Hope, alaska

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Most of Hope's campgrounds are rustic and offer more basic amenities.  This is one of the charms of Hope.  You can choose to stay in an isolated mountainous campground or right in town next to the historic Hope Cafe.  We've stayed at most of the campgrounds in this quaint town. Here are our favorites.

• Porcupine Campground - this is situated just outside of the town area, but is a short bike ride from restaurants.  It's a NPS campground with vault toilets and a campground host.  The spots are wooded, spacious and many have views.  You can book ahead and reserve a spot if you like to plan ahead (we usually do).  Some FCFS spots are available as well.  Bring your Bug Dope (bug spray for you Non-Alaskans), Bear spray and Bear bells.  This is a gorgeous area but the bugs are ferocious and Hope is bear country  so it's best to be prepared.   Make sure you secure your food and don't leave anything out at the campsite.  We usually keep these items in our car if tenting.  The Gull Rock Trail is located at the end of this campground and offers both forest and mountain/water views throughout. 
• Cold Water Lodge and Market - has two different campsite areas.  One is located by the lodge & market, next door to the famous Dirty Skillet. It offers full hook-ups, and flush toilets in a more traditional rv campground.  It is a little walk/bike ride away from the "downtown" area of Hope.  The other is located next to the Creekbend Cafe, a great restuarant & concert venue.  Electic is available as well as a port-a-potty.  This location is right next to the "downtown" area.  We have stayed at both.  If you're for a quieter space, the one at the Lodge is for you.  If you want to be in the action and be able to enjoy great music from your camper, go with the one at the Creekbend cafe.  Both are close to playgrounds for the kids.  Hope School is across the street from the Lodge & Market, and the original 1 room school house in Hope with it's awesome vintage metal slide is down the street from the Creekbend Cafe. 
• Seaview Cafe & Bar - Right on the water and next to the historic Hope Cafe, this simple campground offers some sites with electric.  No water or dump station available. Reservations for RV sites is recommended.
• Coeur d'Alene Campground is  a hidden gem for tenters.  RV's cannot go this route as the road is narrow and there is no where for you to turn around! Even if you're not staying up here, a drive up in a car or truck is highly recommended.  This is the real wilderness of Alaska and it is stunning. The Resurrection Pass Trail begins at this campground, be prepared that on a busy day you may have a difficult time finding a place to park.