Environment Minister Nils Clarke and campers will gather July 21 for a free barbecue celebration at the Congdon Creek Campground, marking the opening of an additional 41 campsites.

These campsites bring the total number of campsites at Congdon Creek to 103.

The campground is approximately a 2 1/2-hour drive from Whitehorse. It’s located at milepost 1071.5 on the Alaska Highway on the western shore of Kluane Lake, also known in Southern Tutchone as Łù'àn Män.

It offers spectacular views with plenty of activities to do along the way.

The additional sites are in two camping loops, which were closed around 2000, when there was much less camping demand in the area.

The additional sites include 14 pull-through sites, accessible outhouses, firewood stations and a cook shelter.

In addition, the playground equipment at the campground has been replaced with modern, safe equipment for families to use.

Construction began in May on the campsites to reopen the two loops.

This included removing hazardous trees and plants, improvements to the road and campsites, installation of new outhouses and picnic tables and repairing cook shelters.

Over the coming year, Yukon Parks will explore additional options to improve the Congdon Creek Campground by adding new infrastructure based on the interest of visitors.

“Yukon campgrounds and recreational facilities provide some of the best camping and nature experiences in Canada,” Clarke said today.

“These additional 41 sites make Congdon Creek Campground one of the largest campgrounds in the Yukon and located in one of the most beautiful spots in the territory.

“With world-class attractions surrounding the area, these additional sites will no doubt be well used by Yukoners and visitors for generations to come.”

As outlined in the Yukon Parks Strategy, the government said, it’s working to expand and enhance camping experiences across the territory for both Yukoners and those visiting our territory.

Visitors camping outside the tenting area at Congdon Creek Campground require hard-sided campers.

Tent camping at Congdon Creek Campground is allowed in the enclosed electrical fenced area. As of now, there are 20 tent sites within the fence.

The Southern Tutchone name for Congdon Creek is Khär Shän Nji, which means “big roots broken down.” This name recalls flash floods that occurred long ago.

Work continues to expand other campgrounds across the territory, with additional sites being added to the Wolf Creek and Ethel Lake Campgrounds this year.