The best camping near Cape Krusenstern National Monument

Few parks are more remote than Cape Krusenstern, one of Alaska's well-hidden treasures. The monument stretches 70 miles along the Chukchi Sea, north of the Arctic Circle. While the ground never thaws here, the tundra plain is a paradise for well-prepared rustic campers.

The place is only accessible from Kotzebue via air taxi, riverboat, or snowmobile. But the adventure is worth the effort. Here, you can chart your own trails through open plains and rolling limestone hills. Keep an eye out for arctic wolves, muskoxen, and herds of caribou. Bring your kayak to get a new perspective from the water. Walruses, seals, and whales are all common sights, so don't forget those binoculars.

Along the shoreline, 114 beach ridges have big stories to tell. Researchers have found evidence of hunting camps dating back more than 5,000 years. The Inupiat people still use the area to this day. The lagoons are another must-see, playing host to huge flocks of migratory seabirds.

We recommend visiting the cape during the summer. The (very) long daylight hours give you more time to explore the wildflower-strewn tundra. Plus, the weather is balmy with temperatures in the 50s and 60s (Fahrenheit). The area is always breezy, but during storms, it can get downright gusty. Be ready for wind speeds to reach 50 to 70 mph.

Camping here is mostly undeveloped for obvious reasons. Pitch your tent, and enjoy the ultimate rustic camping experience.