Before you unzip your tent or spark your campfire, pause for a moment and consider where you are. The Yukon is the traditional territory of 14 vibrant First Nations. Every trail, river, and mountain here holds the stories and spirit of the peoples who have cared for this land since time immemorial. No matter where your adventure takes you, it's an act of respect (and good traveller karma) to know which First Nation's land you're exploring. Take the time to learn, listen, and honour local customs, because being a great guest ensures the Yukon remains the wild, welcoming place that inspires us all.
There are over 42 territorial campgrounds scattered across the Yukon — from the shores of Kluane Lake to the banks of the Yukon River. Here's how it all works:
Most of sites are first-come, first-served. No advance reservations, no app — just show up, grab a permit from the kiosk at the campground entrance, fill in your site number and number of nights, and drop your payment in the box.
Don't want to carry cash? Pick up prepaid campground vouchers before you head out — available at outdoor stores, tourism shops, and gas stations across the territory.
Every site comes with a picnic table, fire pit, and access to wood bins (take only what you need). All campgrounds have outhouses. Most have hand-pumped water, but not all — so it's worth checking your specific campground ahead of time and always bringing your own filtration or purification tablets just in case. Many sites also have cook shelters, bear-proof food lockers, hiking trails, beaches, and playgrounds.
Highway campgrounds are convenient and well-maintained; perfect for road trippers. Private campgrounds offer more amenities if you want showers, power hookups, or dump stations. Backcountry campgrounds are there for those who want to go further in.
Pro tip: Arrive Thursday or earlier on long weekends for the best pick of sites. If you arrive to a full campground, swing through between 8:00–11:00 am to catch someone packing up.
Territorial campgrounds are open early May through September 30.
May and early June are quieter, greener, and magnificent — though nights are still cold and bugs are just waking up (lucky you).
June through August is peak season. The famous Midnight Sun means up to 20+ hours of daylight in Whitehorse and nearly 24 hours in the far north. You can hike until 11pm and still come back in the light. Pack a sleeping mask — your tent will not get dark, and neither will the sky.
September brings something special: golden boreal forests, fewer crowds, cooler days, and the first real chances of northern lights. A very good time to be in the Yukon.
Territorial campgrounds close September 30, but camping in the Yukon in winter is something else entirely.
Yukon weather doesn't do predictable. You might start your morning scraping frost off the rain fly and spend the afternoon in a t-shirt. The system that works is layers, and the rule is simple: no cotton.
Base layer: Moisture-wicking material to keep sweat off your skin. Cotton holds moisture and takes forever to dry.
Mid layer: An insulating fleece or wool layer for warmth when you stop moving.
Hard shell: A waterproof, windproof outer layer. Non-negotiable.
Down jacket: Worth every gram for cold evenings, cool mornings, and shoulder season.
Accessories: A toque, a buff, wool socks, and sturdy hikers. Small things, big difference over a long day on the trail.
And yes — bug spray. Yukon mosquitoes have a reputation, and they've earned it.
The Yukon is wild, and you are simply a guest in the homes of moose, caribou, foxes, and bears. Seeing wildlife is a massive highlight of any trip, but it requires caution and common sense. Both grizzly and black bears call this territory home, and one of the more remarkable features of camping here is that you might actually see one. While they're a huge part of what makes the Yukon so wild, it's important to stay bear-aware on all of your adventures.
A clean campsite is your best relationship with them. Store all food, garbage, and anything scented in a bear-resistant container, bear-proof locker, or locked vehicle. Never, ever bring food into your tent.
Bear spray is non-optional. Carry it on your belt or chest strap — accessible within seconds, not buried in your pack. Know how to use it before you're in a situation that requires it.
On the trail, make noise. Talk, sing, or call out a cheerful "Hey bear!" every few minutes. You want wildlife to know you're coming, not be surprised by you.
Camping in the Yukon is a privilege. To keep this pristine wilderness beautiful for future generations, every camper must practice Leave No Trace principles.
Pack out exactly what you pack in. This includes apple cores, banana peels, and tiny wrappers. If a trash can is full at a territorial campground, do not leave your garbage next to it. Take it with you to the next available disposal site.
Campfires are a beloved tradition, but they require serious responsibility. Only build fires in designated fire rings. Keep your fire small, never leave it unattended, and drown it with water until the ashes are cool to the touch before you walk away. Always check for territorial fire bans before striking a match.
Then there is the topic no one likes to talk about, but everyone needs to know: bathroom habits in the backcountry. If you are staying at a serviced campground, use the provided outhouses. If you are deep in the backcountry, you need to know how to handle your business responsibly.
Let's get into the, ahem, bottom line. Before you head for the hills, watch Travel Yukon's How to Poop in the Woods — quick, honest, and packed with local know-how so you can do your business respectfully and leave the wild exactly as you found it.
