Porcupine (Ak)
4.5595 reviewsSeward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Porcupine (Ak)
$23.00 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$23.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season nightly rate of $23 applies for both tent-only non-electric and RV non-electric sites. Additional vehicle fee is $8 per day.
Share this campground
Recreation.govProvider
About this campground
Perched above the dramatic shores of Turnagain Arm, Porcupine Campground serves as your gateway to Alaska's stunning coastal wilderness. Wake up to panoramic views of one of North America's most scenic waterways while enjoying modern amenities including vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings. The campground's scenic overlook invites you to witness the famous bore tides, while nearby trails beckon hikers and anglers to explore. With picnic tables nestled among the trees and convenient dumpster facilities, you'll find the perfect balance between wilderness adventure and camping comfort.
Porcupine Campground offers both tent and RV camping options, with certain sites offering exceptional views of Turnagain Arm.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time to Alaska's gold rush era with a visit to nearby Hope, a beautifully preserved frontier town that whispers tales of fortune seekers and pioneering spirits. The surrounding creeks still yield glimmers of gold for patient panners, offering hands-on connection to the region's prospecting heritage. This area has witnessed centuries of human endeavor, from indigenous peoples harvesting the rich coastal resources to the stampede of miners who transformed these quiet forests into bustling camps of dreams and determination.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Porcupine brings the best of Alaska's mild coastal climate, with comfortable highs reaching 64°F and cool evenings dipping to 54°F—ideal for campfire storytelling and restful sleep. The maritime influence brings refreshing breezes and occasional rain showers that keep the landscape lush and vibrant. Pack your rain gear for those misty mornings that create ethereal views across Turnagain Arm. Mid-summer visitors should come prepared with insect repellent, as black flies make their seasonal appearance during the warmest weeks.
ElevationNestled at the edge of where mountain meets sea, Porcupine Campground occupies a gentle slope above Turnagain Arm's tidal waters. This coastal positioning offers campers the unique experience of forest camping with ocean views, where the rhythmic sounds of the inlet provide a natural soundtrack to your stay.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a canopy of paper birch trees, their white bark glowing against the deep greens of the Chugach National Forest. Porcupine Creek babbles nearby, its clear waters home to salmon during their seasonal runs. From your campsite, gaze across the ever-changing waters of Turnagain Arm, where beluga whales chase the tides and bald eagles soar overhead. This remarkable convergence of forest, creek, and sea creates a landscape that shifts with every tide and season.
Geological RegionSituated along the south coast of Turnagain Arm within the vast Chugach National Forest, Porcupine Campground occupies one of Alaska's most geologically fascinating regions. Here, the temperate rainforest meets the dynamic waters of Cook Inlet, creating a rich ecosystem where birch forests thrive in the coastal climate. The nearby Porcupine Creek has carved its path through ancient glacial deposits, while the arm itself showcases dramatic tidal fluctuations that reveal mudflats and create the famous bore tides—a testament to the powerful geological forces that continue to shape this spectacular landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible. There are no further detailed descriptions of accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious in reviews. A user notes, 'The sites are very private, which is great.' Another states, 'Generous spacing of campsites, great views across Turnagain Arm.'
Sites PrivacySites offer a high level of privacy. User reviews emphasize features like 'hard to see other campers when foliage is in bloom' and 'very secluded and private.'
Total Campsites34 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent sites on the inlet side (1-4) provide the best sun exposure and water views. Sites 10, 12, and 14 are recommended for RVs due to their scenic vistas.
Best CampsitesTent sites 1-4 are highly recommended for views and privacy; RV sites 10, 12, and 14 offer exceptional views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Official check-in time not stated
- user reviews suggest midday.
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 PM per user reviews.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights permitted per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Limit of 2 vehicles per site
- general tent/RV occupancy unspecified.
Groups
Group camping is not specifically mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spacious and private, laid out on paved loops.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season begins May 17, 2025; reservations start June 27, 2025, and close September 13, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website, app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNon-reservable sites available first-come, first-serve basis; details on site availability are limited.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival, with a $10 cancellation fee and reservation fees withheld. Late cancellations incur a loss of the first night's fee. Same-day changes or cancellations are at the discretion of on-site staff.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Porcupine Campground offers a robust set of outdoor recreational activities across various levels of intensity, including hiking, fishing, biking, wildlife viewing, and water sports. The Gull Rock Trail is a major highlight for hikers and bikers, described as '5.1 miles along the south shore of Turnagain Arm from the end of the Hope Highway to a rocky peninsula.'
Hiking
Hiking is a key activity at Porcupine Campground, particularly along the Gull Rock Trail, which stretches 5.1 miles and is suitable for mountain biking and horseback riding as well. User reviews describe it as 'awesome' and 'easily accessible from the campground.'Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available, especially in nearby Resurrection Creek. A reviewer notes, 'Great location for incredible fishing in Resurrection Creek, Kenai, and Russian River.'Biking
Biking is popular here, with trails like Gull Rock accessible directly from the campground. User reviews mention biking as a family-friendly activity: 'Great for kids with bikes and scooters because of the hills.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable feature, with sightings of black bears and eagles reported by campers. One review states, 'Saw a black bear; beautiful view.' Another notes, 'Saw eagles and ducks. Sunset view was wonderful.'Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically discussed in the authoritative content or user reviews.Water Sports
Water sports are noted as a recreational activity in the authoritative content, but no further details are provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires permitted only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours unspecified; reviews indicate campgrounds are generally peaceful.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears frequent the area; campers must ensure proper food storage to prevent encounters. Flies and mosquitos are a nuisance in warmer months.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 78%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in nearby Hope for basic needs. Larger healthcare services may require traveling back toward Anchorage.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 17, 2025 - September 13, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available through a dumpster on-site. However, one user review mentions issues with trash management: 'Trash should be taken to dump site in town of Hope; dumpster was full.'
Proximity to water featuresSituated near Turnagain Arm and Porcupine Creek, offering waterfront views and trail access.
Common complaintsComplaints about flies, overgrown vegetation, and lack of site maintenance.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful in most reviews; however, some negative feedback mentions unresponsiveness and poor attitude.
Campground Map
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible by paved roads up to the cutoff and then requires traveling on the Hope Highway. Seasonal closures or challenging terrain due to snow or wind damage may occur.Nearby places
Anchorage - 70 miles
Hope - ~20 minutes walk (~1 mile)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, fuel, and camping essentials can be sourced from Hope, approximately 1 mile away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
95 reviews
Porcupine (Ak) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User ratings are generally positive, with an average sentiment of 4.326. Campers consistently praise the campground's scenic views, privacy, and accessibility to trails like Gull Rock.
Review Summaries
Based on 95 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews highlight clean and spacious campsites, accessible trails, clean vault toilets, scenic views of Turnagain Arm, and friendly hosts. 'Peaceful and clean location,' 'Nice spacing. Hard to see...
Based on 95 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes complaints about maintenance issues like overgrown vegetation and full dumpsters. Some reviewers also mention flies and mosquitos as significant annoyances during warmer...
Based on 95 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend visiting during weekdays for less crowded sites, bringing leveling blocks for RVs, and staying in tent sites for the best water views. 'Visiting during the week is a huge bonus,'...
Based on 95 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are the most popular for camping, but some campers note mosquito issues in warmer weather. Flies are mentioned as a persistent problem in July and August.
Based on 95 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Generous spacing of campsites, great views across Turnagain Arm and true peace and quiet.' 2. 'Vault toilets are clean and stocked daily.' 3. 'Bring a bike to ride to a local pub or restaurant in...
Based on 95 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
RV sites 10, 12, and 14 are praised for their views of Turnagain Arm. Tent walk-in sites 1-4 are described as 'a dream.' Site 20 accommodates large RVs, while site 18 is noted for its secluded nature.
Based on 95 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 95 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews mentioning pets include concerns about Devil's Claw plants harmful to dogs and general advice to be 'bear aware.'
Based on 95 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025