TAYLOR HIGHWAY
Top of the
World Highway
RV Parks
and Campgrounds
Junction with Top of the World Highway. Distance from the ferry at Dawson City to the Taylor Highway at Jack Wade Junction is 79 miles. There are a few scenic turn-outs, but no other camp-grounds between the river and the border. Note that customs is only open 9-9 PDT. Snow may remain on road early in season. Drive with care. For general highway information, go to the Klondike Highway/South page.
Taylor Highway. The final leg of the Klondike Loop is the Taylor Highway, running from the Alaska Highway to Eagle, on the Yukon River. From Jack Wade Junction to Tetlin Junction on the Alaska Highway, distance is 96 miles. There are small BLM campgrounds 49 and 82 miles north of Tetlin Junction (46 and 13 miles from Jack Wade). Jack Wade Junction is 79 miles from Dawson, and 65 miles from Eagle. The road to Eagle differs from the Top of the World route, being alternately confined to steep-sided river valleys or skirting ridge tops. We found it to be an scenic and enjoyable route in 2000, although the weather was not the best for long-range views. There are campgrounds in Eagle on the left just before town and on the far side of the old fort. Eagle Trading Post, on the River, advertises RV sites.
CHICKEN, ALASKA is located 67 miles north of the Alaska Highway Junction and 108 miles from Dawson. Chicken is a common slang word for ptarmigan, and the story is that miners wanted to name their town after what is now the state bird, but were unable to spell it so settled for Chicken. About 100 people live in the Chicken area, mostly miners. Along the highway, the Goldpanner offers gifts, gas, goods, and services (see below for details). Across the road is the historic Chicken townsite. This is private property, owned by the folks at the Goldpanner. They offer guided tours for a very small fee. Do not trespass! Just west of the Goldpanner, Airport Road leads to "Downtown Chicken," a strip of businesses including a cafe, saloon, and emporium. The Chicken Gold Camp and Outpost is across the street.
We have lots of space to park and turn around. Our gas station has
gas and diesel. The store carries snacks, cold pop and juice, and
souvenirs. Free coffee! We stock the book Tisha. the story of a young
girl's experiences teaching in the area. Try your luck at free
panning for gold, down by our new creekside picnic ramada, or buy
some ready-made in vials, nuggets, or jewelry. Enjoy our displays of
historic artifacts and local rocks and minerals, then sign up for a
walking tour of the original community of Chicken, on the National
Register of Historical Places, (9 am and 2:30 pm). Play a round on
our three-hole golf course, free to overnight guests. Overnight
parking is provided for self-contained RVs. Hookups and dump station
available. Clean outhouses are on site. Largest selection of chicken
items in the state. For more information, click on our web site link
(above). New owner in 2007.
CHICKEN
GOLD CAMP and OUTPOST 520-413-1480
Resort in the center of Chicken offering a RV Park/Campground with WiFi, electric sites, pull-thrus, tables, fire rings, dump station, water, large group facilities and wooded tent sites. Cabins and apartments are available for the non-RVing traveler. Visit the “Outpost”, Chicken’s finest gift and jewelry store offering many unique items made by the hosts and locals. On sight internet café with espresso, ice cream bar and Alaskan micro-brew beer/wine. BBQ chicken most nights on the sunny deck along with impromptu games and entertainment. Try your luck at gold panning, view an operating gold mine, and tour the Pedro Gold Dredge, a National Historic Site and the most complete dredge in Alaska. Or take a kayak trip on the Fortymile River.
The
resort is located away from the highway noise and dust, but within
walking distance of all other points of interest in the area. Central
parking to all businesses in Chicken for big rigs. The park is
located 1/4 mile south of the Taylor Highway on Airport Rd. on the
left side of the road. Good Sam, Escapees, and WBCCI discounts are
offered. The owners have opened their claims to recreational gold
mining. The resort provides an annual bluegrass music festival in
June, www.chickenstockmusicfestival.com.
Please use the link above for our web site. Write Mike and Lou Busby
at PO Box 70, Chicken, AK 99732. 520-413-1480 or 907-235-6396. E-mail
Heading east towards Dawson, go to the top of this page for Top of the World Highway information and link to Klondike Loop.