Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve Campgrounds

Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve
P.O. Box 26030
Bettles AK 99726, 907-692-5494

Park Map


Special Topics: Glaciers · Mountains · Westward Expansion ·
Recreation Activities: Boating · Camping · Climbing ·
Educational Programs · Fishing · Hiking · Hunting ·
Wildlife Viewing · Snow Skiing

Camping Areas

No established campgrounds

Details

Nearly all of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is congressionally designated wilderness. There are no campgrounds, roads, established trails or other maintained visitor facilities within it's boundaries. Wilderness camping in the arctic requires special care. Arctic vegetation is easily damaged and slow to recover. You can minimize damage to vegetation by limiting your group size to seven people maximum and by camping in one spot no longer than three days. The Brooks Range is also bear country and it is important to keep a clean camp. Bears that become accustomed to human food and petroleum-based products, such as fuel and bug repellent in aerosol cans, can present a hazard to people traveling in the backcountry and often have to be destroyed. Protect yourself and the bears by properly storing your food. If we all do our part we can protect the fragile ecosystems and the bears that inhabit them while enjoying this vast wilderness.

Lodging Options

see Bettles, Anaktuvuk Pass, Wiseman and Coldfoot

Additional Information

Campsites

Selection of a campsite is probably the most critical decision you will make in trying to minimize your impact. Gravel bars make excellent campsites because they are durable and well-drained, often have fewer mosquitoes than other sites, and high water will erase signs of your presence. Remember that high water can occur at any time so locate your camp well above current water levels.

If you must choose a vegetated site, select a location with hardier vegetation such as grasses and sedges, rather than more fragile lichens and mosses. Move camp every 2-3 days or before signs of your presence become noticeable. Wearing soft-soled shoes around camp will minimize impacts. Trenching for tents is unnecessary as is using branches for beds or caches. Before you leave make every effort to return the campsite to a natural appearance.

Group Size

The cumulative impact of large groups on the environment is especially noticeable and lasting in Arctic eco-systems. A group of 4 to 6 people strikes a good balance between safety and environmental concerns.

Fires

Tree growth in the Arctic is very slow; a spruce tree only inches in diameter may be hundreds of years old. In some areas wood may be scarce or nonexistent. Because of this, gas or propane stoves for cooking are strongly recommended. A gas or propane stove is also good for emergencies since it is easy to light.

If you need an open fire, it should be built on exposed inorganic soil. Fire at other locations will kill the vegetation and create long-lasting scars. Only dead and downed wood should be burned. Avoid using rocks to construct fire rings.

All traces of the fire should be erased before you leave. Remove all bits of foil, wire and other unburned materials from the ashes and pack them out. All ashes and charcoal should be deposited in the main current of a river if possible. A fire pan can be easily carried and it will prevent fire scars. If these steps are taken, others will not be attracted to camp repeatedly at the same location, allowing the site to recover.

Trails

Hike on existing trails to minimize disturbance to soil and vegetation. Avoid multiple trail formation. If no trails exist, a group should travel in a fan pattern whenever possible. Above all, leave your trail unmarked.

Latrines

Human feces carry harmful micro-organisms. Bury feces at least 200 feet from all potential water sources. To promote decomposition, choose a site in organic soil. Dig a small hole 6 to 8 inches deep. After use, bury completely and replace the tundra. Mosses, leaves, and snow make for natural toilet papers. All paper products, including feminine hygiene products should be packed out or burned. If you burn your toilet paper BE CAUTIOUS NOT TO IGNITE ANY WILDFIRES.

Litter

If you pack it in, pack it out. Land managers need your help to maintain these areas in a pristine condition. If you find litter, carry it out whenever possible. Buried garbage will only resurface due to frost action or curious animals. If a bear digs up garbage and begins associating people with food you may be creating a dangerous situation. Check with local residents before disposing of garbage at a rural community.

Private Property

Private land and cabins are scattered throughout Alaskan parks and refuges. Though travel may be through remote country, you may encounter private property. Cabins, caches, traplines and fishnets should be respected and not disturbed. Check with the land manager of the area you are visiting for land status.

You may also encounter prehistoric or historic sites. These sites usually hold great significance for the local Native people. Respect their heritage and leave the site undisturbed.

Getting There

Plane
Access to the Park and Preserve begins in Fairbanks and, for most visitors, proceeds by air to one of three neighboring communities: Bettles, Coldfoot or Anaktuvuk Pass. A few parties also access the Noatak or Kobuk Rivers via Kotzebue and Ambler. There are no roads to these bush communities but commercial air service is available from Fairbanks. From these access points most people travel in and out of the park in small aircraft operated by air taxi operators although some walk in from the Anaktuvuk Pass airfield. For a list of air taxi operators with Incidental Business Permits in Alaska go to the Alaska Region Concessions web site using the "more" link below. Air taxi costs vary greatly. Please contact an air taxi service for specific price information.

Due to the variable arctic weather, you should allow plenty of extra time on both ends of your trip because it is possible to wait days for safe flying weather. Likewise you should bring extra food with you as a contingency.

Car
There are no roads in the park, although the Dalton Highway comes within about 5 miles of the park's eastern boundary. The Dalton Highway offers a road accessible Brooks Range experience for those seeking a rugged wilderness journey on a limited budget. You can drive to Coldfoot and fly into the Park and Preserve via air charter or begin hiking directly off the highway. There are no trails into the Park and Preserve from any location and river crossings are necessary.

Getting Around

A trip to Gates of the Arctic Park and Preserve is for many the trip of a life time. Careful planning is important for a successful trip. It is important to remember that this is a remote wilderness park. Visitors must be self sufficient, able to navigate with a map and compass and proficient in first aid. Below are some tips that will help you plan a successful wilderness adventure.

Before you leave for your trip, contact the Park and Preserve for updates and advisories. Wherever you access the Park and Preserve, stop in at the Visitor Center or Visitor Contact Station to speak to a ranger, check out the Bear Resistant Food Containers you need, and become a Guardian of the Gates.

Logistics:
Expect to move at a slower pace in the bush. People and schedules must be flexible to the demands of weather and other exigencies. Feel free to contact park staff for information. We are happy to help you focus your planning. Because landing sites and flying conditions limit access, other good sources of information are the outfitter/guides and air taxi operators. They can provide you with options and help you formulate realistic plans and expectations.

Your ability to deal with the rapidly changing weather in and around Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve could well determine the level of satisfaction you derive from your trip into the Arctic. Be prepared for rapid, and severe changes in the weather. Choose your clothing, gear and food with great care. Also, be sure to pack a well-equipped emergency kit, including various means of first aid, signaling for assistance and keeping warm. There will be no opportunity for replacement after you enter the Park and Preserve. Fairbanks is the last stop for getting supplies. Few, if any, supplies are available in bush communities.

Also, please note, food and equipment may not be delivered by airborne means without a permit (i.e. these items cannot be dropped from an airborne aircraft to someone on the ground). If you plan to utilize a re-supply mid-trip, private parties can have an airplane land and leave a cache of supplies anywhere in the park if it is properly stored. Food should be in Bear Resistant Food Containers (BRFC) and equipment should be stored in a manner to prevent damage from wildlife. It is strongly recommended that you meet the aircraft for resupplies.