Within Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Chilkoot Trail Camping provides hike-in access for backpackers following this historic route. The National Park Service manages this established campground, which features water and sewer hookups despite its remote location accessed only on foot. Sites sit on open terrain near creek areas along the famous gold rush trail.
Pets are permitted at this backcountry location, and reservations are available through the park service. For additional camping options before starting the trail, Pullen Creek and RV Park sits just south of the trailhead area. Pack extra water despite the hookups, as trail conditions can change rapidly in this mountain environment.
Description
Overview
The Chilkoot National Historic Trail is not open for crossing the Canadian border. When you apply for your Chilkoot Trail permit you will need to select the campgrounds you wish to use, select which nights you will be there, and how many members are in your party. Each campsite includes one 10ftx10ft space which may be used for up to two small tents. If additional spaces are needed, select additional camp sites.__April 1-May 31 camping permits are not required. Campsites are listed as Walk up - First Come, First Served to indicate the campgrounds are open. You do not need to check in at the park upon arrival during this time period.June 1 - September 12 camping permits must be reserved, printed out beforehand, and validated at the Trail Center in Skagway prior to heading out on the trail. There is a $20.00 nonrefundable permit fee per trip.Guide to Planning Your Chilkoot Trail Hike.Finnegan's Point CampgroundFinnegan's Point is the first campground on the Chilkoot Trail. It is located near the Taiya River. Warming shelter and bear boxes are located close to the trail. Outhouse and tent platforms are up the hill from the warming shelter. Finnegan's Point is a good choice for hikers starting late in the day.Location: Mile Marker 5Site Elevation: 249 ft.Campsites: 6 sites, with wooden 10ftx10ft tent platformsWarming Shelter: 1 Canvas, walled tent with wood burning stoveFood Storage: bear boxes and one bear poleToilet: 1composting outhouseWater Source: Taiya river located close to the warming shelter, all water must be purifiedGrey Water Disposal: Pack out all food scraps, dispose of grey water into fast moving water to follow Leave No Trace principles.Canyon City CampgroundThe Canyon City campground provides a nice place to take a break from hiking, with several tables and two warming shelters. Canyon City is a common first night stop. Spending the night here makes it easy to explore the Canyon City Loop Trail.Location: Mile marker 7.7Site elevation: 463 ftCampsites: 16 sites, with wooden 10ftx10ft tent platforms.Warming shelter: 1 canvas walled tent, 1 log cabin with wood burning stovesFood storage: bear boxesToilet: 2 composting outhousesWater source: Taiya River located a short distance from the campground, a small stream runs behind the wall tent, all water must be purified.Grey water disposal: pack out all food scraps, dispose of grey water into fast moving water to practice Leave No TracePleasant Camp CampgroundPleasant Camp is located near the Taiya River. It is just after a relatively large elevation gain coming from Canyon City. It is a good place to stay for experienced hikers accustomed to long days who want a quieter campground than Sheep Camp.Location: Mile marker10.7Site elevation: 750 ftCampsites: 11 bare ground sitesWarming shelter: 1 canvas walled tent with wood burning stoveFood storage: bear boxesToilet: 1 composting outhouseWater source: Taiya River located a short distance from the campground, all water must be purifiedGrey water disposal: pack out all food scraps, dispose of grey water into fast moving water to practice Leave No TraceSheep Camp CampgroundSheep Camp is the last campground on the U.S. side of the trail before the trail summit. Sheep Camp is the location of the NPS backcountry ranger station, a quarter mile from the campground.Location__Mile marker: 13Site elevation: 1,058 ftCampsites: 25 sites, with wooden 10ftx10ft tent platforms, have places to tie securing lines.Warming shelter: A large covered, but open air picnic shelter for meals. A restored 1960s era log cabin, also with wood stove. Note: sleeping in shelters is not permitted.Food storage: bear boxesToilet: 3 composting outhousesWater source: Taiya River located a short distance from the campground, all water must be purifiedGrey water disposal: pack out all food scraps, dispose of grey water into fast moving water to practice Leave No Trace
Facilities
You are required to stop by the Trail Center in Skagway to validate your permit and receive a safety briefing prior to starting your hike.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 983-9234.
Fee Info
There is a $20.00 nonrefundable permit fee per trip. The permit covers all Chilkoot Trail campsites that you reserve for your trip.
Location
Public CampgroundChilkoot Trail Camping — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is located in Alaska
Directions
Start by checking in at the Chilkoot Trail Center at 520 Broadway, Skagway, AK. The Chilkoot Trail Center is located on the east side of Broadway between 5th and 6th Avenues.Once your permit has been validated you can head to the Chilkoot Trailhead. Head North out of town towards the Klondike Highway. Turn left onto Dyea road, and follow the road for approximately 7 miles.The parking lot will be on your left, and the trailhead will be on your right, across the road from the parking lot.
Address
102 Broadway
Skagway, AK 99840
Coordinates
59.455442 N
135.314773 W
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
