The newest campground in Alaska very well may have the best views in the entire state as well, as the K'esugi Ken Campground offers campers sweeping views of the Alaska Range, with Denali front and center.

The campground, located at Mile 135.4 of the Parks Highway, opened this spring and has already been well received by campers. There are two separate loops, one with 32 RV sites (all with electric hook-ups), the other with 10 tent sites that include fire pits, picnic tables and bear-proof food lockers. The campground also has an interpretive pavilion with displays, as well as a small picnic pavilion. Two public-use cabins are available, and during the winter, a third is available with full electricity.

The fees for camping are very reasonable - $30 per night for an RV site, $20 a night for walk-in tent sites and $75 a night for the public-use cabins. This year, the camping sites are only available on a first-come, first served basis (the public-use cabins must be reserved ahead of time). It's possible visitors will be able to reserve spots for 2018 through a new reservations program that is still being developed.

The campground is impressive, but the trails steal the show. The half-mile Moose Flats Trail leaves from the main parking area, giving visitors an easy stroll to what is one of the most impressive views of the Alaska Range in the state. The trail is ADA compliant and is perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities. There is also the Curry Ridge Trail, which is two miles long and has several switchbacks, leading hikers to Lake 1787 (named for its elevation). This trail also starts in the parking lot.

The K'esugi Ken Campground is part of a long-term plan that potentially could include a new world-class visitor center being built, which would help alleviate congestion in the national park.