Stay with us during your visit to Kotzebue! Drake’s Camp is open to the public and caters to construction firms as well as surveyors, engineers, subcontractors, and hunters! Drake’s Camp offers all of the necessary amenities and has a “home-like” atmosphere with a common living room, kitchen and dining room.
The camp offers six rooms, each with two twin size beds. Other camp amenities include:
- Washer & dryer
- Freezers/ refrigerator
- Kitchen/ cooking supplies
- Cable TV
- Wireless internet (free)
Drake’s camp has on-sight managers who are available to answer any questions and ensure you have a pleasant stay.
Reservations: (907) 442-2736
Camp History
In 1982, Shortly after arriving in Kotzebue, Wayne Drake needed temporary crew quarters to house the men that were working for him. Wayne not only needed housing for the crew but also needed a place for his family to stay. It was September, and winter was fast approaching, so he rounded up the guys and within 7 days had a shell built. Wayne, along with his wife Betsy, their family and the “guys” moved in. The floors were plywood and the walls had bare sheetrock with no paint. They were so fast in making the structure (it was only supposed to last 3-4 years) that on the night they moved in they realized that they didn’t have a table or chairs. A few of the crew went out got some lumber and they made a table and a couple of benches to sit on for the night. Wayne said, “we’ll use this until we order furniture.” 32 years later the table and benches are still at camp. Camp visitors drink their morning coffee and enjoy meals at the table to this day.
In 1985 the facility was moved to its current location on “Front Street” and became a place for others to bunk while in town. Drake’s Camp has never been formally advertised (until now) but has grown by word of mouth. It is a popular place to stay!
