Porcupine Campground

The feel

Porcupine sits at the end of the Hope Highway in a birch forest, with 34 campsites and a view of Turnagain Arm. The scenic overlook is a place to watch windsurfers in the bay and spot beluga whales.

The Gull Rock Trailhead is reached from the signed road just before the campground entrance. The town of Hope is one mile away, and the Gull Rock Trail and Hope Point Trail both start near the campground.

What to expect

Layout and setting

34 campsites in a birch forest at the end of the Hope Highway, with a view of Turnagain Arm. Firewood is sold on site.

Check-in and stay

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Fees and reservations

$23 per night for a single site, plus a Recreation.gov booking fee. Reserve at Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777, up to 180 days in advance.

Hazards

Store all food in your vehicle or the lockers provided. On the Gull Rock Trail, stay off the tidal flats: the glacial mud is like quicksand.

Bathrooms and water

Vault toilet and potable water are available.

Season and access

Generally open from mid-May to mid-September, depending on the weather. Turn onto the Hope Highway at Seward Highway Milepost 56.7; the campground is at Milepost 17.8, at the end of the road.

Mingo says

Plan for mid-May through mid-September. Gull Rock Trail is usually snow free by early May.

Before you go

• Reserve at Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777, up to 180 days ahead.
• Plan about 3 hours one way for the 5.1 miles of Gull Rock Trail, with 200 feet of gain.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178 with questions.

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