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You want an affordable base for exploring the Dalton Highway corridor with access to Marion Falls and aurora viewing.
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$12/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
27 campsites
Season
Open from mid-May th...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$12/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
27 campsites
Season
Open from mid-May th...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Learn more about alerts →Marion Creek Campground
Dalton Highway Milepost 180, Coldfoot, AK 99709
You want an affordable base for exploring the Dalton Highway corridor with access to Marion Falls and aurora viewing.
You need reliable cell service or guaranteed firewood supply on-site.
Context for the broader area surrounding Marion Creek Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.
<p>The Dalton Highway stretches 414 miles across northern Alaska from Livengood (84 miles north of Fairbanks) to Deadhorse and the oilfields of Prudhoe Bay. Built to allow for construction of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline in the 1970s, this mostly gravel highway travels through rolling, forested hills, across the Yukon River and Arctic Circle, through the rugged Brooks Range, and over the North Slope to the Arctic Ocean. </p> <p>The BLM manages a swath of public lands along the highway from the Yukon River to the north side of the Brooks Range. Within the Dalton corridor, the BLM maintains campgrounds, rest areas, interpretive panels and the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot. </p> <p>Visit the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center website at <a href="https://www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/arctic-interagency-visitor-center" rel="nofollow">https://www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/arctic-interagency-visitor-center</a></p> <h4>Know Before You Go</h4> <p>This is no ordinary road -- it pays to be prepared. The road is narrow, rough, steep, and mostly gravel -- prone to clouds of dust, slick mud, and sudden potholes. It’s still primarily an industrial corridor, with heavy truck traffic, though drivers also need to keep an eye out for motorcycles, bicyclists, and wildlife crossings. North of Coldfoot, you may encounter snow and ice any month of the year. Lightning-caused wildfires are increasingly common. Cell phone service is extremely limited. Currently, only GCI and AT&T are available in Coldfoot and scattered locations along the highway. There are no medical facilities or grocery stores. </p> <p>Before you embark on this incredible journey, be sure to check your vehicles tires and fluids, carry extra motor oil and a spare tire(s), and if possible utilize a CB radio tuned to channel 19. Check travel conditions and alerts at <a href="https://511.alaska.gov/" rel="nofollow">511.alaska.gov</a>.</p> <h4>Recreational Activities</h4> <p>From hiking to boating, gold panning to wildlife-watching, there are numerous opportunities for recreation alongside the Dalton Hwy. The BLM maintains 4 developed campgrounds, each open late May through early September. Visit <a href="https://www.blm.gov/central-yukon-fo/public-room/fact-sheet/dalton-highway-campgrounds" rel="nofollow">https://www.blm.gov/central-yukon-fo/public-room/fact-sheet/dalton-highway-campgrounds</a> for more information. Note that Alaska State statutes prohibits use of off road vehicles, including snowmachines, for 5 miles on either side of the Dalton Hwy, north of the Yukon River. Alaska Department of Fish and Game allows only bow hunting within 5 miles either side of the Dalton Hwy north of the Dalton Hwy as well. </p> <h4><strong>Pack it In, Pack it Out</strong></h4> <p>The BLM hauls approximately 20 tons of litter from the Dalton Highway back to Fairbanks (the nearest landfill) each year. Please help reduce waste and litter by packing out everything you pack in. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>
<p>From Fairbanks, drive north on the Steese (AK-6) and Elliott (AK-2) Highways. At Elliott Highway mile 73.1, stay right to get onto the Dalton Highway (AK-11). </p>
<p>No fee</p>
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Best season: summer. Summer offers endless daylight, the warmest temperatures, and the fullest access to trails, river put-ins, and wildlife viewing — ideal for hiking, fishing, boating, and midnight photography. Expect daytime highs typically in the 45–65°F range on average (occasional warm spells into the low 70s) with cool nights in the 30s–40s; long daylight stretches peak in late June–early July. Mosquitoes can be heavy in June–July, and mid-July is the busiest period at this remote site, so plan and reserve in Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January
Fall noted for vibrant foliage and aurora sightings; reviewers highlight gorgeous fall colors.
Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.
Marion Creek Campground offers a variety of amenities that cater to campers seeking a remote yet comfortable experience. "The campground has potable water, vault toilets, and trash receptacles. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. There is no electricity and no dump station." According to user reviews, the campground is well-maintained, clean, and quiet. Reviewers often highlight its potable water and bear-proof trash receptacles. Firewood is available, though some users suggest bringing your own to ensure availability.
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