Arctic Circle Campground near Dalton Highway features tundra terrain with sparse vegetation. Temperatures can range from below freezing in winter to mild in summer, with significant seasonal variation. Visitors can explore the nearby Arctic Circle Monument and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding wilderness.

## Overview

 Arctic Circle Campground is located on a beautiful mixed forest hillside at the Arctic Circle. It was fully renovated in 2021. There are some views of nearby hills and the Kanuti Flats. It is located mile east (uphill) from the Dalton Highway and Arctic Circle sign. The campground is a perfect stop for those exploring their way up the Dalton Highway. There are 19 accessible campsites. This location is available on a first-come, first-serve basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to claim and purchase a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsites(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Download the free Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival as this is a remote area that has limited or no cellular service. 
## Recreation

 The hills in the area are remote with rugged terrain and offer no developed routes. Backcountry hiking opportunities can be found on ridges in the area. Be advised that hiking can be difficult due to tussocks, wet ground and uneven footing. Choose your route with care and bring topographic maps, a satellite communication device, a GPS and a compass with you if you choose to go exploring. Fishing opportunities are numerous in this area. Try your luck in the aptly named Fish Creek at the base of the hill, or just a little ways to the north are the two forks of Bonanza Creek. Make sure you have a State of Alaska fishing license and know the regulations for the area you are fishing. Panning for gold is also allowed on a several federal stream segments along the Dalton Highway south of Atigun Pass (Milepost 244). No panning is permitted in the pipeline right-of-way (27 feet/8.2 m on either side of the pipeline) and no panning on federal mining claims without permission. Suction dredging is prohibited in the Utility Corridor. Visit the BLM Public Room in Fairbanks (222 University Ave, Fairbanks, Alaska) or the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot, Alaska, to get information on where you may legally pan for gold. The Jim River can be a nice Class I-II float trip with several access points along the highway. Watch out for sweepers and strainers! Other recreational activities include bird watching and bicycling. State statute prohibits off-road vehicle use within five miles either side of from the highway from the Yukon River to the Arctic Ocean. 
## Facilities

 The roads, and parking aprons have a gravel surface. Six sites are pull-through allowing easy access for RVs, eleven sites are back-in, and there are two walk-in campsites. There are vault toilets, trash receptacles and bear resistant food lockers. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. A camp-host is onsite. Water is not available at the campground and there is no electricity and no dump station. 
## Natural Features

 The campsites are situated in a mixed forest with views of the nearby hills and the Kanuti Flats National Wildlife Refuge. The surrounding forest provides habitat for squirrels, marten, lynx, wolf and brown and black bears. A variety of birds migrate north to breed in the area. Some of the resident birds include ravens, grouse, and chickadees. 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (907) 474-2200. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The Arctic Circle sign is located nearby. Take your photo in front of the sign and get your certificate to prove to your friends and family that you were there! Drive north about 20 miles to Gobblers Knob to get expansive views of the Brooks Range and Kanuti Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Drive just a little further and you can visit Coldfoot, which is located in the foothills of the Brooks Range. Fuel, food, lodging and cell service are available at Coldfoot.

Arctic Circle Campground — Dalton Highway

Looking for the best campgrounds near Ester, AK? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Ester is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Ester, AK. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Ester

The Best Camping Near Ester, Alaska

Beautiful scenery and kept up spots. Very remote. 

If you hit the red Alyeska Pipeline road block you have gone too far. This campground was a little confusing to drive around and very very wet in Mid September so bring your rain jacket. The drive out to this campground can be a little bumpy and times so take it slowly. The drive around this campground is a bit rough in spots as well. Totally worth it and with no one else on the entire campground it was pretty epic. The campground is situated right above the Arctic Circle sign so if there are a bunch of people waiting for pictures you can always sang a great shot early in the morning before other people are there. 

Sleep above the Arctic Circle

The Arctic Circle Campground has been completely renovated and is open. There is now a $10 a night fee as of September 2022.

Arctic Circle Campground is Open

Really, who else can say they’ve done that? But honestly, cool site. About 1/2-3/4 mile up the backroad from the pull-off (where the sign is). When you leave the pull-off, turn right instead of left. There was bear activity unfortunately for at least 2 nights in a row— but what else would you expect? Thank God it did not get to us at site #17, but it attacked the guy staying at site #10 (where we almost set up). The camp is pay-to-stay, but there is no service on the Dalton so we couldnt pay by phone. Food storage available and bathrooms were decent. 5/5 just for the experience of it all. We dont mind dry camping. 

Photos of Arctic Circle Campground — Dalton Highway

Real photos from real campers