BLM Camping

North Fork Trail Shelter

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

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North Fork Trail Shelter

The North Fork Trail Shelter in Marion Creek Campground, Alaska, is a picnic and rest shelter area along the campground's North Fork Trail. This shelter, trail, and campground are owned and maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government organization that ensures the area is kept clean and free of human waste so that the wildlife there can remain wild.

The Marion Creek Campground area is home to plenty of native animals such as black bears, moose, caribou, fox, and lynx. Along the North Fork Trail, you may be able to spot these animals, as well as many waterfalls in Marion Creek, including the tall Marion Creek Falls.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Marion Creek Falls Trail

The Marion Creek Falls Trail connects to the North Fork Trail and extends off of the Marion Creek Campground. At the end of the trail, you'll catch a glimpse of Marion Creek Falls.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Creamers Field Nature Trail

Located in Fairbanks on a historic dairy farm, the Creamers Field Nature Trail winds through an otherwise unchartered forest area that would not be accessible without the marked trail.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Granite Tors Trail

The Granite Tors Trail is a strenuous hike that requires overnight backpack camping, but it offers hikers spectacular views of granite formations made from molten rock that cooled over 70 million to 90 million years ago.

Length: 15 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing & Boating

Marion Creek, which can be accessed right inside the Marion Creek Campground, is an excellent place for catching native Alaskan fish. Marion Creek itself extends for 179 miles and is full of Arctic grayling and small Dolly Varden species. The best times to fish in the creek are from July to September, as snow runoff makes it difficult for anglers to fish from March to June. If you plan on fishing at Marion Creek, be sure to have a valid fishing license issued by the state of Alaska and to follow any fishing regulations put in place at the time that you fish.

You may also enjoy boating in a canoe or kayak on the wider areas of Marion Creek. There are some landing areas in Marion Creek Campground for you to access the creek; however, keep in mind that there are no boat rentals at the campground, so be prepared with your boat and gear.

Picnicking

The North Fork Trail Shelter is a great place to stop when you'd like to indulge in a picnic. There are also some picnic tables set up at campsites in the Marion Creek Campground that you can use while camping. There are usually trash bins at the campground for you to use when cleaning up after yourself. There are none at the North Fork Trail Shelter, however, so come prepared with your own trash bags as necessary. Remember to never leave any food behind.

Stargazing

The Alaskan wilderness is the perfect location for stargazing and viewing the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Since the Marion Creek Campground is located in the northern half of Alaska, you'll have a front-row seat to the night sky without the interference of city lights. Keep in mind, though, that Alaska experiences cloudy nights often, so be sure to check the weather forecast and plan for long stargazing sessions when you're waiting for a break in cloud coverage.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

While most Bureau of Land Management campgrounds have options available for RV camping, they don't always have full water and electrical hookups or sewage drains. However, there are some other campgrounds not owned and operated by the BLM that you can check out near the North Fork Trail Shelter, such as the Chena Hot Springs Resort Campground, which has access to a couple of natural hot springs and an on-site restaurant and cafe. Also nearby is the River's Edge Resort, which includes a hotel and an RV park in Fairbanks with free Wi-Fi on top of full hookups.

Free Camping

When searching for "BLM camping near me," look no further than the Marion Creek Campground, which has pull-through sites for RVs and paved platform sites for tents. This campground also offers potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and free firewood for all camping guests. However, there are no electrical outlets available, and this campground requires a $10 fee for each nightly stay; seniors and veterans are offered a half-off discount.

For Bureau of Land Management free camping options, check out the nearby Arctic Circle Campground. This campground has seven campsites with picnic shelter areas and access to the famous Arctic Circle sign of Alaska.

RV Rentals Near North Fork Trail Shelter Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your North Fork Trail Shelter BLM trip

Whenever you plan to camp in northern Alaska, be sure to check the weather forecast and pack appropriate clothing. It may seem like common knowledge that the fall, winter, and spring seasons in Alaska are quite cold, but a lot of campers tend to forget that the summer season can see hot days above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, too. Mosquitoes are particularly troublesome around the North Fork Trail Shelter and Marion Campground, so packing bug repellent and nets is a must any time of year.

Camping in the forests of Alaska can give you views like you've never seen before, even though your experience will be primitive. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

When you visit the North Fork Trail Shelter, be sure to follow the Leave No Trace guidelines put in place by the BLM. These guidelines include avoiding contact with the wildlife and leaving no food or trash behind. It's important to plan ahead and bring bags or containers that you can store your leftovers or waste in after you eat.