Anglers and hikers use Porcupine Campground as a launching point for exploring Turnagain Arm and the surrounding wilderness trails. This Forest Service campground sits at the end of Hope Highway, positioned along the water with forested sites that accommodate RVs up to 46 feet. The location places campers within walking distance of Gull Rock hiking access and provides views across the arm toward distant peaks.
Sites include fire rings and large picnic tables designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind. Water stations appear at multiple points throughout the campground, though mechanical issues can occasionally affect individual pumps. The pit toilets maintain Forest Service standards that campers consistently note for cleanliness. Vicki S. describes the setup: "Standard Chugach National Forest campsite amenities apply: semi-secluded sites, fire pits, picnic tables."
Weekend crowds gather when live bands perform at the nearby Seaview Cafe, creating a social atmosphere that extends into the campground. Reservations help secure preferred sites during busy summer periods, particularly those closest to the water. The forested setting provides natural windbreaks, though sites vary in privacy depending on vegetation density. Campers report minimal mosquito activity despite the waterfront location.
Access requires driving the full length of Hope Highway, which connects to the main Seward Highway system. The campground operates from late May through early September at $23 per night. Cell service reaches most areas. Eric N. notes the convenience: "Water stations are located in a couple places throughout the campground. Bathrooms have always been clean."
For those preferring a more urban camping experience, Historic Hope Cafe & Campground offers an in-town alternative with different amenities and atmosphere.
Description
Overview
Porcupine Campground is located in the Chugach National Forest in south-central Alaska near the town of Hope. Visitors have a prime location to watch windsurfers in the bay and spot Beluga whales from the scenic overlook.
Recreation
Popular activities include fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting and gold panning. Gull Rock Trail offers excellent hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. It extends for 5.1 miles along the south shore of Turnagain Arm from the end of the Hope Highway to a rocky peninsula. Snow usually melts in the area by early May and the scenic trail leads visitors over gradual hills with occasional steep sections.
Facilities
Porcupine boasts an impressive scenic overlook of Turnagain Arm. Firewood is sold on-site and the campground provides an accessible vault toilet, drinking water from a hand well, fire rings, a dumpster and picnic tables.
Natural Features
The remote campground, surrounded by a mostly birch forest, sits beside Porcupine Creek on the south coast of Turnagain Arm. Turnagain Arm is a branch of the Cook Inlet, the waterway that divides the Kenai Peninsula from the mainland of Alaska.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Hope is considered the best preserved gold rush town in the region. Campers can head to town to explore the quaint historic streets and try their hand at gold panning.
Location
Public CampgroundPorcupine Campground is located in Alaska
Directions
From Anchorage, go about 70 miles south on Seward Highway to the Hope cutoff. Bear right at 'Y' junction and continue 17.8 miles to the town of Hope. The campground is at the end of the road.
Address
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur
Seward, AK 99664
Coordinates
60.9311778 N
149.6639972 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
