Last updated on February 26th, 2023 at 03:39 am
The Yukon River campground is located just on the edge of Dawson City in the Yukon. It is the perfect spot for exploring the town and its history without breaking the bank on accommodation. It involves taking the free ferry from Dawson City across the Yukon River, which is novel in itself and you can do so in your vehicle, on foot or by bike. Super convenient!
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Where Is The Yukon River Campground
The Yukon River Campground is just on the other side of the river from Dawson City. Dawson City is located just over 530 kilometers from Whitehorse. Once you enter Dawson City, follow the main road as it runs beside the river, the town isn’t large and you’ll soon find yourself at the ferry. The free to use George Black Ferry runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once across the river a 2 minute drive brings you to the clearly signposted Yukon River campground, on the right hand side.
About The Yukon River Campground
The Yukon River Campground is a provincial campground on the shores of the Yukon River. It is in fact the largest provincial campground in the Yukon with a whopping 102 sites.
As with all provincial campgrounds in the Yukon this one costs in 2022, $20 cash per night or $18 per night if you purchase a daily permit, paid online in advance. There are no reservations but there is cell reception at the campground so if you don’t have cash, you can still buy your daily permit online when you arrive!
All the sites at the Yukon River campground are dry sites, so no power and no water. Most of the sites offer great privacy and many are right on the river offering great views. Each site has a picnic bench and firepit as with all Yukon provincial campgrounds firewood is included. There are plenty of outhouses with toilet paper, garbage and recycling bins. There are also play parks. The Yukon River campground also has a number of group sites and some walk-in sites with bear proof food lockers and hangs to use if needed.
The Yukon River campground also has a beach area at the end of the loop on the river, however when we were there the river was in flood and the beach basically non-existent.
Also from the campground you can take a short 350 meter walk to the Sternwheeler Graveyard where you’ll find the remnants of old boats which used to cruise the river.
The biggest upside to the Yukon River campground is its location. It is a short walk to the ferry, which takes you, free of charge, across to the city of Dawson, meaning you can explore without worrying about taking the car, campervan or whatever you may be traveling in. The ferry runs 24/7 so you can take in the Dawson City nightlife and still get back to camp easily.
The biggest downside, at least when we were there in early July, were the mosquitos. They were pretty bad, not as bad as our stay at Liard Hotsprings two nights later but still, really bad. Like make your morning coffee and drink it in the truck bad. Mosquito coils and bug spray were absolute necessities for us staying here. Many people also had screen houses to relax in and I don’t think I’ll be going to the Yukon without one next time.
What To Do In Dawson City
Dawson City is small but mighty, packed with history from the gold rush, meaning there is plenty to keep you entertained!
A tourist draw and a must for many visiting Dawson City is the Sour toe shot. A frostbitten toe is added to a shot of your choice and drunk…without swelling the toe! All those who complete it get a certificate.
An hour and a half drive from Dawson, up the Dempster Highway, you reach Tombstone Territorial Park. There is a visitor center, viewpoints and a range of hikes for all abilities. For those with more time and experience a backpacking trip at Tombstone is well worth it!
The SS Keno sits on the shore of the Yukon River, this steam-powered sternwheeler from the 1920s helped transport ore from Keno along the Stewart River.
Take a drive up the Dome Road to get a spectacular view over Dawson City and the valley it sits in. For those with more enthusiasm, there is a trail up to the viewpoint instead!