The Dalton Highway, Alaska Route 11, is one of North America’s most remote and challenging roadways. It’s also called the “Haul Road.” This iconic stretch of highway runs 414 miles from just north of Fairbanks to Deadhorse, near the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. Originally built as a supply route for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, you’ll still see tons of semis on the route. But the Dalton Highway now attracts adventurers looking to experience the rugged beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about driving the Dalton Highway in a truck, camper, motorcycle, or campervan, including the best locations to camp, where to fuel up, get freshwater, and dump blackwater tanks.

Whether you’re an experienced overlander or a first-time traveler on Alaska Route 11, we want you to be well-prepared for your journey.

What Not to Drive on the Haul Road

The Dalton Highway has 400 miles of potential driving hazards. The road isn’t a walk in the park, no matter what you’ve found on YouTube.

Rental Car

The primary rental car companies know the dangers of the Dalton Highway and don’t want you driving their car on it. It’s forbidden. You can find rental companies that will rent cars that can be driven on the Dalton Highway, but you’ll pay a hefty price for it.

It wasn’t uncommon for us to ‘showered’ with flying rocks and pebbles from passing trucks. We have a few dings, paint chips, and windshield pockmarks from Dalton Highway debris.

Fifth Wheel

We don’t recommend towing a fifth wheel. After driving to and from Deadhorse, we can honestly say that we didn’t see a single fifth wheel. An auto mechanic told us he’d seen fifth wheels with broken axles from the roadway.

Class C

While driving south on the Dalton, we saw one Class C near the Arctic Circle. We both shouted, “Nooooooo!” The Class C was the only Class C we saw on the entire Dalton.

Can you drive a Class C on the Haul Road? Sure. Should you drive a Class C on the Dalton Highway? We’d advise against it. To us, it’s a risk versus reward discussion. We think the risk of catastrophic damage to your RV outweighs the rewards. Auto insurance may not cover towing on the Dalton Highway.

Preparing for Your Adventure on the Dalton Highway

Driving the Dalton Highway requires careful planning and preparation. The road is notorious for its rough conditions, limited services, and extreme weather. Before embarking on this epic journey, ensure your truck camper is in top condition and well-stocked with essential supplies.

Vehicle Preparation

The Dalton Highway is no joke. It’s remote, the roads are very rough, and help is a long way away. The time to prepare for the Dalton Highway is before you start driving it.

Maintenance Check

Ensure your truck camper is in excellent mechanical condition. This includes checking the brakes, tires, fluids, and battery. A full-size spare tire, tire repair kit, and portable air compressor are must-haves. We took our truck to an auto mechanic and said, “We’re heading to the middle of nowhere in Alaska on the Dalton Highway. Is there anything that we should fix before we go?”

Extra Fuel

The Dalton Highway has limited fuel stations, so carrying extra fuel in approved containers is essential. Plan your fuel stops carefully to avoid running out. We’re traveling in the summer, so we’re not concerned about carrying extra fuel. We have enough fuel in our tank to carry us between fuel stations. Do the math yourself for your vehicle.

Be aware that some fuel stations close in the winter. Calculate the extra fuel you’ll carry for your rig.

Supplies

Pack plenty of food, water, and emergency supplies. The Dalton Highway is incredibly remote (notice we keep saying that?), with long stretches between services. We stocked up for an expected journey of two weeks: one week to drive north and one week to drive south.

Emergency Gear

Carry a satellite phone or GPS communication device, as cell service is virtually nonexistent. We carried a Garmin with satellite service and a Starlink for communication. We found (to our surprise) that there is cell phone service near each of the pump stations. The pump stations are few and far between, so don’t count on them to bail you out of an emergency.

First Aid

A basic first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and extra warm clothing are also essential. If you have a medical emergency, the odds are high that you’ll need to be helicoptered out. When we arrived in Deadhorse, it was 79 degrees. Two days after we left Deadhorse, it was snowing. So, bring warm clothes.

Permit

If you plan to travel to the Arctic Ocean via the Long Haul road, we hate to inform you that you can’t go alone. The ocean shores (technically the Beaufort Sea) are on the oil fields. The main road has a security guard that checks ID’s. If you haven’t purchased a tour or currently work in the oil fields, you can’t enter. All is not lost, suck it up and purchase a guided tour. We purchased tickets on a tour bus. (You made it this far; hush up and cough up the cash.)

Best Locations to Camp on the Dalton Highway

Camping along the Dalton Highway offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Alaska’s wild beauty. The road passes through diverse landscapes, from dense forests and vast tundra to the towering peaks of the Brooks Range. Here are some of the best locations to camp:

Yukon River Campground (Mile 56)

1. Overview: Located just after crossing the mighty Yukon River, this campground is a great place to spend your first night on the Dalton Highway. It has basic facilities, including picnic tables and pit toilets. The campground is a peaceful spot to enjoy serene views of the river and the surrounding wilderness.
2. Proximity to Fuel: Yukon River Camp, located nearby, offers fuel, making this a convenient stop early in your journey.

Five Mile Camp (Mile 60)

1. Overview: Five Mile Camp is an undeveloped camping area (AKA large gravel parking lot) offering a more primitive camping experience. The site is quiet and offers ample space for campers. The proximity to the Yukon River makes it an attractive spot for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. We found pit toilets, fresh water, and a blank tank dump. Take note that this is the ONLY RV dump station on the entire Haul Road. Even though our BLM guide said there was one in Deadhorse, it was wrong!
2. Camping Tip: The absence of light pollution makes this an excellent spot for stargazing. Plus, keep an eye out for bears. We saw a black bear in its “cinnamon phase.” At least that’s how the ranger we met described the bear.

Arctic Circle Wayside BLM (Mile 115)

1. Overview: This popular campground marks the point where the Dalton Highway crosses the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle Wayside offers a small campground with picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets. It’s a popular spot for travelers to take photos and celebrate their crossing into the Arctic. We dropped $10 a night.
2. Camping Experience: Camping at the Arctic Circle Wayside BLM is a unique experience, offering the chance to sleep under the midnight sun in the summer or witness the Northern Lights in the fall and winter. We found the campsites to be large but lacked privacy. We did see a lynx cross the road, which was super cool!

Marion Creek Campground (Mile 180)

1. Overview: Located just north of Coldfoot, Marion Creek Campground is a more developed camping area along the Dalton Highway. It offers campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and outhouses. The campground is situated near Marion Creek, known for its scenic beauty and opportunities for short hikes. We enjoyed the campsite’s privacy. We may have chuckled a bit when an expedition van pulled in later in the evening and disgorged about six “campers.” The expedition lead worked with the campers to teach them how to set up their tents. We’ll take the comfort of the truck camper, but we’ve done our time on the hard ground.
2. Nearby Services: The campground is close to Coldfoot, where you can refuel, resupply, and learn more about the area at the visitor center.

Galbraith Lake Campground (Mile 275)

1. Overview: North of Atigun Pass in the Brooks Range, Galbraith Lake Campground offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and tundra. This primitive campground has no amenities besides a pit toilet. The area is known for its solitude and breathtaking landscapes. We picked fireweed, wandered near the river, and hiked. It is one of our favorite camping spots on the Dalton Highway. You’ll see remnants of a massive glacier here. There’s not much of it left now, but it was still quite a sight.
2. Wildlife Viewing: The region around Galbraith Lake is rich in wildlife, including caribou and birds. It’s a great spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. We saw a caribou but not much else.

Deadhorse Camp (Mile 414)

1. Overview: Deadhorse marks the end of the Dalton Highway, and while there isn’t a traditional campground, there are areas where truck campers can park overnight. The Deadhorse area offers basic amenities, including a hotel where you can use showers and laundry facilities for a fee.
2. We spent three nights in Deadhorse, but two nights would be fine. We arrived late in the afternoon on the first day, drove around the area on the second day, and took the oil field tour on the third day. We spent our camping time about two miles outside of the “city” next to the river in a gravel patch. No water, no dump station.
3. End of the Road: Camping in Deadhorse is less about the scenery and more about the experience of reaching the northernmost point of your journey. The stark beauty of the Arctic tundra is a sight to behold. There’s no where for RV parking in the town. But you can stay just out of town along the water in any number of spots. We were almost directly across from the Deadhorse Camp, where you start the tour to the Arctic Ocean.

Fuel Stops on the Dalton Highway

Fuel availability is limited on the Dalton Highway, so planning your stops is crucial. Running out of fuel in this remote region can be dangerous, so always carry extra fuel and know your range. Here are the key fuel stops along Alaska Route 11.

Yukon River Camp (Mile 56)

• Services: The first fuel stop after leaving Fairbanks, Yukon River Camp, offers gasoline and diesel. The facility also has a small restaurant and store where you can grab a meal or pick up basic supplies. We had great burgers after filling up the truck.
• Camping Nearby: The Yukon River Campground is nearby, making it convenient to fuel up and camp early in your journey.

Coldfoot (Mile 175)

• Services: Coldfoot is the most reliable fuel stop on the Dalton Highway. It has a gas station, restaurant, and general store. Coldfoot Camp offers lodging, and there is also a visitor center where you can learn about the region’s history and wildlife.
• Important Stop: Given the long distance to the next fuel stop in Deadhorse, it’s crucial to top off your tank in Coldfoot. We fueled up, grabbed a bit to eat, and took showers.

Deadhorse (Mile 414)

• Services: Deadhorse is the final fuel stop on the Dalton Highway. Fuel is available at the Prudhoe Bay General Store, but due to its remote location, be prepared for high prices.
• Final Destination: After fueling up in Deadhorse, most travelers start their return journey south, so ensure you have enough fuel to return to Coldfoot.

Obtaining Freshwater and Dumping Black Water Tanks

Managing freshwater and waste is essential to RV life, especially on a remote route like the Dalton Highway. Here’s where you can refill your water tanks and dump your black water:

Freshwater

• Fairbanks: Fill your freshwater tanks in Fairbanks before heading out. This is your last reliable source of potable water until you reach Coldfoot. We filled the tank with diesel, topped off our fresh water tank, filled both propane tanks, dumped our black and grey tanks, and started our journey from the KOA with a full battery bank.
• 5-Mile: If you missed filling up your freshwater tank in Fairbanks, fill it up at 5-Mile.
• Coldfoot: The Coldfoot Camp offers potable water, but availability can vary. Always check with the staff to confirm. We paid a $20 flat fee to fill our tank and may have added about 20 gallons.
• Deadhorse: There may be limited options for obtaining water in Deadhorse, but we have yet to find them. Some travelers report filling up at hotels or lodges for a fee.

Black Water Dumping

• Fairbanks: Several RV parks and gas stations in Fairbanks offer blackwater dumping services. Make sure to empty your tanks before starting your journey. It’s a long drive.
• Five-Mile Campground: We advise calling the Coldwater Ranger Station and confirming blackwater dumping services. We had conflicting reports. We were happy to find that the dump station was open. Our tanks were full…This is the only location to dump your tanks before continuing north. The MilePost book is full of beans when it lists a blackwater dumping site in Deadhorse.
• Deadhorse: Facilities for dumping black water in Deadhorse are nonexistent.

Wildlife and Scenery Along the Dalton Highway

The Dalton Highway offers some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities in Alaska. The landscapes are ever-changing and breathtaking, from dense forests to open tundra, towering mountain ranges, and vast river valleys. Here’s what you can expect to see along the way:

Wildlife

• Caribou: Large caribou herds roam the Arctic tundra and the Brooks Range. You might spot them grazing near the highway, especially north of Atigun Pass. We saw a few scattered caribou but didn’t see any herds.
• Grizzly Bears: Grizzly bears are often seen near the highway, particularly around the Yukon River and Brooks Range. Always keep a safe distance and never approach wildlife. We saw a brown bear.
• Moose: Moose are common in the forested areas south of the Brooks Range. They are frequently seen near water sources, such as lakes and rivers. We saw a few moose scattered along the entire length of the highway.
• Birds: The tundra is home to a variety of bird species, including ptarmigans, ravens, and various birds of prey. During the summer, you may also see migratory birds like sandhill cranes and snow geese.
• Mosquitos: Simply insane. We’ve never experienced anything like it. Bring your insect repellent.

Scenery on the Dalton Highway

• Brooks Range: The Brooks Range is one of North America’s most stunning mountain ranges. The Dalton Highway crosses the range at Atigun Pass, offering breathtaking views of jagged peaks and vast valleys.
• Arctic Tundra: North of the Brooks Range, the landscape transitions to open tundra, where the vast, treeless expanse stretches as far as the eye can see. The tundra is particularly beautiful in the summer when wildflowers bloom.
• Yukon River: The Yukon River is a significant landmark on the Dalton Highway. Crossing the river at Mile 56, you’ll see its immense size and the rugged wilderness surrounding it.

Challenges of Driving the Dalton Highway

Driving the Dalton Highway is not for the faint of heart. The road is rough, and conditions can be challenging, especially in adverse weather. Here are some of the challenges you may face:

Road Conditions

The Dalton Highway is mostly gravel, with sections of pavement that can be rough and full of potholes. Large trucks use the road heavily, so be prepared for dust, flying rocks, and reduced visibility. During the summer months, it’s all about road construction. Expect to spend time waiting to follow a pilot car through muddy construction sites.

Weather on the Dalton Highway

Weather on the Dalton Highway can be unpredictable. Summer temperatures can be mild, but rain can make the road slippery and muddy. We drove through sections of mud (lasting miles) where the mud was four or five inches deep. In winter, the road is often icy, and temperatures can plunge well below zero. Snow can fall at any time of year, especially in the higher elevations of the Brooks Range.

Isolation

The Dalton Highway is incredibly remote. Long stretches have no services, cell phone coverage, and few other travelers. It’s essential to be self-sufficient and prepared for any situation.

We joked that the absence of anyone else is precisely what Earth will be like after the zombie apocalypse.

Returning South on the Dalton Highway: What to Expect

After reaching Deadhorse, it’s time to head back south. The return journey can be just as challenging as the drive north, so don’t let your guard down. Retrace your route, but take the opportunity to see the scenery from a different perspective and stop at places you may have missed on the way up.

Rest and Relaxation

Consider taking an extra few days to camp and explore on your way back to Fairbanks. The return journey can be exhausting, and taking breaks and enjoying the experience is essential. As we’ve traveled the world, we often visit places and tell each other, “We’ll come back.” We view our trek on the Dalton Highway as a “One and done” experience. We took about two weeks total.

Car Wash

One of the key challenges we faced was accumulating sticky, corrosive dirt on our truck and truck camper. This dirt is not just ordinary mud; it often contains calcium chloride, a chemical compound used by road maintenance crews on the Dalton Highway to control dust and stabilize the road surface.

Calcium chloride is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps keep the dirt damp and reduces the amount of dust kicked up by passing vehicles. However, this same property also makes the dirt particularly sticky and difficult to wash off. Once it dried on Cupcake, it left a hard, crusty residue that was tough to remove, and can even cause corrosion over time. We thoroughly washed the truck and truck camper in Fairbanks after leaving the dirt roads behind.

Dalton Highway Conclusion

Driving the Dalton Highway, or Alaska Route 11, in a truck camper is an adventure of a lifetime. The challenges are significant, but the rewards are immense. From the breathtaking landscapes of the Brooks Range to the solitude of the Arctic tundra, the Dalton Highway offers an unparalleled experience for those willing to take on the journey.

Proper preparation, careful planning, and a spirit of adventure are all you need to tackle this remote and rugged road. Whether camping under the midnight sun or watching wildlife roam free, the Dalton Highway is where you can truly connect with nature and experience the wild heart of Alaska.

So, pack your truck camper, prepare for the journey, and set out on the Dalton Highway. The road ahead is long, remote, and challenging—but it’s a road that leads to unforgettable memories and the adventure of a lifetime.