Skagway / Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Pleasant Camp

Closed — Closed for winter. The Chilkoot Trail typically operates from early June through September, with winter snow making the trail inaccessible. Backcountry permits required year-round when open.

About

Pleasant Camp is a backcountry campground located 10.7 miles from the trailhead along the historic Chilkoot Trail within Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Situated near the Taiya River, the camp is positioned just after a significant elevation gain from Canyon City when hiking south to north, making it a pleasant respite for weary hikers. True to its name, Pleasant Camp is the trail's least used campground, offering visitors a particularly tranquil evening in the wilderness. The campground accommodates 11 overnight campers and includes vault toilets, non-potable water, and a warming shelter equipped with a stove where fires are permitted. Backpacking stoves may be used inside or outside the shelter. Hikers should note that continuing directly from Pleasant Camp over the pass requires traversing the challenging Golden Stairs section the following day, making this a strategic stop for properly pacing the journey. All overnight camping along the Chilkoot Trail requires a backcountry permit purchased from the Chilkoot Trail Center in Skagway. The trail typically operates seasonally, with winter conditions bringing deep snow that makes passage difficult or impossible. The Chilkoot Trail follows the route of the 1897-1898 Klondike Gold Rush stampeders, offering modern hikers a chance to experience this historic route through stunning sub-alpine terrain.

Directions

Pleasant Camp is located 10.7 miles from the trailhead along the Chilkoot Trail. Access is by hiking only from the Dyea trailhead near Skagway, Alaska.

Nearby Campgrounds