Galbraith Lake Campground

Overview

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. Please note due to tundra, there is no firewood available in the vicinity of the campground.

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 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. 

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.

Facilities

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. Each campsite has a fire ring (firewood is not available in the vicinity) and picnic table. 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.

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.

Contact Info

This location has limited staffing. Please call (907) 474-2200 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

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.

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. Follow the road 4 miles to the west and south to the campground entrance. At approximately 2 miles you will pass by an airport.

It is about 365 miles from Fairbanks to Galbraith Lake Campground, and the trip can take from 13 to 16 hours depending on weather, road conditions, and how often you stop along the way.