Camping in Gates of the Arctic: Where to Camp, Reservations, and Costs
The short answer: Gates of the Arctic has no official campgrounds. You don't reserve a site, and you don't pay an overnight fee. You can pitch your tent wherever you want on the Arctic tundra without a permit. This is one of the rarest wilderness camping opportunities among America's national parks, and one of the most demanding logistically.
Campgrounds in the park (0)
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can You Camp in Gates of the Arctic?
Yes, and it's the only way to spend the night in the park. The park is open year-round, with no seasonal closure. There are no designated sites, restrooms, or picnic tables. You can set up camp anywhere in the park as long as you stay at least 0.9 miles from visitor centers and villages and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Camping in the Park: Wilderness Camping
Gates of the Arctic has no roads or maintained trails. To camp inside the park, you can take a charter flight from Fairbanks or hike in from the Dalton Highway. Choose your campsite once you're there, based on the terrain and how close you are to a water source.
Three rules are nonnegotiable:
- Bear canister (an approved bear-resistant food container): required for all food and scented items.
- Campfires are allowed only on gravel bars or bare rock, never on vegetation.
- Pack out everything you bring, without exception.
For recommended camping areas and off-trail approaches, the Gates of the Arctic hiking guide is the go-to reference.
Can You Enter the Park in an RV?
No. No road enters Gates of the Arctic, so RVs can't enter the park. Dalton Highway (Route 11) follows the park's eastern boundary for several dozen miles and has BLM pullouts where you can set out on foot into the park. The Gates of the Arctic RV camping guide covers this route, including stops and access points from Dalton Highway.
Camping Nearby: Coldfoot and Bettles
These are two convenient bases for travelers who want a home base before or after visiting the park.
Coldfoot Camp (about halfway along Dalton Highway) has a basic campground with access to water and restrooms. It's also the last gas station before Deadhorse.
Bettles is a village on the park's southern edge, accessible only by air from Fairbanks. You'll find lodges and charter flights into the park's interior. For all lodging options in the region, the Gates of the Arctic hotels and lodges guide lists the available properties.
Permits and Reservations: What You Need to Know
You don't need a permit to camp in the park, and there's nothing to reserve. Still, it's strongly recommended that you check in at the Coldfoot or Bettles visitor center before entering. Leave your itinerary there and get the latest weather conditions. With no cell service in the park, this is a basic safety precaution, not a formality.
Charter flights from Fairbanks are different. Book them well in advance because small operators have limited capacity, especially from June through August.
Costs: How Much Does a Night in Gates of the Arctic Cost?
Park entrance is free. Camping is free. There's no site fee, and you don't need an America the Beautiful pass. Your main expense will be a charter flight from Fairbanks. Getting to Gates of the Arctic by air lists operators and typical price ranges.
Safety and Best Practices
Grizzly bears live throughout the park. Here are a few practical rules:
- Keep a locked bear canister at least 300 feet from your tent at night.
- Cook at least 200 feet from your campsite and tent.
- If you encounter a bear, speak calmly, make yourself look big, and back away slowly. Never run.
The Arctic climate can catch you off guard even in July. Temperatures can drop below 32°F, winds can pick up without warning, and rain can turn to snow within a few hours. The Gates of the Arctic weather guide provides monthly seasonal benchmarks. For complete safety guidance covering gear, check-in procedures, and emergencies in remote areas, see the Gates of the Arctic practical guide.
Which Trip Is Right for You?
Self-sufficient wilderness camping: this is the only camping option in the park. Gates of the Arctic is for experienced travelers who are comfortable off-trail and can handle the unexpected in a remote area without cell service.
RV travel: approach the park via Dalton Highway, then walk out from the road to explore along its edge.
Families: possible with children who are used to wilderness camping and hiking. The Gates of the Arctic family travel guide offers advice tailored to this kind of trip.
Before you leave, the complete Gates of the Arctic guide is the place to start when planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp in Gates of the Arctic?
You can camp in Gates of the Arctic. The park allows wilderness camping only, with no designated campground and no required permit.
Which campground should you choose in Gates of the Arctic?
There are no campgrounds to choose from in Gates of the Arctic. The park has no official campground, and you can select a campsite anywhere in the park.
When should you reserve a campground in Gates of the Arctic?
You don't need a reservation to camp in the park. Charter flights from Fairbanks, however, should be booked ahead, especially during the busy season from June through August.
How do you camp in Gates of the Arctic?
To camp in Gates of the Arctic, take a charter flight into the park or hike in from Dalton Highway. Then choose your campsite and carry in all your gear, food, and an approved bear canister.
How much does a night at a Gates of the Arctic campground cost?
A night at a Gates of the Arctic campground costs nothing. Park entrance and camping are both free. The main expense to plan for is a charter flight from Fairbanks.
Can you encounter bears while camping in Gates of the Arctic?
Yes, grizzly bears live throughout the park. An approved bear canister is required for storing food, and you must cook away from your tent.