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BLM Camping

Marion Creek Campground

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Marion Creek Campground

BLM sites are generally undeveloped, unincorporated public lands that have been set aside for visitors to enjoy and explore. These areas often offer unique insights into a location’s climate, landscape, wildlife, or history, and many people enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, or horseback riding on BLM lands. To discover which sites offer camping, search “BLM camping near me.”

Marion Creek Campground is located north of Fairbanks near the town of Coldfoot, Alaska. The campground is also not far from Kobuk Valley National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park. There are both tent and pull-through sites available, and there are three designated accessible sites. The site offers potable water via a hand pump, and a camp host is on site from late May to September. Visitors will need to pay a $10 fee to stay at the campsite.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Visitor Center Trails

This series of short trails are located behind the Alaska Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot, and they offer a glimpse at Alaska’s beautiful scenery.

Length: Short

Intensity: Easy

Coldfoot-Chandalar Lake Trail

Hikers can join this long trail at any point to experience beautiful views of the scenery and Alaskan wildlife.

Length: 60 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Anglers can head to the Middle Fork Koyukuk River where it meets Slate Creek to fish for whitefish, Dolly Varden trout, and grayling. Chinook and chum salmon can also be caught during salmon season. Marion Creek itself is a great place to catch grayling and trout.

Climbing

There are several excellent rock-climbing options in the nearby Gates of the Arctic National Park. Popular locations include Mount Igikpak, Mount Doonerak, and the Arrigetch Peaks. Remember that the area is a protected environment, so bolts and fixed anchors should be avoided unless you have a special permit.

Wildlife Viewing

Both of the nearby national parks are excellent places to view wildlife, and a good deal of wildlife can also be seen right at the Marion Creek Campground. Native species in the area include grizzly and black bears, Arctic foxes, wolves, caribou, muskoxen, moose, snowshoe hares, beavers, lynx, Dall sheep, wolverines, and a range of bird species.

Picnicking

One of the best spots in the area for a picnic is right at the Marion Creek Campground. Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table. Visitors can also stop at the iconic Arctic Circle sign, which is slightly farther south. The sign has an educational scenic overlook area, and although there are no picnic amenities, it’s a popular spot to stop and to have lunch.

Snowshoeing

Although there aren’t many maintained trails in the area, snowshoeing is still a popular activity around Coldfoot and the Marion Creek Campground. As long as you remain alert to your surroundings and keep track of where you are, you can blaze a snowshoe trail anywhere.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Despite being remote, Coldfoot still offers BLM RV camping options. The Marion Creek Campground itself offers several pull-through sites. The Arctic Circle Campground also offers RV camping options, and there are fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets.

Free Camping

While Bureau of Land Management free camping spots aren't available at Marion Creek, the nearby Coldfoot Camp is a great spot to stay a night or two. There is a fee if you want to reserve a room, but RV or tent camping is free, and visitors can enjoy the camp’s kitchen, gift shop, and laundry area.

RV Rentals Near Marion Creek Campground Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Marion Creek Campground BLM trip

There are very few maintained trails around the Coldfoot and Marion Creek Campground area. Most people prefer to simply blaze their own trails in the area, which can make for exciting adventures. However, this area is relatively remote, so it’s best to always prepare before you start hiking or camping. Bring a first aid kit just in case, and pack plenty of water and snacks. Check the weather before you go, and leave yourself plenty of time before the sun goes down.

The climate around Coldfoot and the Marion Creek Campground can be very cold. Winter temperatures are almost always well below freezing and can often reach negative temperatures. The weather is milder from May to September, which is when most visitors prefer to explore the area. Some days can still be chilly, though, and temperatures can drop at night, so always pack plenty of layers and bring extra layers for sleeping if you plan to camp in the area.

Rules and policies, including those regarding length of stay and reservations, vary at each BLM site, so it’s always best to research the area thoroughly and to reach out to any campgrounds or sites you’re considering visiting to learn more about their particular policies. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Wild, beautiful areas and Bureau of Land Management campgrounds all deserve to be maintained and protected, and practicing Leave No Trace policies can help you do that. Always get rid of any waste properly, and if the right bins aren’t available, take any trash or waste with you. Be mindful of fire danger, and make sure to only ever start a fire using native firewood in a controlled area, such as a fire pit or ring. Make sure the fire is cold before you leave the site. Don’t attempt to touch or to get close to any wild animals.