Arctic Circle Campground
04 reviewsDalton Highway Milepost 115, Fairbanks, AK, 99709
Quick Facts
Price
$12/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
19 campsites
Season
Campground is open f...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$12/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
19 campsites
Season
Campground is open f...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsArctic Circle Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$12 per night. First-come, first-serve only. Campground is open from mid-May through end of September, depending on snowfall.
Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$12.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$24.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(907) 474-2200
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 4 reviews
9 Google reviews
Most mentioned
clean
"Overall, visitors appreciate the campground's remote location, natural beauty, and basic amenities. However, some note the lack of privacy and facilities such as potable water and showers."
Fees & Passes at Arctic Circle Campground
$12/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Camping is limited to 14 days.
Cancellation: Reservations can be modified or canceled ahead of your arrival date, with a $10 cancellation fee and...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official BLM Arctic Circle Campground website.
Best Time to Camp at Arctic Circle Campground
Experience nature's extremes as the seasons transform this northern paradise. Summer unveils a gentle side of the Arctic, with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, while the famous midnight sun bathes the landscape in ethereal, never-ending twilight. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, where heavy snowfall blankets the forest and temperatures plunge into a true Arctic deep freeze—a testament to the raw power of this remarkable latitude.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Mid-May through September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Campground is open from mid-May through end of September, depending on snowfall.
- Current Alerts: No current advisories listed.
About Arctic Circle Campground
Cross into the land of the midnight sun at Arctic Circle Campground, where adventure meets comfort in Alaska's pristine wilderness. Thoughtfully renovated in 2021, this hillside haven offers 19 well-appointed campsites carved into a mixed forest landscape. Each site comes equipped with sturdy gravel surfaces, welcoming picnic tables, crackling fire rings, and essential bear-resistant food lockers—everything you need for a safe and memorable stay at one of North America's most iconic latitudes.
Arctic Circle Campground offers primitive camping options suitable for tents, RVs, and walk-ins, with no additional amenities such as electricity or sewer hookups.
Historical SignificanceStand at the edge of the world and capture a moment that few travelers ever experience. The iconic Arctic Circle sign marks your arrival at 66°33' North, where you can snap that coveted photo and receive an official certificate—tangible proof of your journey to this legendary geographic milestone that has captivated explorers and adventurers for generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's extremes as the seasons transform this northern paradise. Summer unveils a gentle side of the Arctic, with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, while the famous midnight sun bathes the landscape in ethereal, never-ending twilight. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, where heavy snowfall blankets the forest and temperatures plunge into a true Arctic deep freeze—a testament to the raw power of this remarkable latitude.
ElevationNestled at an elevation that perfectly balances accessibility with authentic wilderness immersion, the campground's hillside location provides natural drainage and stunning vantage points across the surrounding landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to panoramic views stretching across the vast Kanuti Flats National Wildlife Refuge, where untouched wilderness extends to the horizon. The campground's mixed forest creates a living tapestry of spruce, birch, and aspen that shelters an incredible array of wildlife. Keep your camera ready for encounters with playful red squirrels, elusive marten, and majestic lynx. Lucky visitors might glimpse wolves padding through the shadows or spot the distinctive silhouettes of both brown and black bears foraging in the distance. Above, the air comes alive with the distinctive calls of ravens, the flutter of grouse wings, and the cheerful chatter of chickadees that serve as your constant companions.
Geological RegionPerched on a scenic hillside where boreal forest meets sub-Arctic wilderness, the campground occupies a unique geological transition zone near the Arctic Circle. The undulating terrain reveals ancient stories written in stone and soil, while sweeping views encompass the rolling hills and the magnificent expanse of Kanuti Flats National Wildlife Refuge—a pristine wetland ecosystem that serves as a crucial sanctuary for countless species in this northern frontier.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessibility features including accessible picnic tables, extended fire pits suitable for wheelchair users, flat crushed gravel pathways, and accessible parking and vault toilet facilities.
Sites SizeSites are spacious, with parking aprons designed for easy maneuverability. There are drive-in and walk-in options.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are surrounded by trees, providing some level of shade and privacy.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesWalk-in sites offer added privacy and are accessible via a short gravel path.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not explicitly listed.
Check-out
Not explicitly listed.
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number per site not specified.
Groups
No designated group sites are mentioned within the campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSix pull-through sites for RVs, eleven back-in sites, and two walk-in campsites in a small open area.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is open from mid-May through end of September, depending on snowfall.
Reservation PlatformsReservations through Recreation.gov mobile app (Scan & Pay system). No cellular service available in the area.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve only. Visitors must arrive physically to claim a site and use the Scan & Pay system.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be modified or canceled ahead of your arrival date, with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations (starting midnight one calendar day before check-in). No refunds, modifications, or cancellations allowed for first-come, first-serve Scan & Pay transactions.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Arctic Circle Campground offers a range of recreational activities, from hiking in rugged terrain to fishing and birdwatching. Visitors can also access nearby creeks for gold panning and enjoy bicycling on the surrounding roads.
Hiking
"Backcountry hiking opportunities exist on nearby ridges. The terrain is rugged with tussocks, wet ground, and uneven footing, making it suitable only for experienced hikers equipped with maps, GPS, and a compass."Fishing
"Fishing is available in Fish Creek and the two forks of Bonanza Creek, which are located nearby. A State of Alaska fishing license is required."Biking
"Bicycling is permitted along the Dalton Highway and surrounding areas, offering scenic routes for exploration."Boating
"The Jim River nearby offers Class I-II float trips with several access points along the Dalton Highway. Visitors should be cautious of sweepers and strainers."Wildlife viewing
"The mixed forest habitat surrounding the campground supports diverse wildlife, including squirrels, marten, lynx, brown and black bears, and various bird species such as ravens and chickadees."Winter Activities
The campground is not operational during the winter season.Water Sports
Non-motorized water activities such as kayaking and canoeing are possible in nearby streams, but no rentals or specific facilities are provided.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Each campsite includes a fire ring with a grill attachment. Campers should follow fire safety guidelines.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly listed.
Hazards
General hazardsDangers include rugged terrain, wildlife like wolves and bears, and adverse weather conditions. Visitors are advised to carry maps, GPS, and satellite communication devices.
Active alertsNo current advisories listed.
Weather at Arctic Circle Campground
-11
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Contact Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot, Alaska (~20 miles north) or Fairbanks Public Room for emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May through September.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles and bear-resistant food lockers are available, but there are no specific recycling facilities mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresFish Creek and Bonanza Creek offer fishing opportunities nearby.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention heavy mosquito activity and lack of privacy due to traffic, as well as the absence of water and electricity.
HostA camp host is onsite but no further details provided.
Campground Map
Dalton Highway Milepost 115, Fairbanks, AK, 99709
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible via a gravel access road located ½ mile east and uphill from the Dalton Highway. Seasonal road conditions may vary, and heavy snowfall could impact usability during off-seasons.Nearby places
Fairbanks (~200 miles, 5 to 7 hours drive depending on road and weather conditions).
Nearby supplies
Coldfoot (~20 miles north), offering fuel, food, lodging, and cell service.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
4 reviews
Arctic Circle Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, visitors appreciate the campground's remote location, natural beauty, and basic amenities. However, some note the lack of privacy and facilities such as potable water and showers.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors frequently highlight the cleanliness and maintenance of the campground, its scenic surroundings, and the unique experience of camping at the Arctic Circle.
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, cell service, and the high presence of mosquitoes. Noise from other visitors and limited privacy in some areas are also noted.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
"Bring sufficient water and supplies as the campground is entirely self-sufficient." "Dress in layers and prepare for wildlife encounters." "Leave a travel plan with someone you trust due to the lack...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Camping is most popular during the summer months when the campground is operational. Visitors enjoy long daylight hours but should prepare for mosquitoes and unpredictable weather.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The Dalton Highway is no joke -- it's a path that likes to beat you. If you go to the 'campground,' make sure you are totally self-sufficient and wildlife savvy." - Silly Goose Farm Girl
"Great...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are described as well-maintained and offering varying levels of privacy. Walk-in sites provide a more secluded experience compared to drive-in sites.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
"All campsites were designed with accessibility in mind, including accessible fire pits and picnic tables."
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information on pet policies was provided.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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