The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for preserving millions of acres of public land throughout the United States. Many of these lands are home to Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Search "BLM camping near me" to discover even more of these fantastic spaces.
Many BLM parks, including Walker Fork Campground in Fortymile National Wild and Scenic River, Alaska, welcome visitors to stay the night. Walker Fork is situated on the site of the now-defunct Lassen airstrip. It has 18 campsites. The campground does not accept online reservations. The park is open from May to September. There are several level pull-through sites with gravel parking pads. The campground amenities are limited to pit toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. The nightly camping rate is $5.
This 1.5-mile trail leads to the remains of the Mosquito Fork Dredge. The cleaned-out riverbed was once a part of the Lost Chicken Hill Mine.
Length: 1.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
This 2.5-mile hiking trail is located at Eagle Trail State Recreation Site in Tok, Alaska. It offers visitors a birdseye view of the rugged Tok River Valley.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
This 2.3-mile hiking trail provides a stunning view of Dawson City, Alaska. The trek can be completed in just over an hour.
Length: 16 miles
Intensity: Easy
Walker Fork offers ample opportunities for roadside fishing. Popular area species include Arctic grayling, northern pike, rainbow trout, Arctic char, and coho salmon. There are several fishable rivers, creeks, and lakes within the Fortymile River network. Some of the area's most popular fishing destinations include Scottie Creek, Desper Creek, and Island Lake.
There are also a few take-out points and boat ramps scattered between South Fork Bridge and Eagle. Some of the most popular recreational activities in the area include canoeing and kayaking.
Wildlife spottings are common in Chicken and the surrounding area. Moose, black bears, coyotes, and foxes are often spotted along the Taylor Highway. The area's untainted waterways are excellent places for bird-watching.
Take a picnic down to Chicken Creek. This local river was once a pivotal part of Alaska's gold mining industry. Cowden Dredge, the defunct mining site at Mosquito Fork, is another excellent place for outdoor dining.
BLM RV camping is possible at Walker Fork. The park has a total of 19 campsites, including several pull-through spots with gravel parking pads. Some sites are large enough to accommodate a travel trailer and a towing vehicle or a Class A motorhome. All sites are first-come, first-served. However, the campground usually has availability.
Chicken Creek RV Park is a nearby campground that's perfect for those looking for more modern accommodations. The park is located at mile point 66.8 on the Taylor Highway in Chicken. RV sites start at $30. There's 24-hour power at all of the electric sites. Pull-through sites can accommodate vehicles as long as 70 feet. There's a dump station, Wi-Fi, showers, and laundry services. Guests are welcome to pan for gold on Chicken Creek.
If you're looking for Bureau of Land Management free camping in the Fortymile region, check out West Fork Campground at Taylor Highway milepost 48.8 and Eagle Campground in Eagle, Alaska. Unfortunately, overnight camping is not permitted along Taylor Highway. However, camping is allowed at the Logging Cabin Creek Bridge at milepost 43, West Fork Bridge at milepost 49, and Mosquito Fork Bridge at milepost 49.
The Walker Fork Campground is located off the rugged Taylor Highway in the Fortymile River region of Alaska. This one road that leads to Walker Fork, the Taylor Highway, is only accessible between April and October. The weather wreaks havoc on the region during late fall, winter, and early spring. Facilities are extremely limited during the off-season. The town only manages to maintain a population of around 40 people during its peak season.
Visitors should take plenty of precautions when traveling through the region during the summer. You'll want to bring along a roadside emergency kit, extra fuel, food, and water. Share your trip itinerary with someone back home. Let them know the date of your expected return.
There's very limited cell service in the Fortymile region. The closest place with reliable cell service is Dawson City. That's a whopping 106 miles down the road.
Bring along plenty of provisions, as grocery stores, gas stations, and shopping centers are few and far between. Make sure to pack plenty of warm clothes, insect repellent, and first-aid supplies. The closest gas stations are in Tok, Dawson City, and Eagle, Alaska. There is a liquor store in Chicken. However, there are no grocery stores or other provision stops for miles. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Visitors should leave no trace when visiting the Walker Fork Campground. This remote section of the Fortymile National Wild and Scenic River is home to a diverse array of plants and animals. Guests should carry out what they carry in, practice safe campfire practices, and look but not interfere with the wildlife. By doing so, they can preserve this stunning outdoor space for generations to come.
Travel 214 miles on AK-2 East out of Anchorage. Turn left onto State Highway 5/Taylor Highway. The entrance to Walker Fork Campground is located at milepost 82 on the Taylor Highway in Chicken, Alaska.
Ready to visit Walker Fork Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
