Closed
— Closed for the season. Typically operates mid-May through end of September depending on snowfall. First-come, first-served only with payment via Recreation.gov mobile app QR code scan on-site.
About
Marion Creek Campground is nestled on the south side of the Brooks Range in the Middle Fork Koyukuk River valley at Milepost 180 of the Dalton Highway. Located five miles north of the historic gold rush town of Coldfoot, the campground sits in a spruce forest with wide vistas of the Brooks Range and easy access to Marion Creek, which is a short walk from the campsites. The facility features 27 sites with gravel roads, tenting areas, and parking aprons, including 14 pull-through sites suitable for RVs and 3 accessible sites.
The campground serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring Alaska's Brooks Range wilderness. Hiking opportunities abound in the surrounding mountains where ridges and drainages provide firm footing and the forest thins to low-growing tundra. The undeveloped Marion Creek Falls trail begins near the campground. Hiking east from the Dalton Highway leads toward the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, while westward routes approach Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. The area also offers gold panning on select federal stream segments, river trips on the Jim River and Middle Fork of the Koyukuk River, wildlife viewing, bird watching, fishing, and hunting.
The area provides habitat for diverse wildlife including squirrels, voles, marten, lynx, wolf, moose, and both grizzly and black bears. Birdlife includes year-round residents such as ravens, grouse, chickadees, hawk owls, and Canada jays, along with numerous migratory species. Campers can experience 24-hour daylight for approximately 30 days around June 21, and in late August through September, brilliant fall colors blanket the landscape and the aurora borealis becomes visible in darkening skies. The Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot provides interpretive exhibits and detailed recreation information.
Directions
Located at Milepost 180 of the Dalton Highway, 5 miles north of Coldfoot on the east side of the highway.
Nearby Campgrounds
