Arctic Circle

Summary

Arctic Circle Campground is a perfect stop for those exploring the Dalton Highway, offering 19 accessible campsites on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is located on a beautiful mixed forest hillside at the Arctic Circle with views of nearby hills and the Kanuti Flats. There are multiple recreational activities, such as backcountry hiking, fishing, panning for gold and more, as well as facilities such as vault toilets, trash receptacles and bear resistant food lockers. Visitors can also find nearby attractions such as the Arctic Circle sign and Gobblers Knob.

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 roads, and parking aprons have a gravel surface. Six sites are pull-through allowing easy access for RVs, eleven sites are back-in, and there are two walk-in campsites. There are vault toilets, trash receptacles and bear resistant food lockers. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. A camp-host is onsite. Water is not available at the campground and there is no electricity and no dump station.

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.

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.

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