-in for Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River, Table Top Trail (3 mile loop non-motorized trail).</p>

**Fees-** $12 per night per site (sites 1-19) on a first come basis.

$24 for group site 20 per night on a first come basis. (No discounts)

Ophir Creek Campground Typical Campsite

Ophir Creek Campground Group SIte

Ophir Creek Campground Fee site

Hand Pump Well

Typical Campsite in Ophir Creek Campground

Ophir Camp ground entry sign

## Overview

Located just an hour's drive from Fairbanks, Alaska, the one-million-acre
White Mountains National Recreation Area offers stunning scenery, peaceful
solitude and outstanding opportunities for year-round recreation including
hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, wildlife and scenic viewing. There
are 13 beautiful log cabins throughout the White Mountains offering many
opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to carry your cabin permit at all
times while in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Also located in
the White Mountains National Recreation Area are two trail shelters that are
available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

## Recreation

Winter visitors travel by ski, snowshoe, dog team, fat bike and snowmobile to
enjoy the 12 public-use cabins and 250 miles of maintained trails that make
the White Mountains one of Interior Alaska's premier winter destinations. The
cabins must be reserved up to 30 days in advance. There are two trail shelters
that are on a first come-first served basis, are free of charge and not
reservable. In Summer, visitors to the White Mountains pan for gold, fish,
hike and camp under Alaska's midnight sun. The Nome Creek Road provides access
to two campgrounds, trails, a gold-panning area and a departure point for
float trips on Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.  
Learn more about current trail conditions or call the Fairbanks District
Office at (907) 474-2200.  
For a winter trails condition report, go to the Trail Update

## Facilities

The White Mountains National Recreation Area offers 250 miles of maintained
winter trails and 13 public recreation cabins and two trail shelters
surrounded by jagged limestone mountains and cliffs, high mountain passes, and
broad, rounded valleys. Whether you choose to explore by ski, snowshoe,
snowmobile, or dog team, you'll find crisp, clean air, dazzling views, and if
you're lucky, shimmering northern lights against a star-studded sky.

  
Many of the trails used for winter travel may be difficult to travel during
the summer due to wet, muddy conditions or difficult water crossings. To
protect sensitive resources, vehicles must remain on BLM routes designated for
their use unless traveling in an area designated open to cross-country
motorized travel. The entire area is open to all forms of non-motorized use,
so feel free to explore off-trail.

The most popular places to ride OHVs are in the Nome Creek tailings and the
Quartz Creek Trail.

Most of the cabins become difficult to reach in the summer, but a few are
regularly used such as Fred Blixt Cabin and Lee’s Cabin .

Three campgrounds are open from late-May until the snow flies in October  
  
  
Note : Not all trails are accessible to ATV's in the summer. Please contact
the BLM Fairbanks District Office for further information at (907)474-2200  
Note: Not all trails are suitable for hiking in the summer. They may be wet
and boggy. Check with the Fairbanks District Office for more information.

Note: All lands to the north of the Nome Creek Rd. from the Bear Creek Trail,
west to Ophir Creek Campground and the Beaver Creek Put-In are closed to the
use of motorized vehicles in the summer from May 1 - October 14 or until there
is adequate snow cover for use by snowmobiles.

Nome Creek Valley Map  
Winter Trails Map

Summer OHV fact sheet

Summer Recreation Map (Georeferenced PDF)

## Nearby Attractions

The cabins are surrounded by vast amounts of land you can venture on to and
view the scenery around the area.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Located just an hour's drive from Fairbanks, Alaska, the one-million-acre White Mountains National Recreation Area offers stunning scenery, peaceful solitude and outstanding opportunities for year-round recreation including hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, wildlife and scenic viewing. There are 13 beautiful log cabins throughout the White Mountains offering many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to carry your cabin permit at all times while in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Also located in the White Mountains National Recreation Area are two trail shelters that are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Winter visitors travel by ski, snowshoe, dog team, fat bike and snowmobile to enjoy the 12 public-use cabins and 250 miles of maintained trails that make the White Mountains one of Interior Alaska's premier winter destinations.  The cabins must be reserved up to 30 days in advance.  There are two trail shelters that are on a first come-first served basis, are free of charge and not reservable.  In Summer, visitors to the White Mountains pan for gold, fish, hike and camp under Alaska's midnight sun. The Nome Creek Road provides access to two campgrounds, trails, a gold-panning area and a departure point for float trips on Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River. <br>Learn more about current  trail conditions or call the Fairbanks District Office at (907) 474-2200.  <br>For a winter trails condition report, go to the  <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/white-mountains/trail-update" rel="nofollow">Trail Update</a> </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p> </p>
<p>The White Mountains National Recreation Area offers 250 miles of maintained winter trails and 13 public recreation cabins and two trail shelters surrounded by jagged limestone mountains and cliffs, high mountain passes, and broad, rounded valleys. Whether you choose to explore by ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, or dog team, you'll find crisp, clean air, dazzling views, and if you're lucky, shimmering northern lights against a star-studded sky. </p>
<p><br>Many of the trails used for winter travel may be difficult to travel during the summer due to wet, muddy conditions or difficult water crossings. To protect sensitive resources, vehicles must remain on BLM routes designated for their use unless traveling in an area designated open to cross-country motorized travel. The entire area is open to all forms of non-motorized use, so feel free to explore off-trail.  </p>
<p>The most popular places to ride OHVs are in the Nome Creek tailings and the Quartz Creek Trail.  </p>
<p>Most of the cabins become difficult to reach in the summer, but a few are regularly used such as <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/fred-blixt-cabin" rel="nofollow">Fred Blixt Cabin</a> and <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/lees-cabin" rel="nofollow">Lee’s Cabin</a> . </p>
<p>Three campgrounds are open from late-May until the snow flies in October<br> <br><br>Note :  Not all trails are accessible to ATV's in the summer.  Please contact the BLM Fairbanks District Office for further information at (907)474-2200<br>Note:  Not all trails are suitable for hiking in the summer.  They may be wet and boggy.  Check with the Fairbanks District Office for more information.</p>
<p>Note:  All lands to the north of the Nome Creek Rd. from the Bear Creek Trail, west to Ophir Creek Campground and the Beaver Creek Put-In are closed to the use of motorized vehicles in the summer from May 1 - October 14 or until there is adequate snow cover for use by snowmobiles. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.blm.gov/alaska/public-room/map/nome-creek-valley-georeferenced-pdf-map" rel="nofollow">Nome Creek Valley Map</a><br><a href="https://www.blm.gov/alaska/public-room/map/winter-recreation-white-mountains-national-recreation-area-and-steese" rel="nofollow">Winter Trails Map</a>  </p>
<p><a href="https://www.blm.gov/alaska/public-room/fact-sheet/summer-ohv-fact-sheet-white-mountains-and-steese-travel-areas" rel="nofollow">Summer OHV fact sheet</a> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.blm.gov/documents/alaska/public-room/map/Summer-Recreation-in-the-White-Mountains-NRA-and-Steese-NCA-georeferenced-pdf-map" rel="nofollow">Summer Recreation Map (Georeferenced PDF)</a> </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The cabins are surrounded by vast amounts of land you can venture on to and view the scenery around the area.

Caribou Bluff Cabin sits on a ridge above Fossil Creek in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

A log cabin sits on a ridge surrounded by mountains

A lone skier makes his way up the Windy Creek Trail near Wolf Run Cabin.

A skier pulling a sled follows a trail through snowy mountains.

A snowmachine rider stops to enjoy the scenery along the Fossil Creek Trail in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

A man stands next to two snowmobiles in front of a rocky ridge.

Bicyclists and skiers find cozy lodging at Cache Mountain Cabin.

A man works on his skis next to parked bicycles at a log cabin.

A rocky limestone spire dominates the rugged landscape near Windy Gap in the White Mountains.

A snow-covered rock outcrop stands above a valley.

The Colorado Creek Trail brings visitors into the heart of the White Mountains.

A snowmobile riders crosses a big meadow with mountains in the distance.

White Mountains trails are multi-use, and visitors have a long history of sharing the trails with other users.

A musher and her dog team pass snowmobilers on a trail.

The Windy Creek Trail passes the scenic Limestone Jags in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

Rocky outcrops protrude from snow-covered mountains

White Mountains visitors prepare to depart Wickersham Dome Trailhead.

Two snowmobilers wait next to an information kiosk.

A snowshoer enjoys an evening view of the Fossil Creek drainage near Windy Gap in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

A man enjoys a view of a distant mountain.

A bicyclist pedals along frozen Fossil Creek near Windy Gap Cabin.

A man rides a bicycle on a frozen creek in the mountains.

Several White Mountains winter trails cross frozen Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River.

A frozen river and mountains under a blue sky

Caribou Bluff Cabin in the White Mountains National Recreation Area

A log cabin surrounded by snow

The Bureau of Land Management grooms White Mountains trails throughout the winter, but visitors should still be prepared for the unexpected, including fresh snow, drifts, and cold temperatures.

A snowmobiler rides past a log cabin

Northern lights as seen from Wolf Run Cabin in the White Mountains National Recreation Area

Northern lights over a mountain ridge

A snowshoer departs from Caribou Bluff Cabin in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

A man snowshoes from a log cabin

Wickersham Dome Trailhead on the Elliott Highway is the busiest access point for trips into the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

A family prepares camping gear and bicycles next to a car.

A spring keeps this section of Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River from freezing despite frigid winter temperatures in the White Mountains.

An open pool in a frozen river in snow-covered mountains

White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins

Located about an hour's drive from Fairbanks, Alaska, off the Steese and
Elliott Highways, the one-million-acre White Mountains National Recreation
Area offers stunning scenery, peaceful solitude, and outstanding opportunities
for recreation.

The White Mountains has three campgrounds, 13 public use cabins and two trail
shelters providing various opportunities to enjoy the area throughout the
year.

  * Trail Updates
  * Reserve a cabin

## Winter Recreation October 15 - April 30

Reaching the heart of the White Mountains becomes much easier in the winter,
when creeks, rivers, and bogs are frozen. In winter, visitors travel by ski,
snowshoe, fatbike dog team and snowmobile to enjoy the 13 public-use cabins
and 250 miles of groomed trails that make the White Mountains one of Interior
Alaska's premier winter destinations.

Most of White Mountains winter trails are open to both snowmobiles and
nonmotorized users, except for the non-motorized Ski Loop Trail and Summit
Trail.

  * Winter Trail Map & Guide
  * Winter Recreation Map

## Summer Recreation May 1 – October 14

During the short summers, visitors hike, float, hunt, fish, pan for gold and
camp under Alaska's 'midnight sun.'

Nome Creek valley is one of the prime access points for summer recreation with
access to two campgrounds, trails, a gold-panning area and a departure point
for float trips on Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River. It can be reached via
the US Creek Road, Steese Highway Milepost 57. These gravel roads can be bumpy
but are suitable for use by highway vehicles.

To protect sensitive resources, vehicles must remain on BLM routes designated
for their use unless traveling in an area designated open to cross-country
motorized travel. The entire area is open to all forms of non-motorized use,
so feel free to explore off trail.

The most popular places to ride OHV’s is in the Nome Creek tailings and the
Quartz Creek Trail.

Most of the cabins become difficult to reach in the summer, but a few are
regularly used such as Fred Blixt Cabin and Lee’s Cabin.

  * Summer OHV fact sheet
  * Summer Recreation Map
  * Nome Creek Valley Map

## Camping

Cabin reservations can be made 45 days in advance through recreation.gov. The
two trail shelters are available first come-first served. Three campgrounds
are open from late-May until the snow flies in October: Cripple Creek
Campground, Mount Prindle Campground, and Ophir Creek Campground. There’s no
permit needed to camp outside the developed areas, just keep in mind that
dispersed camping is limited to 10 days and is prohibited in the area’s three
Research Natural Areas to protect resources.

<p>Located about an hour's drive from Fairbanks, Alaska, off the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/documents/alaska/public-room/brochure/steese-and-elliott-highway-brochure" rel="nofollow">Steese and Elliott Highways</a>, the one-million-acre White Mountains National Recreation Area offers stunning scenery, peaceful solitude, and outstanding opportunities for recreation.</p><p>The White Mountains has three campgrounds, 13 public use cabins and two trail shelters providing various opportunities to enjoy the area throughout the year.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/white-mountains/trail-update" rel="nofollow">Trail Updates</a></li><li><a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252494" rel="nofollow">Reserve a cabin</a></li></ul><h2>Winter Recreation October 15 - April 30</h2><p>Reaching the heart of the White Mountains becomes much easier in the winter, when creeks, rivers, and bogs are frozen. In winter, visitors travel by ski, snowshoe, fatbike dog team and snowmobile to enjoy the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/25249" rel="nofollow">13 public-use cabins</a> and 250 miles of groomed trails that make the White Mountains one of Interior Alaska's premier winter destinations.</p><p>Most of White Mountains winter trails are open to both snowmobiles and nonmotorized users, except for the non-motorized Ski Loop Trail and Summit Trail.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/documents/alaska/public-room/brochure/white-mountains-NRA-winter-trails-cabins-brochure" rel="nofollow">Winter Trail Map & Guide</a></li><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/alaska/public-room/map/winter-recreation-white-mountains-national-recreation-area-and-steese" rel="nofollow">Winter Recreation Map</a></li></ul><h2>Summer Recreation May 1 – October 14</h2><p>During the short summers, visitors hike, float, hunt, fish, pan for gold and camp under Alaska's 'midnight sun.'</p><p>Nome Creek valley is one of the prime access points for summer recreation with access to two campgrounds, trails, a gold-panning area and a departure point for float trips on <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/alaska/beaver-creek-wsr" rel="nofollow">Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River</a>. It can be reached via the US Creek Road, Steese Highway Milepost 57. These gravel roads can be bumpy but are suitable for use by highway vehicles.</p><p>To protect sensitive resources, vehicles must remain on BLM routes designated for their use unless traveling in an area designated open to cross-country motorized travel. The entire area is open to all forms of non-motorized use, so feel free to explore off trail.</p><p>The most popular places to ride OHV’s is in the Nome Creek tailings and the Quartz Creek Trail.</p><p>Most of the cabins become difficult to reach in the summer, but a few are regularly used such as <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/fred-blixt-cabin" rel="nofollow">Fred Blixt Cabin</a> and <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/lees-cabin" rel="nofollow">Lee’s Cabin</a>.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/alaska/public-room/fact-sheet/summer-ohv-fact-sheet-white-mountains-and-steese-travel-areas" rel="nofollow">Summer OHV fact sheet</a></li><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/documents/alaska/public-room/map/Summer-Recreation-in-the-White-Mountains-NRA-and-Steese-NCA-georeferenced-pdf-map" rel="nofollow">Summer Recreation Map</a></li><li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/alaska/public-room/map/nome-creek-valley-georeferenced-pdf-map" rel="nofollow">Nome Creek Valley Map</a></li></ul><h2>Camping</h2><p>Cabin reservations can be made 45 days in advance through <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252494" rel="nofollow">recreation.gov</a>. The two trail shelters are available first come-first served. Three campgrounds are open from late-May until the snow flies in October: <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10325233" rel="nofollow">Cripple Creek Campground</a>, <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10325252" rel="nofollow">Mount Prindle Campground</a>, and <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10325266" rel="nofollow">Ophir Creek Campground</a>. There’s no permit needed to camp outside the developed areas, just keep in mind that dispersed camping is limited to 10 days and is prohibited in the area’s three Research Natural Areas to protect resources.</p>

Mount Prindle Campground

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Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Mount Prindle Campground

Cripple Creek Campground

Cripple Creek Campground

Ophir Creek Campground

Ophir Creek Campground

White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins