North Slope

Galbraith Lake Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates approximately May through September. Access during winter months is not maintained due to extreme Arctic conditions.

About

Galbraith Lake Campground is the only established campground along the Dalton Highway situated north of the Brooks Range, offering a remote wilderness experience on Alaska's North Slope. Located at milepost 275 of the Dalton Highway, approximately 365 miles from Fairbanks, this BLM-managed facility provides 12 designated pull-through campsites on open tundra with spectacular views of the Brooks Range mountains. The campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Hiking opportunities abound in almost any direction, with routes east leading to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and routes west toward Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. The tundra environment and mountain ridges provide firm footing for experienced hikers, though tussocks in open areas can present challenging terrain. Several world-class river trips are accessible from the area, including the Atigun and Sagavanirktok Rivers for expert whitewater boaters, and the Ivishak Wild and Scenic River. The campground features gravel roads and parking aprons suitable for RVs, with each site equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. A vault toilet, bear-proof food storage lockers, and trash receptacles are provided. No potable water is available on-site, but water can be filtered from a nearby creek. Wildlife viewing opportunities include caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, brown bears, ground squirrels, marmots, foxes, and numerous migratory bird species. Visitors should note that due to the tundra environment, no firewood is available in the vicinity, and off-road vehicle use is prohibited within five miles of the highway by state statute.

Directions

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 Highway to milepost 275, then follow the exit road 4 miles west and south to the campground entrance. Total distance is approximately 365 miles from Fairbanks, taking 13 to 16 hours depending on conditions.

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