Five Mile Lake Territorial Campground — Alaska Highway

Five Mile Lake Territorial Campground sits a short distance from Watson Lake, making it the practical base camp for overlanders resupplying at the Signpost Forest junction before heading north on the Campbell Highway or west toward Teslin and Whitehorse. The lake is scenic — loons, waterfowl, and that reflective boreal stillness that reminds you why you drove this far. Sites include pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. It sees moderate use given its proximity to Watson Lake, but it’s still far quieter than anything south of 60.

Road access is easy — paved Alaska Highway right to the turnoff, suitable for any rig. Watson Lake has fuel, groceries, and basic supplies a few miles away, so use it. The campground opens with the territorial system in late May and closes around mid-September. Self-registration fee collected on-site. A solid decompression spot after a long gravel push.

Watson Lake lakeside camp before the Campbell push.