Chena River State Recreation Area is a park for all seasons, with 397 square miles of forests, rivers, and alpine tundra. Whether you prefer a day hike or rock climb at Granite Tors, to harness up the dog team and escape into the snowy horizon or ride a 4-wheeler along a forest trail, this recreation area has something for everyone. The variety of activities draw more than 150,000 people to the Chena River State Recreation Area every year.

The campgrounds can accommodate all outdoor enthusiasts, from tent campers to deluxe recreational vehicles. There are three developed campgrounds: Rosehip Campground at milepost 27 Chena Hot Springs Road, Tors Trail Campground at milepost 39, and Red Squirrel Campground and Picnic Area at milepost 43.

The park follows the Chena River: a clear flowing, class I-II river, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or fishing for the abundant arctic grayling. Chena Hot Springs Road parallels the river, providing boaters and anglers plenty of entry and exit points from choose from.

Dipping the hook for grayling can be an invigorating experience in the summer. In addition to the river, three small ponds have been stocked at mileposts 30, 45.5 and 47.9. The river is catch and release only, but fish caught in the gravel ponds may be kept.

In winter months, two major dog sled races use portions of the old Chena Hot Springs Winter Trail. Ski touring and snow machining are also popular. The recreation area contains numerous winter trails, providing opportunities for motorized and nonmotorized recreation.

Wildlife is abundant in the Chena River Recreation Area. Visitors frequently find moose grazing in the beaver ponds and sloughs along Chena Hot Springs Road. Black and grizzly bears inhabit the area, though seldom seen. Grizzly bears have been spotted by backcountry hikers in alpine areas and along the river and black bears are sometimes found in areas with abundant vegetation.