North Arm Territorial Park
Serene campground on Great Slave Lake with stunning views, wildlife potential, and a family-friendly playground.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
North Arm Territorial Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Serene campground on Great Slave Lake with stunning views, wildlife potential, and a family-friendly playground.
"Sites 1,5,7 and 9 you can walk to the lake through the trees. We stayed in 9 and it had the best view and easy access to the water."
🚗 Drive Carefully on Curves
The roads can be curvy; drive with caution and be mindful of other vehicles, especially larger ones .
🚰 Bring Your Own Toilet Paper
Pit toilets are available, but TP is often depleted. Locals use them as rest stops, so pack your own .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Great Slave Lakefront Sites
Sites 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11
Wake up to stunning views of the world's deepest lake. Site 9 offers particularly easy water access .
Abundant Wildlife Sightings
Keep an eye out for bison and bear tracks, and even the animals themselves, in the surrounding areas .
Playground Fun
A well-maintained playground provides entertainment for younger visitors, making it a hit with families .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Spots
Gravel Sites & Limited Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully on Curves
The roads can be curvy; drive with caution and be mindful of other vehicles, especially larger ones.
🚰 Bring Your Own Toilet Paper
Pit toilets are available, but TP is often depleted. Locals use them as rest stops, so pack your own.
🦟 Bug-Free Bliss
Enjoy the surprisingly low number of bugs and mosquitoes, even during peak season.
📸 Scenic Photo Ops
The park offers breathtaking views perfect for photography, especially of Great Slave Lake.
Camping in Yellowknife
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully on Curves
The roads can be curvy; drive with caution and be mindful of other vehicles, especially larger ones.
🚰 Bring Your Own Toilet Paper
Pit toilets are available, but TP is often depleted. Locals use them as rest stops, so pack your own.
🦟 Bug-Free Bliss
Enjoy the surprisingly low number of bugs and mosquitoes, even during peak season.
📸 Scenic Photo Ops
The park offers breathtaking views perfect for photography, especially of Great Slave Lake.
🏕️ Tent Camping Caution
Sites are gravel, making them less ideal for traditional tent camping. RVs are better suited.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise North Arm Territorial Park for its clean, well-spaced campsites and stunning lakefront views. The low bug count and presence of a playground are significant draws for families. However, the gravel sites are not ideal for tent camping, and the lack of water and dump stations requires preparation.
"This 15 site, with 30 amp power, campsite is very clean and pretty quiet even though is right off hwy 3. A bit confusing as doesn't show up on their campsite roadmap book but is about 2 mins down the road from the Territorial Day Park. You can't miss it. $42 with tax and reservation.
They prefer reservations in all the campsites we have learned.
The entire site is build on gravel and is so clean. Sites 1,3,5,7,9 and 11 are right on the Great Slave Lake with trees btwn you and the water. I would say 1,5,7 and 9 you can walk to the lake through the trees. We stayed in 9 and it had the best view and easy access to the water. (Attached a pix)
Not a lot of amenities here. No water, dump station. Not sure about wood but you could have a fire. I only saw pit toilets. It is wheelchair accessible and dogs are welcome. They have a huge playground and a little hut for meetings and stuff. The shore is very rocky but the best thing is there was basically no bugs/flies/mosquitoes. Of course they're here, but not where you have to swat them away. It was awesome 😎 👍
No day visits here, you would go to the North Arm Territorial Day camp down the road. Have picnic tables, pit toilets and fire pits."
Aimee Sasaki
"Great spot.
Quiet and clean. Kids loved the playground. Bison footprints right on the beach. Site 9 has access to the water so you have your own private beach"
Rhea Swanson
"There is no dump or fill station for RVs. Current closest places are Yellowknife to the North, and Fort Providence to the south. Also I would not recommend for Tent camping as every spot is just gravel.
For those not using RV toilet I recommend bringing your own Toilet paper as locals treat the outhouse by the gate as a rest stop so the TP is usually out. We camped for four days and it only had TP last night.
The sites are 30 amp and very easy back ins for both driver and passenger side back in."
Jeffrey Clutter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
North Arm Territorial Park is located off Highway 3, a short drive from Yellowknife. Look for driveway flags just north of the Day Use area. The drive itself offers scenic views, with some winding sections to navigate carefully.
Public transport options directly to the park are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle or rental car, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.
The road is generally well-maintained and wide, suitable for most vehicles. However, some sections can be curvy, so it's advised to drive with caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Yes, rental vehicles are available in Yellowknife. Renting a Jeep or similar vehicle is recommended for comfort and ease of driving, especially if you plan on exploring.
Yellowknife is the closest major city to the north, while Fort Providence is to the south. These offer amenities and are good starting points for your journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the lakefront sites. While not always mandatory, booking ahead ensures you secure a spot, particularly during peak season.
Campsite fees are approximately $42 with tax for a reserved spot. It's always a good idea to check the official territorial park website for the most current pricing.
The campground is typically open for overnight stays during the summer season. Day use areas might have different hours, so it's best to confirm with the park authorities.
Day visits are directed to the North Arm Territorial Day Park down the road, which typically has picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets. Specific day-use fees, if any, should be confirmed locally.
Yes, dogs are welcome at North Arm Territorial Park, making it a great spot for pet owners who want to enjoy the outdoors with their furry companions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Campsites offer 30-amp power and level gravel pads. Pit toilets are available, but there are no water or RV dump/fill stations on-site.
Cell service can be spotty, and Wi-Fi is generally not available. This park offers a chance to disconnect and enjoy nature, which is ideal for those seeking quiet camping.
Enjoy the scenic lake views, relax by the rocky shore, and explore the surrounding nature. The park also features a playground for children and is a great spot for photography.
While possible, tent camping on gravel sites might not be the most comfortable. The sites are better suited for RVs or trailers.
While specific marked hiking trails within the campground are not extensively detailed, the area around Great Slave Lake offers opportunities for exploration and enjoying the natural landscape.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food services or restaurants within North Arm Territorial Park. Visitors should plan to bring all their own food and supplies.
Fire pits are available at the campsites, and you can have a fire. It's advisable to check local fire restrictions before lighting one.
The nearest major town for grocery shopping is Yellowknife, located to the north. It's recommended to stock up before heading to the park.
Yellowknife offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants serving local cuisine. This is your best bet for a meal out before or after your park visit.
Bringing your own firewood is generally permitted, but it's always a good practice to check local regulations to ensure compliance and prevent the spread of invasive species.
📸 📸 Photography
The lakefront campsites, particularly site 9, offer stunning views of Great Slave Lake. The rocky shores and surrounding landscape also provide excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, the park's remote location and clear skies make it a potential spot for aurora viewing and photography, especially in late August.
Keep an eye out for bison and bear tracks, and potentially the animals themselves. The diverse landscape also offers opportunities to photograph birds and other local fauna.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but the clear blue of Great Slave Lake is striking any time of day.
The gravel campsites might require a tripod with a stable base. The rocky shore can also be uneven, so be mindful of your footing while setting up shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the gravel sites aren't ideal for pitching tents, they are clean and easy to manage with RVs or trailers. The relatively low bug count is a huge plus for families, making outdoor playtime much more pleasant.
🚗 Road Trippers
Consider booking a lakefront site to maximize your experience. The park's accessibility off Highway 3 makes it convenient, but remember to stock up on supplies in Yellowknife before you arrive, as amenities are limited.
📸 Photographers
The rocky shores and the vastness of the lake provide a unique Northern aesthetic.Keep an eye out for wildlife, as spotting bison or bear tracks can lead to some memorable shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at North Arm Territorial Park
The park's location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and relative quiet, even though it's situated near Highway 3. This proximity means you can enjoy the convenience of accessibility while still finding a peaceful retreat. The presence of a playground adds to its appeal for families, making it a well-rounded destination for various types of visitors.
Wildlife sightings are a common occurrence, with reports of bison and bear tracks, adding an element of adventure to your stay. The rocky shore of Great Slave Lake is a defining feature, offering picturesque views and a chance to connect with the vastness of the lake, one of the largest in the world.
Exploring Great Slave Lake
North Arm Territorial Park provides direct access to its shores, allowing visitors to experience its grandeur up close.The lake's waters are pristine and offer a dramatic backdrop for any visit. Whether you're camping lakeside or enjoying a day trip, the views are consistently breathtaking. The rocky shores are characteristic of the Canadian Shield landscape, providing a rugged beauty that is both captivating and serene.
For those interested in photography, Great Slave Lake offers endless opportunities. The interplay of light on the water, the vast horizons, and the surrounding wilderness create scenes that are perfect for capturing. The lake's presence is a defining element of the North Arm Territorial Park experience, contributing significantly to its appeal.
Wildlife and Nature
Beyond larger mammals, the park is a habitat for various bird species and smaller wildlife. The relatively low insect population, particularly mosquitoes, is a significant advantage, making outdoor activities more enjoyable throughout the summer.
The landscape itself is a key part of the natural appeal. Characterized by rocky shores and the vast expanse of Great Slave Lake, it's a testament to the rugged beauty of the Northwest Territories. The combination of flora, fauna, and geological features creates a unique and memorable environment for exploration and relaxation.
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