Arctic Circle Campground

3.45

25 reviews

Dalton Highway Milepost 115, Fairbanks, AK, 99709

Quick Facts

1,316 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Campground is open f...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens BLM Arctic Circle Campground site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

1,316 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Campground is open f...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens BLM Arctic Circle Campground site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Arctic 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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(907) 474-2200

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What Campers Say

3.45

Mixed Reviews

Based on 25 reviews

23 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Dalton Highway Milepost 115, Fairbanks, AK, 99709

Arctic Circle Campground

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.

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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Campground open and busiest mid-May through Sept; long daylight great for activities but mosquitoes noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open through September; autumn colors and fewer bugs possible but season is short and variable weather.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Open from mid-May onward; spring (pre-mid-May) outside operating season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed mid-May to end of September; winter stays not supported at site.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is 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.

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.

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.

Site SizeSites are spacious, with parking aprons designed for easy maneuverability. There are drive-in and walk-in options.

PrivacyThe campsites are surrounded by trees, providing some level of shade and privacy.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesWalk-in sites offer added privacy and are accessible via a short gravel path.

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

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDangers 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.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant food lockers shared among campers are situated near vault toilets.

Fire PolicyEach campsite includes a fire ring with a grill attachment. Campers should follow fire safety guidelines.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly listed.

Emergency ServicesContact Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot, Alaska (~20 miles north) or Fairbanks Public Room for emergencies.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles and bear-resistant food lockers are available, but there are no specific recycling facilities mentioned.

Water FeaturesFish Creek and Bonanza Creek offer fishing opportunities nearby.

Camp HostA camp host is onsite but no further details provided.

Weather at Arctic Circle Campground

Reviews

3.5

25 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Arctic Circle Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 25 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 25 reviews

Common 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 25 reviews

Pro 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 25 reviews

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 25 reviews

Camper 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 25 reviews

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 25 reviews