Sleep under the northern lights, with these wild camping spots. Today, we share our Top 10 northern lights camp spots in Canada, Alaska and the US Lower 48 States.
Land-wise, more of North America falls within the auroral oval than any other continent in the world. While it is possible to view the aurora from other top destinations like Norway, Iceland, and Finland, some of the best and most well-known viewing points can be found in Canada and the northernmost parts of the United States, especially Alaska.
Although many people book into a luxury hotel, if you don’t mind living on the wild side, then choosing to camp out and sleep under the northern lights is a totally viable option. However, just like with other aurora borealis trips, you’ll need to do some research and planning ahead of time; not just for seeing the lights, but also for your own safety since you’ll be camping in the coldest months of the year.
In this article, we share tips for planning a successful and safe northern lights camping trip, with detailed information on the top 10 northern lights camp spots in Canada, Alaska and the US Lower 48 States.
How to Plan a Northern Lights Camp Adventure
Important Tips When Planning a Northern Lights Camp
When choosing to view the northern lights from a campsite in North America, there are some important factors that you need to take into consideration before you head out into the great outdoors. You will want to make sure that you are camping during the best time of year when the skies are their darkest and the geomagnetic and solar activity is at its peak.
Time of Year
Although it is possible to view the northern lights year-round, due to the longer days during the North American summer, capturing a glimpse of the auroras during the summer months can be virtually impossible. Instead, the best time of year to view the elusive lights is from the later part of September to the earlier part of April. For the best viewing experience possible, make sure to head out into the great outdoors between December and February.
Learn more about choosing the right time of year for Alaska and for Canada to go out aurora-hunting.
Optimal Location
You want to make sure to choose a campsite that is as far away from light pollution as possible. While there are plenty of campsites that are located just outside of any major city limit, the light pollution created by most cities can interfere with your ability to view the ghostly lights. Instead, you will want to camp within a National Park or other wilderness area, especially those at higher altitudes.
Geomagnetic Activity
It’s important to pay close attention to the solar cycle. The modern-era solar cycle is 11 years long, and during the peak of the solar cycle, more charged particles are ejected from the surface of the sun than at any other time in the cycle. These charged particles then make contact and flow around the earth’s magnetosphere, creating the plasma that produces the auroras. As a result, not only do you want to hunt during the peak of the solar cycle, but you will also need to pay close attention to the earth’s geomagnetic activity.
Accessibility
Accessibility plays an important role, especially during the winter months. Some of the best locations to view the elusive lights are generally inaccessible to standard cars during the winter months. As a result, you may need to plan on going off-road or doing some hiking to get to your viewing destination.
Weather and Climate
While light plays an important role in whether you can view the auroras, the weather also plays a pivotal part in determining just how visible they are. During the winter months, the colder temperatures lower the relative humidity, which also reduces the amount of cloud formations that can obstruct your view of the lights. However, winter storms can still pop up, and interfere with the viewing experience. Make sure to pay close attention to the weather forecast, and always be prepared to layer up your clothing to stay warm during the cold winter months.
Vantage Points
A good vantage point is also an important factor to take into consideration. You will want to select a campsite that provides you with an unobstructed view to the north. Some of the best campsites are those that are located along the shores of lakes, in open fields or those that are located up in the mountains. Just make sure that your view to the north is not obstructed by trees or other mountain peaks.
Safety Considerations
Due to the cold temperatures associated with the winter months, it is important to plan ahead. Camping during the spring, summer, and fall, can be quite a fun experience for most adventurers. However, winter camping requires a lot more preparation and precaution. You will want to make sure that you have the proper gear to keep you warm. This means plenty of thermal and flannel clothing, as well as specifically designed winter tents. Also make sure to pay close attention to your surroundings, because you do not want to camp directly on a frozen lake.
Top 10 Northern Lights Camping Spots in North America
To help you organize the best camping experience, here are 10 of the best campsites and North America for viewing the northern lights. We’ve divided them into Canada, Alaska and US Lower 48 (Minnesota, specifically). All of them offer beautiful wilderness escapes, great views, and as you would expect, are very cheap.
Camping Northern Lights Locations in Canada
Jasper National Park
Situated within the beautiful Canadian Rockies, you will find the idyllic Jasper National Park. The park offers many excellent locations for viewing the elusive lights, such as along the shores of Pyramid or Maligne Lake.
- Location: Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
- Entrance Fees: $15 to $30 per night.
- More Information: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper
Yellowknife
Yellowknife is one of the most popular northern lights destinations in all of Canada. You’ll find plenty of campsites near Frame Lake, as well as several around Prelude Lake. When possible, try to find a campsite situated along the southern shore of the lakes to provide you with the best viewing experience imaginable.
- Location: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
- Entrance Fees: Various campgrounds, $20 to $40 per night.
- More Information: https://www.yellowknife.ca/en/index.aspx
Waterton Lakes National Park
The beautiful Waterton Lakes National Park provides you with an excellent experience in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. While there are many campsites located throughout the National Park, the best spots can be found at the Crandell Mountain Campground.
- Location: Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
- Entrance Fees: $15 to $30 per night.
- More Information: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton
Whitehorse
Next to Yellowknife, Whitehorse is also a popular destination in the Canadian Yukon from which to view the northern lights. You’ll find Whitehorse nestled along the shores of the Yukon River. The best campsites can be found along the riverbanks, and provide visitors to the area with dark skies and an immersive experience.
- Location: Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
- Entrance Fees: $20 to $35 per night.
- More Information: https://www.whitehorse.ca/
Camping Northern Lights Locations in Alaska
Denali National Park
You will find that the Denali National Park in Alaska provides you with breathtaking views of the wilderness and towering mountain peaks. Keep in mind that camping in Alaska during the winter months can be quite cold, so make sure to prepare accordingly. At the same time, you will also need to reach out to the Denali National Park service to keep up-to-date on the accessibility of the various campsites.
- Location: Denali National Park and Preserve, Mile 237 Parks Hwy, Denali Park, AK 99755, USA
- Entrance Fees: $15 to $35 per night.
- More Information: https://www.nps.gov/dena
Talkeetna
For those who are looking for a prime location to view the northern lights in Alaska, Talkeetna is the perfect destination. You’ll find that Talkeetna offers several excellent campsites located along the majestic Susitna River, which provides visitors to the region with unobstructed views of the elusive lights.
- Location: Talkeetna, Alaska, USA
- Entrance Fees: $20 to $30 per night.
- More Information: https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Cities-Towns/Talkeetna
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is one of the most popular destinations for Aurora hunters in the world. The city offers many excellent amenities during the winter months that are solely focused on the aurora borealis. You’ll find several excellent spots in and around the city from which to view the elusive lights. Some of the best destinations around Fairbanks include Chena Lake Recreation Area and Murphy Dome.
- Location: Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
- Entrance Fees: Various campgrounds, $20 to $40 per night.
- More Information: https://www.explorefairbanks.com/
Northern Lights Camp Locations in US Lower 48
Grand Portage State Park
While most of the destinations in North America are located well above the Canadian-American border, during the peak months of the solar cycle, you can view the elusive lights much further south. You’ll find the Grand Portage State Park located just south of the Canadian border, along the shores of Lake Superior. The park provides many excellent lakeside campsites that will give you an unforgettable viewing experience.
- Location: Grand Portage State Park, Minnesota, USA
- Entrance Fees: $15 to $30 per night.
- More Information: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00173
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Another excellent location in Minnesota for viewing the northern lights can be found at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This region of Minnesota is well known for providing visitors with clear and dark skies throughout the winter months. Thanks to the lakeshore campsites, you will have an unobstructed view to the north, an experience that is magnified when the lights reflect off the frozen lake surface.
- Location: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota, USA
- Entrance Fees: Various permits are required, starting from $15 per adult.
- More Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/destination/boundary-waters-canoe-area-wilderness
Voyageurs National Park
If you are looking for a more remote location, that will provide you with an excellent viewing experience, then look no further than Voyageurs National Park. This serene destination is a gem for Northern Lights hunters and offers countless secluded lakeshore campsites. In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, you will never run out of excellent viewing spots in Minnesota.
- Location: Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA
- Entrance Fees: $15 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.
- More Information: https://www.nps.gov/voya/
Conclusion
If you’re on a budget and don’t mind being at one with nature, camping out is a spell-binding way to enjoy the aurora borealis. Camping will give you the opportunity to sleep under the northern lights, that you would not be able to experience in a hotel, however, you do need to be prepared to tough it out. After all, the best time for seeing the northern lights is during Winter, which means camping in the extreme cold and snow.
For this reason, camping to see the northern lights is only recommended for experienced outdoors enthusiasts, with the correct gear including snow clothing and tents or well-equipped RV. If you’re not confident camping in Winter, you can try your luck in September or March instead, which is on the outskirts of the northern lights season timing-wise, but will give you milder weather. If going camping in March, just beware of boggy ground from snow melt.
If you’ve decided camping is not your thing, not to worry, you can always book into one of these awesome northern lights resorts in Alaska or hotels in Canada instead.
Happy camping!
Comments. Our articles are not open to comments, however, if you have a correction, question or suggestion concerning this article, please Contact Us directly.
