Porcupine Cabin

The feel

Porcupine Cabin is a two-story log cabin in a thick birch forest near Hope, looking out over Turnagain Arm with the Chugach and Kenai Mountains around it.

In summer you park in the campground and walk an easy 300 ft to the door. The Gull Rock Trail starts about 200 feet from the cabin, with blueberries and raspberries along it in summer. Black bears, coyotes, wolves, moose, beluga whales and many birds live in the area.

What to expect

Layout and setting

One two-story log cabin in the Porcupine Campground, in birch forest above Turnagain Arm. Bunk space for eight adults, with a stainless steel countertop, table, benches and a wood stove. A metal fire ring with benches sits outside.

Check-in and stay

Check-in and check-out are at 12:00 PM. Reservations run three consecutive days maximum per person.

Parking and rig size

Summer parking is a designated cabin lot in the campground, an easy 300 ft walk from the cabin, with room for up to 3 vehicles. In winter, plowed parking is in front of the campground gate.

Fees and reservations

$75/night. Book at Recreation.gov up to 180 days ahead, or the day of arrival. Cancelling within 14 days of arrival forfeits the first night and a $10 service fee.

Dogs

Pets are allowed.

Hazards

Firewood in the area is limited.

Bathrooms and water

A vault toilet stands 25 ft from the cabin; bring your own toilet paper. Potable water and trash service are in the campground from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Outside that window, haul water in and trash out; the nearest freshwater source is Porcupine Creek at the campground entrance.

Season and access

Open year-round. The campground gate is closed October to May depending on snow depth, and the winter walk is about 2,000 ft through the campground.

Mingo says

Book a full or new moon night and watch the Turnagain Arm bore tide from the deck. Summer means the short walk from your car, while winter adds a longer trek from the gate.

Before you go

• Bring sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear, food and your own firewood; there are no mattresses, bedding or cut wood.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178 for current campground and road conditions.
• Take trash to the campground dumpsters in summer or the transfer station at MP 16 of the Hope Highway.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.