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Kluane/Kathleen Lake
Overview
Nestled within the breathtaking boundaries of Kluane National Park and Reserve, the Kathleen Lake campground offers a quintessential Yukon experience. This destination is famous for its vibrant turquoise waters and the dramatic alpine scenery that defines the region. For RVers traveling the Alaska Highway corridor near Destruction Bay, it serves as a serene sanctuary where the scale of the wilderness truly sinks in. It is managed by Parks Canada, ensuring a well-maintained environment that preserves the raw beauty of the North.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated along the Haines Highway, serving as a gateway for those exploring the region near Destruction Bay. The landscape is dominated by the Saint Elias Mountains, which provide a jagged, snow-capped horizon in every direction. The campground sits at an elevation that keeps the air crisp and clear, surrounded by a mix of spruce and alpine forests. The proximity to the lake means visitors are never far from the soothing sounds of the shore and the shifting colors of the glacial water.
Amenities & Park Features
As a National Park facility, the focus here is on a rustic camping experience rather than resort-style luxuries. The sites are unserviced, making it an ideal spot for self-contained RVs. Each site is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a fire pit for evening gatherings under the midnight sun. Travelers will find potable water stations, well-kept pit toilets, and a communal kitchen shelter which provides a great place to meet fellow travelers. While there are no hookups, the spacious layouts provide a sense of privacy and immersion in nature.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure starts right at the edge of the campground. The King’s Throne trail is a must-do for hikers, offering a challenging climb with a rewarding panoramic view of the lake below. For those who prefer the water, the lake is popular for trout fishing and kayaking. Nearby, the visitor centers provide deep insights into the First Nations culture and the unique glacial ecosystems of the park. Simply driving the nearby highways offers world-class opportunities for spotting grizzly bears, moose, and Dall sheep.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is perfect for travelers who prioritize natural beauty and solitude over modern convenience. It is ideal for photographers, hikers, and off-grid enthusiasts who want to experience the true spirit of the Yukon. Because it lacks hookups, it best suits RVers with solar setups or those comfortable with dry camping. If you are seeking a quiet place to disconnect and witness the rugged majesty of Kluane, this park is an essential stop on your northern journey.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Melissa Bryant
We stayed in the oTENTiks for a couple of nights. They must be new because they were in mint condition. The level of items provided for oTENTiks was much more than we’ve previously experienced. There is a propane grill to cook (BYOP), bear bins right at our site, awning to cover cooking and eating area, bug tent provided, plenty of dry, covered wood, and small power sources in the tent to charge phones. There was just enough cell service to call and check in, but not enough to be annoyed by life :) 10/10 would stay again.
Joanie Roy
Big campsites offering privacy. Only pit toilets on the smelly side, could use more attention from staff. Otherwise it was a nice stay.
PotvinPlan (Guy & Shirley)
My Campground Review Park: Kathleen Lake (Mät’àtäna Män), YK Date: June 22, 2025 – June 27, 2025 Our equipment: 30 ft fifth-wheel RV Costs: $17.50 campground fee + $9.50 campfire permit = $27 per night (+ $11.50 reservation fee, if applicable, many sites on FCFS basis) Loop, Site & Services: single loop; site 26 Overall Kathleen Lake Campground, also known by its Indigenous name Mät’àtäna Män, is an awe-inspiring site within Kluane National Park and Reserve. Nestled at the foot of the Kluane Range mountains, the campground’s sites are generous, private, and most sites offer breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and the shimmering blue-aqua lake below. This setting provided one of our best camping experiences ever. 1. Registration office A self-service kiosk at the campground entrance makes check-in straightforward. Park officials patrol regularly, offering assistance and ensuring compliance. 2. Interior park roads All roads are well-graded gravel, wide enough for large RVs. We encountered no obstructions for our rig. 3. Open sky vs. treed canopy The campground offers a balanced mix of open sky and forest canopy. Site 26 enjoys mostly open sky—perfect for recharging solar panels. 4. Electric & off-grid No electrical hookups or water services are available; the campground operates entirely off-grid. 5. Cell reception (Bell, Rogers) Surprisingly, Bell provided 1–2 bars depending on location within the campground (signal comes from Haines Junction 30min. away). Rogers had no service which is typical for Northern Canada -including AB, SK, BC & YK. Starlink delivered consistent download speeds of approximately 60–100 Mbps. 6. Noise restrictions Generators are prohibited between 11 PM and 7 AM. NB. ‘At all times, generator use must not interfere with other visitors’ quiet enjoyment of the park’. 7. Traffic within park Traffic was minimal, limited to the daily arrival and departure of campers. 8. Showers & toilet facilities There are no showers or flush-toilet facilities on site. 9. Dry toilets Dry toilets are the sole restroom option, with several units scattered throughout the campground. They remain bright, clean, and are serviced daily. 10. Laundry facility None available. 11. Bike & hiking trails within park Two trails start directly from the campground—one rated moderate and one rated hard. Eight additional trails lie within a 40 km radius outside the park. 12. Body of water Kathleen Lake boasts crystal-clear waters framed by a dramatic mountain backdrop. We swam from the day-use beach; on a sunny 29 °C day, the water felt surprisingly refreshing. 13. Water filling and sani-station No sani-station is available, which was a drawback. A small artesian well tap sits in the center of the loop (foot access only, not accessible by car or RV - by design) and delivers chlorine-free, crystal-clear water. For RV water needs, we refilled at Haines Junction’s water tower (free blue-jug refill), parking our RV alongside and topping off our Nautilus system with a Camco water bandit.
Paul McCarthy
Our favorite campground from our trip to the Yukon 🙌 22.50 CAD payable in cash on arrival but seems quite busy so better get there early if you haven't already reserved. Note this is a government campsite and not Yukon one so Yukon camping tickets aren't accepted here
Aurore Opop
Up : Beautiful campground. The lake is a 10min walk through the wood and some trails start right from there. We stayed at one the OTENTIK and they're really well thought. Free firewood, clean pit toilet, fresh water. Loved the little talk around the fire on Thursday evening about grizzly bears, we had a free hot chocolate or tea and we learnt a lot about bears 🐻😊 Down : no shower (we thought there would be some) but who cares when you go camping, right? 😁