Arctic Circle Campground campground
Fairbanks, Alaska

Arctic Circle Campground

Mostly first-come
19 campsites
Open in maps

19

Total Campsites

Campground

Reservable Sites

Mostly first-come

19

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Arctic Circle Campground

Overview Arctic Circle Campground is located on a beautiful mixed forest hillside at the Arctic Circle. It was fully renovated in 2021. There are some views of nearby hills and the Kanuti Flats. It is located ½ mile east (uphill) from the Dalton Highway and Arctic Circle sign. The campground is a perfect stop for those exploring their way up the Dalton Highway. There are 19 accessible campsites. This location is available on a first-come, first-serve basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to claim and purchase a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsites(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Download the free Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival as this is a remote area that has limited or no cellular service. Recreation The hills in the area are remote with rugged terrain and offer no developed routes. Backcountry hiking opportunities can be found on ridges in the area. Be advised that hiking can be difficult due to tussocks, wet ground and uneven footing. Choose your route with care and bring topographic maps, a satellite communication device, a GPS and a compass with you if you choose to go exploring. Fishing opportunities are numerous in this area. Try your luck in the aptly named Fish Creek at the base of the hill, or just a little ways to the north are the two forks of Bonanza Creek. Make sure you have a State of Alaska fishing license and know the regulations for the area you are fishing. Panning for gold is also allowed on a several federal stream segments along the Dalton Highway south of Atigun Pass (Milepost 244). No panning is permitted in the pipeline right-of-way (27 feet/8.2 m on either side of the pipeline) and no panning on federal mining claims without permission. Suction dredging is prohibited in the Utility Corridor. Visit the BLM Public Room in Fairbanks (222 University Ave, Fairbanks, Alaska) or the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot, Alaska, to get information on where you may legally pan for gold. The Jim River can be a nice Class I-II float trip with several access points along the highway. Watch out for sweepers and strainers! Other recreational activities include bird watching and bicycling. State statute prohibits off-road vehicle use within five miles either side of from the highway from the Yukon River to the Arctic Ocean. Facilities The hills in the area are remote with rugged terrain and offer no developed routes. Backcountry hiking opportunities can be found on ridges in the area. Be advised that hiking can be difficult due to tussocks, wet ground and uneven footing. Choose your route with care and bring topographic maps, a satellite communication device, a GPS and a compass with you if you choose to go exploring. Fishing opportunities are numerous in this area. Try your luck in the aptly named Fish Creek at the base of the hill, or just a little ways to the north are the two forks of Bonanza Creek. Make sure you have a State of Alaska fishing license and know the regulations for the area you are fishing. Panning for gold is also allowed on a several federal stream segments along the Dalton Highway south of Atigun Pass (Milepost 244). No panning is permitted in the pipeline right-of-way (27 feet/8.2 m on either side of the pipeline) and no panning on federal mining claims without permission. Suction dredging is prohibited in the Utility Corridor. Visit the BLM Public Room in Fairbanks (222 University Ave, Fairbanks, Alaska) or the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot, Alaska, to get information on where you may legally pan for gold. The Jim River can be a nice Class I-II float trip with several access points along the highway. Watch out for sweepers and strainers! Other recreational activities include bird watching and bicycling. State statute prohibits off-road vehicle use within five miles either side of from the highway from the Yukon River to the Arctic Ocean. Natural Features The campsites are situated in a mixed forest with views of the nearby hills and the Kanuti Flats National Wildlife Refuge. The surrounding forest provides habitat for squirrels, marten, lynx, wolf and brown and black bears. A variety of birds migrate north to breed in the area. Some of the resident birds include ravens, grouse, and chickadees. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (907) 474-2200. Nearby Attractions The Arctic Circle sign is located nearby. Take your photo in front of the sign and get your certificate to prove to your friends and family that you were there! Drive north about 20 miles to Gobblers Knob to get expansive views of the Brooks Range and Kanuti Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Drive just a little further and you can visit Coldfoot, which is located in the foothills of the Brooks Range. Fuel, food, lodging and cell service are available at Coldfoot.

  • 19 total campsites listed.
  • Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
  • 19 accessible campsites listed.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (16).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Arctic Circle Campground photo 2
Arctic Circle Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Arctic Circle Campground special

Perched on a forested hillside just outside Fairbanks, Arctic Circle Campground offers one of Alaska's most singular camping experiences. Fully renovated in 2021, the campground blends modern comfort with true frontier character across 19 well-spaced sites tucked beneath a canopy of mixed spruce and birch. The surrounding boreal forest hums with life during the long summer days, when the midnight sun bathes your camp in golden light that never quite fades. Whether you have driven up from Fairbanks for a weekend escape or are staging for a deeper push into the Interior, this hillside retreat rewards you with sweeping views, crisp northern air, and a silence so complete you can hear the wind shift through the treetops. Moose sightings are routine, and the aurora borealis puts on unforgettable shows from late August onward. Trails fan out from camp into the surrounding hills, and the nearby Chena River drainage invites anglers chasing arctic grayling. Facilities are clean and well-maintained, a welcome touch after long miles on gravel roads. If your idea of camping means waking up in a place that feels like the edge of the world, Arctic Circle Campground delivers exactly that.

Campsite Inventory

19 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

16total sites

0

Reservable

16

Accessible

WALK TO

2total sites

0

Reservable

2

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

1total sites

0

Reservable

1

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Driveway entry

Back-in, Pull-through

Driveway Grade

N/A, Slight

Driveway surface

Gravel

Site Access

Hike-In

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mostly first-come

Getting There

From Fairbanks, drive north 11 miles on the Steese Highway (AK-6) to its junction with the Elliott Highway (AK-2) in Fox. Follow the Elliott Highway 73 miles to the junction with the Dalton Highway (AK-11). Continue on the Dalton to Arctic Circle Campground at Milepost 115. It is about 200 miles from Fairbanks to Arctic Circle Campground, and the trip can take from 5 to 7 hours depending on weather, road conditions, and how often you stop along the way. The campground is on the east side of the highway (right as you head north) and is located approximately ½ mile up the hill via an access road at the north end of the wayside.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Arctic Circle Campground.

How do reservations work for Arctic Circle Campground?

Reservation availability for Arctic Circle Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Arctic Circle Campground?

Arctic Circle Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (16), WALK TO (2), MANAGEMENT (1).

Where is Arctic Circle Campground located?

Arctic Circle Campground is in Alaska near Fairbanks. Coordinates: 66.5580, -150.7932.

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