Marion Creek Campground
4.7620 reviewsDalton Highway Milepost 180, Coldfoot, AK 99709
Quick Facts
Price
$12/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
27 campsites
Season
Open from mid-May th...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$12/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
27 campsites
Season
Open from mid-May th...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsMarion 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
Total Campsite Fees$12.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(907) 474-2200
What Campers Say
4.76
Top-Rated
Based on 20 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."
Fees & Passes at Marion Creek Campground
$12/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Camping is limited to 14 days.
Cancellation: No refunds or modifications allowed for scan-and-pay payments. Late cancellations for other reservat...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official U.S. Bureau of Land Management website.
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.
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: 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.
Historical SignificanceJust 5 miles down the road, the legendary town of Coldfoot tells tales of dreamers and drifters who ventured north during the gold rush, only to lose their nerve—and earn the town its memorable name. Continue another 5 miles to discover Wiseman, a living piece of history where time seems frozen since 1907. Here, resilient locals still practice the subsistence lifestyle their mining ancestors pioneered, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into Alaska's enduring frontier spirit.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at the ecological crossroads where dense boreal forest surrenders to windswept tundra, Marion Creek occupies a unique position in the Brooks Range ecosystem. This transitional zone creates a fascinating tapestry of plant life and provides diverse habitats for the region's remarkable wildlife.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the whisper of wind through ancient spruce and panoramic views of the Brooks Range's rugged peaks stretching endlessly northward. Marion Creek's crystalline waters wind past your campsite, occasionally revealing moose wading through shallows or lynx padding silently along the banks. Keep your camera ready for encounters with wandering wolves, imposing grizzlies, and curious black bears, while overhead, Canada jays and ptarmigan provide constant entertainment. Summer's perpetual sunshine illuminates this wilderness theater around the clock near the solstice, while autumn transforms the landscape into a golden wonderland beneath the shimmering northern lights.
Geological RegionCradled in the dramatic Middle Fork Koyukuk River valley, Marion Creek Campground offers front-row seats to one of North America's most pristine mountain ecosystems. Here, the southern ramparts of the Brooks Range create a stunning backdrop where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of peaks and valleys, supporting a remarkable transition from dense boreal forest to Arctic tundra—a living laboratory of adaptation and survival in one of Earth's last great wildernesses.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has three accessible sites and offers accessible potable water, picnic areas, and vault toilets.
Sites Size"The pull-thru spaces were huge! I'm guessing 100' or more," according to user reviews. The campground accommodates large rigs and tents.
Sites Privacy"Private campsites and kept in excellent condition." Marion Creek Campground offers a degree of privacy due to its wooded spruce forest setting.
Total Campsites27 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors recommend pull-through sites, particularly Site 16 for larger rigs. Tent campers may enjoy sites closer to Marion Creek for proximity to the trailhead.
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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Based on typical campsite setups allowing tent or small RV accommodation.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIncludes inner and outer loops. Fourteen sites are pull-through, ideal for RVs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from mid-May through end of September, depending on snowfall.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app only.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served. Visitors must physically arrive at the campground and pay using the Recreation.gov app.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds or modifications allowed for scan-and-pay payments. Late cancellations for other reservations incur a $10 penalty plus forfeit of the first night's fees.
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are noted along the Dalton Highway, and some user reviews mention fishing in nearby rivers.Biking
Biking is listed as one of the recreational activities, although specific trail details are not provided.Boating
The 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 viewing
Users have reported observing grizzlies and other wildlife. The forested area provides habitat for various mammals and birds.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs are available at the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in nearby Coldfoot, providing insights into the region's history and natural environment.Winter Activities
During late summer and fall, the campground offers chances to see the aurora borealis. Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing may be possible in nearby rivers based on the general recreation description.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Each site includes fire rings, and firewood can be purchased on-site when available. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own firewood.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as grizzly and black bears, as well as unpredictable weather conditions. “Love this campground, grizzly are close.”
Weather at Marion Creek Campground
-10
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
The Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot (5 miles south) provides information services. Emergency services in Coldfoot include a post office, limited vehicle repair services, and fuel availability. Nearest hospital facilities are in Fairbanks.
Good to know
Peak season datesLate May through September.
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash receptacles are available throughout the campground, emphasizing safety and cleanliness.
Proximity to water features“Namesake Marion Creek is only a short walk from the campsites.” Nearby rivers include the Middle Fork Koyukuk.
Common complaintsSome visitors find cell service limited. “Remember to bring firewood as supply is not guaranteed.” Mosquito activity is high during summer months.
HostThe camp host is noted for maintaining clean facilities and providing firewood when available.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.8
20 reviews
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 20 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 20 reviewsCommon 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 20 reviewsPro 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 20 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews often mention 24-hour daylight and pristine conditions, while fall reviews highlight vibrant foliage and aurora borealis sightings.
Based on 20 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 16 in the Outer Loop and Site 9 in the Inner Loop are praised for cleanliness and privacy.
Based on 20 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews mention accessible campsites, clean restrooms, and bear-proof food storage.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pet-related experiences or amenities in user reviews.
Based on 20 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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