Galbraith Lake Campground
Galbraith Lake Campground is the only campground along the Dalton Highway situated north of the Brooks Range. The tundra environment affords stunning views of the Brooks Range and the north slope. Hiking can be found in almost any direction from the campground, which is an excellent basecamp for exploring the Brooks Range. There are 12 designated campsites. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to claim and purchase a site.
More like this: first-come in Alaska
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 12 |
Site guide
12 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Fires |
|---|---|
| Site 1 | Yes |
| Site 2 | |
| Site 3 | |
| Site 4 | |
| Site 5 | |
| Site 6 | |
| Site 7 | |
| Site 8 | |
| Site 9 | |
| Site 10 |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site.
Amenities & rules
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | $12 per night. Campground is open from mid-May through end of September (depending on snowmelt and snowfall). |
The roads, and parking aprons have a gravel surface. Twelve sites are pull-through allowing easy access for RVs. The campground has a vault toilet, food storage lockers, and trash receptacles. There is no electricity, no dump station and no potable water. Water can be filtered from a nearby creek. A camp-host may be onsite. Cell service may be available.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
From Fairbanks, drive north 11 miles on the Steese Highway (AK-6) to its junction with the Elliott Highway (AK-2) in Fox. Follow the Elliott Highway 73 miles to the junction with the Dalton Highway (AK-11). Continue on the Dalton Highway to Galbraith Lake exit at Milepost 275.
| Coordinates | 68.4532° N, 149.4837° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- Please note due to tundra, there is no firewood available in the vicinity of the campground.
- Once on-site, you have the option to pay for your campsites(s) with cash/check or 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.
- Each campsite has a fire ring (firewood is not available in the vicinity) and picnic table.
Explore
Video
Galbraith Lake camp ground.
Natural features
The campsites are situated on the open tundra with spectacular views of the Brooks Range mountains. Galbraith Lake is located approximately 1.3 miles to the east. A stream flows along the southern perimeter of the campground. The surrounding tundra and mountains provides habitat for ground squirrels, marmots, fox, sheep, caribou, wolf and brown bears. Many species of birds migrate north to breed in the area. Some of the resident birds include ravens and ptarmigan.
Recreation
The Brooks Range offers excellent recreation opportunities, but very few are along designated routes. Hiking is plentiful in the mountains where ridges and drainages provide firm footing, open tundra areas may have uneven and difficult footing due to tussocks. Hiking east from the highway will lead you to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, while hiking west of the highway will take you towards Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Choose your route with care and bring topographic maps, a GPS and a compass with you. There are several excellent river trips in the vicinity of Galbraith Lake Campground: • Atigun and Sagavanirktok (the Sag) Rivers: Class III-IV+ whitewater, access Atigun at Milepost 271; Sag at MP 306. For expert boaters only. • Ivishak Wild and Scenic River: Class II, access by chartered air service from Deadhorse or Coldfoot. More detailed descriptions of these rivers are available at the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center. Other recreational activities include bird watching and fishing. State statute prohibits off-road vehicle use within five miles either side of from the highway from the Yukon River to the Arctic Ocean.
Nearby
Drive a little further north and you will get expansive views of the north slope, possibility of seeing musk ox, caribou and other arctic dwelling wildlife.
Guidebooks for Alaska
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Galbraith Lake Campground?
No. Galbraith Lake Campground is first-come, first-served. Sites are taken on arrival and paid at the fee station.
Source: How first-come camping works
How much does it cost to camp at Galbraith Lake Campground?
$12 per night. Campground is open from mid-May through end of September (depending on snowmelt and snowfall).
How many sites does Galbraith Lake Campground have?
12 sites, including 12 standard sites without power.
Source: Site mix
Are there showers or a dump station at Galbraith Lake Campground?
There is no electricity, no dump station and no potable water.
Source: Amenities & rules
Can I have a campfire at Galbraith Lake Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
What is there to do at Galbraith Lake Campground?
The Brooks Range offers excellent recreation opportunities, but very few are along designated routes. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation