Campbell Highway — Watson Lake to Carmacks via Finlayson Lake and Ross River
Yukon gravel for moose, miners and mile after mile.
Highway 4 is the Campbell Highway, a 583 km gravel ribbon through the Yukon’s boreal heart. It starts at Watson Lake on the Alaska Highway and cuts northwest through long lake country and low ranges to Carmacks on the Klondike Highway. Along the way it runs past Finlayson Lake, Faro and the Ross River turnoff for the Canol Road. It was built in the late 1960s to serve the Faro lead-zinc mine and is named for Robert Campbell, the Hudson’s Bay Company man who explored the Pelly River. You’ll see more moose, caribou and eagles than other drivers, and traffic is light.
It is easy driving by overlanding standards, but remote, and that is the real challenge. Sections are chip-sealed and sections are gravel, and potholes and stone chips are the usual damage. Watch for logging and mining trucks, which run fast on the gravel and own the road. Carry two full-size spares, extra fuel and food, and plan to fill up in Watson Lake, Faro, Ross River and Carmacks, because the gaps are real. Best months are June through September, as winter closes services and the weather gets serious. Camp at Yukon government campgrounds or dispersed on pullouts, and check road conditions before you leave. Cell coverage is minimal, so carry a satellite messenger.
Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 362 mi / 583 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4400 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 2WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Watson Lake, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Government Highways and Public Works |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Yukon 511 road conditions |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need 4WD to drive the Campbell Highway?
No. A stock 2WD high-clearance vehicle handles it fine in dry weather. The real risks are washboard, loose gravel, and sharp rock that cuts tires, so carry a full-size spare (two is better), a plug kit, and an air compressor.
When is the Campbell Highway open, and can I drive it in winter?
June through September is the sweet spot. Snow, ice, short daylight, and very few services make winter travel a bad bet for most travelers. Check Yukon 511 (511yukon.ca) for current conditions before you commit.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp along the Campbell Highway?
No permit is needed to drive it. Dispersed camping is generally fine on Crown land along the route, and there are also Yukon government campgrounds that charge a fee. Stay off First Nation settlement land near Ross River and Carmacks unless you have permission.
What's the hardest part of the Campbell Highway?
Nothing is technical. The challenge is the distance on rough gravel. Expect washboard, potholes, soft shoulders, and dust. Rain can turn some stretches slick and muddy. Watch for moose, bears, and the occasional industrial truck on narrow sections.
Where can I get gas and cell service on the Campbell Highway?
Fuel is limited to Watson Lake, Ross River, and Carmacks, and Ross River hours can be unreliable, so confirm ahead. Fill up in Watson Lake, carry extra fuel, and plan for the first leg to Ross River to be well over 300 km. There is no cell service along the route, so bring a satellite communicator.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.