RV camping near Hope, Alaska requires understanding seasonal road conditions and terrain limitations. This small community sits along Turnagain Arm at 25 feet elevation with significant snowfall between October and April. Winter travelers find limited amenities as temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summer campers contend with insects and varying trail accessibility.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Many visitors to Coeur D'Alene Campground use it as a base for exploring nearby streams and waterways. "There's a little stream that flows by the campground, which is nice to fall asleep to. Gorgeous trails to hike back here too," notes one visitor. The campground's elevation makes it "chilly at night and early morning even in the summer."
Water recreation: Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground provides direct lake access for fishing and boating. A camper reports: "Our RV door opened up to a view of the gorgeous lake. Plenty of amenities and the on site restaurant is a gem." The campground includes a dock where visitors can "catch some rainbows!"
Hiking trails: The area surrounding Hope features numerous backcountry trails with varying difficulty levels. At Coeur D'Alene, a camper explains: "Look for the posts with yellow reflectors for camping sites past the gate. Beautiful sunrise and sunsets." The campground serves as an access point to deeper wilderness areas where "the bugs are pretty heavy right next to the river but deep in the woods are very few."
What campers like
Accessibility without crowds: Smaller campgrounds near Hope provide a quieter alternative to busy tourist areas. One visitor to Coeur D'Alene notes it has a "small amt of campsites, not really suitable for large groups or RVs so it's nice and quiet." This makes it ideal for those seeking solitude.
Mixed accommodation options: Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge & RV Park offers versatility for different camping styles. "This RV Park offers full hook ups with laundry, shower, and full service market on site. The showers were very clean with excellent water pressure ($2.00 for 10 min)," shares a camper. The facility also includes cabins where guests can "sit in hot tub staring at the snow capped mountains."
Convenient locations: Forget Me Not RV Park balances accessibility with tranquility. A visitor notes: "Nice place to take the kiddos. Right off the parks Hwy before the Big Lake turn off... You do hear noise from the Highway and it looks like there are some long term residents that were running their generators consistently." Despite highway proximity, another camper found it "somehow quiet."
What you should know
Weather preparation: The Hope area experiences significant temperature fluctuations even during summer months. At Coeur D'Alene, campers note "the campsite is at quite an elevation so is chilly at night and early morning even in the summer." Pack appropriate layers for overnight temperature drops.
Highway noise considerations: Some RV parks near Hope have road noise issues. A Forget Me Not RV Park visitor mentions: "We chose #8 a beachfront site. #7 is wider for anyone trying to decide which one... You do hear noise from the Highway."
Limited facilities: Anchorage Ship Creek RV Park demonstrates the variable amenity levels in the region. "Pretty loud campground with the trains and there was people fighting nearby (couldn't hear it in the RV only when we tent camped). After the 2nd night the trains didn't bug me anymore. Laundry and restroom facilities."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Forget Me Not RV Park includes family-friendly water features. One visitor explains: "They made a nice sandy beach. Good location right off the highway but somehow quiet." Another notes the presence of "an older swing set for smaller kids to play on and there are kayaks, canoes, & paddle boats for rent."
Bear safety precautions: Big Bear Campground and RV Park takes safety seriously with regular security patrols. A long-term resident confirms: "There's on-site laundry and bathrooms with showers. There's wifi and electric hookups and sewer. There is security patrol for your safety day and night."
Recreation options: Facilities vary significantly in their child-friendly amenities. Big Bear Campground includes "a playground with a communal pavilion for people to gather round together," according to a family who visited. The campground earned praise from another family who noted their "daughter loved it so much that she begged to stay another night."
Tips from RVers
Size considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. At Coeur D'Alene, visitors warn it's "not really suitable for large groups or RVs," making advance planning crucial for those with bigger rigs.
Winter accessibility: Fox Run Lodge & RV Campground operates year-round but with limited winter services. A visitor notes: "If you are looking for a central RV park this is the place. Right off the Highway this RV park is not bad. Although I prefer my camping more rural." The campground maintains "good cell and internet service" throughout the seasons.
Site specifics: Campsite orientation affects hookup accessibility. At Fox Run, a camper cautions: "The hookups are on the opposite side if you back in. It is not an issue if you bring an extra extension cord."
