WEBSITE: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chugach/recarea/?recid=6643
LOCATION: Hope, Alaska
COST: $23/night
RESERVATION: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234110 (opens 6 months in advance)
OUR SITE #: 28
HOOK-UPS: none
WE WENT IN: end of July
Review:
You can find Hope, Alaska by driving about twenty minutes off the Seward Highway until you hit the southern tip of the Turnagain Arm. With its jaw-dropping scenery, lively music scene, and a history lesson around every corner, it is a gem that (sadly? not sadly?) few tourists get to experience. Alaskans, on the other hand, especially those of us who live in Mat-Su, Anchorage, and the Kenai Peninsula and who love to camp and hike, think of Hope as a destination we come back to again and again.
There are a couple of RV campgrounds "in town" (the year-round population is about 100 residents, so it's a pretty small place), but we like Porcupine Campground about a mile out for its secluded spots and easy access to the wooded trails. Most campsites are "terraced" so that the camper pad (on the road) is on the 1st "level" with stairs or a small hill to the second level with your picnic table and fire pit and then up to another level still for a flat area perfect for a tent. This made it excellent for our family because the kids had two places to play that were not right on the road, and Derek and I could spend time together around the fire after the kids went to bed without fear of waking them up.
Note that there are a few pull-through spots with incredible views, but these go quickly. All the sites go pretty quickly, actually, so we recommend you plan ahead.
Other Things to Note:
There are trails running through the woods here, but especially check out the trail to Gull Rock (easy grade so great for kids, but long, so plan accordingly) and the Hope Point Trail. Look for fresh berries in late July and early August!
If your family can all ride bikes, bring them! The campground loop is well-paved and this is a convenient way to get into town. Be aware that it is hilly and that there are no sidewalks.
If you have smaller children, the playground and fields at the local elementary school are super fun (when school is not in session of course!).
The Seaview Cafe and Bar has decent food and live, local bands who play all summer on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. This is a must-do! Note: You can also tent camp or stay in your RV at the Seaview.
We like the food and ambiance at The Creekbend Cafe and The Dirty Skillet. Both have live music on the weekends and The Creekbend Cafe also has games like big jenga and cornhole.
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