Marion Creek Campground

Star4.71
43 reviews
Dalton Highway Milepost 180, Coldfoot, AK 99709
Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

1,115 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open from mid-May th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Marion Creek Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground costs $12 per night and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservation must be made on-site using the Recreation.gov mobile...
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Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
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

4.71

Top-Rated

Based on 43 reviews

29 Google reviews

Most mentioned

well-maintainedsites

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews highlight the campground's clean facilities, large pull-through campsites, and serene environment. "Beautiful area, clean and quiet campground," and "Private campsites and kept in excellent condition" are common sentiments."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Dalton Highway Milepost 180, Coldfoot, AK 99709

Marion Creek Campground

Dalton Highway Milepost 180, Coldfoot, AK 99709

Driving directionsMarion Creek Campground is located at mile 180 of the Dalton Highway. It is 5 miles past the village of Coldfoot, on the east side of the highway.
The road to Marion Creek Campground is gravel but accessible. It is located off the Dalton Highway, which is fully paved. Road conditions are generally good, especially during the summer season when the campground is open. Visitors should note that cell service is limited or unavailable in this remote area.
Nearby places
Coldfoot (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Wiseman (approximately 10 miles, 20 minutes)
Fairbanks (approximately 260 miles south, 6-7 hours).
Nearby supplies
Coldfoot (5 miles south) offers a cafe, lodging, a post office, diesel and gasoline fuel, and limited repair service.

Best Time to Camp at Marion Creek Campground

Experience nature's most dramatic light show as summer transforms Marion Creek into a land where the sun never sets. Late June's endless daylight gives way to July and August's golden glow, perfect for midnight hikes and photography. As autumn arrives in late August, the landscape erupts in brilliant golds and crimsons while the returning darkness brings nature's other spectacle—the dancing aurora borealis painting ribbons of green and purple across the star-filled sky.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 10% in AK

Endless daylight, pristine summer conditions and peak-season access make summer exceptional.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews highlight vivid foliage and aurora sightings; season is a major draw.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from mid-May so late spring access limited; variable snow impacts early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside mid-May to end-September window; winter not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Late May through September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from mid-May through end of September, depending on snowfall.

About Marion Creek Campground

Deep in Alaska's majestic Brooks Range, Marion Creek Campground beckons adventurers with 27 thoughtfully placed gravel-surfaced campsites tucked beneath towering spruce trees. This serene mountain retreat on the southern slopes of the Brooks Range rewards visitors with sweeping vistas and the gentle soundtrack of Marion Creek tumbling over nearby falls, creating an authentic wilderness experience that captures the raw beauty of interior Alaska.
Marion Creek Campground accommodates tent, RV, and accessible camping, suitable for visitors seeking a remote wilderness experience.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time follows a first-come-first-serve policy.
Check-out
Check-out follows a first-come-first-serve policy.
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 14 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Marion Creek Campground provides diverse recreational opportunities amidst Alaska’s Brooks Range. "The Brooks Range offers excellent recreation opportunities." Activities include hiking, bird watching, wildflower spotting, fishing, gold panning, and river trips. Seasonal activities such as spotting northern lights make this campground unique.
HikingHiking trails are available, including a maintained trail leading to Marion Falls. User reviews emphasize the trail to the waterfall and an additional overlook as highlights.
FishingFishing opportunities are noted along the Dalton Highway, and some user reviews mention fishing in nearby rivers.
BikingBiking is listed as one of the recreational activities, although specific trail details are not provided.
BoatingThe Dalton Highway features several river trips suitable for boating, ranging from Class I-II streams to Class III-IV+ whitewater, though expert boaters are recommended for challenging segments.
Wildlife viewingUsers have reported observing grizzlies and other wildlife. The forested area provides habitat for various mammals and birds.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsEducational programs are available at the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in nearby Coldfoot, providing insights into the region's history and natural environment.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as grizzly and black bears, as well as unpredictable weather conditions. “Love this campground, grizzly are close.”
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available throughout the campground for food security.

Weather at Marion Creek Campground

Reviews

4.7
43 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Marion Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's clean facilities, large pull-through campsites, and serene environment. "Beautiful area, clean and quiet campground," and "Private campsites and kept in excellent condition" are common sentiments.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include well-maintained facilities, scenic beauty, accessibility to Marion Falls, large campsites, and opportunities to see the northern lights.
Based on 43 reviews

Common Concerns

Occasional feedback mentions a lack of potable water in some reviews (contradicted by official amenities), no electricity or dump station, and seasonal challenges such as mosquitoes.
Based on 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring firewood as availability is not guaranteed, and consider mosquito repellents during summer months. Download the Recreation.gov app before arrival due to limited cell service.
Based on 43 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention 24-hour daylight and pristine conditions, while fall reviews highlight vibrant foliage and aurora borealis sightings.
Based on 43 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderful campground with many great pull-through sites," "The pull-thru spaces were huge! I'm guessing 100' or more," "Beautiful area, clean and quiet campground. Great hike up to the falls and we...
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Based on 43 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 16 in the Outer Loop and Site 9 in the Inner Loop are praised for cleanliness and privacy.
Based on 43 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews mention accessible campsites, clean restrooms, and bear-proof food storage.
Based on 43 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific mentions of pet-related experiences or amenities in user reviews.
Based on 43 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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