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Our recent trip took us to the small town of Hope, just south of Anchorage. Today, we want to share our review of Porcupine Campground in Hope, Alaska, so that you can decide if this is a good spot for you to spend a few days.
The vastness of Alaska is incomprehensible. It covers a total of 663,268 square miles. Did you know that Texas, California, and Montana could all fit inside its boundaries?
So when you’re planning a road trip to the Last Frontier, you have many different places you could explore.
Let’s learn more about this campground for your trip to Hope, Alaska!
Where Is Porcupine Campground?
One place you can park your RV or pitch a tent near Hope, Alaska, is at Porcupine Campground in the Chugach National Forest.
From Anchorage, travel approximately 70 miles south on Highway 1/Seward Highway toward Hope. At the “Y” junction, bear right and continue about 18 miles, where you’ll reach the town of Hope.
This small community is considered the region’s best-preserved gold rush town. Guests enjoy exploring the historic streets and gold panning.
It’s also a great location to hike the Chugach National Forest, take a day trip into Anchorage, and bask in the beauty of the Turnagain Arm, which separates Hope from Anchorage on the north side of the banks.
About the Chugach National Forest
The Chugach National Forest covers over five million acres. You have plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. The backcountry streams and lakes are ideal for trout fishing.
The Copper River area is famous for its shorebird migration. Prince William Sound’s 3,500 miles of coastline are a kayaker’s oasis.
You can also find over a dozen campgrounds within the forest’s boundaries, including Porcupine Campground in Hope, Alaska. If you’d rather experience backcountry camping, 19 dispersed camping sites exist in the Chugach National Forest.
When Is Porcupine Campground in Hope, Alaska, Open?
Porcupine Campground is only open seasonally from May 19 to September 10. You can book a reservation six months in advance on Recreation.gov.
The nightly rate costs $23 with an $8 charge for each additional vehicle at the campsite. It has no hookups, but most people stay here because of the beautiful views overlooking the Turnagain Arm.
The campground does have firewood for sale, a vault toilet, drinking water from a hand well, fire rings, a dumpster, and picnic tables.
The 5 Best Features of Porcupine Campground in Hope, Alaska
We loved our stay at Porcupine Campground in Hope, Alaska. It doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of an RV resort, and there are very few amenities.
But it provided a safe, peaceful location for us to enjoy this area of The Last Frontier.
1. Beautiful Scenery
The campground lies within a birch forest and sits along the Porcupine Creek and the southern coast of Turnagain Arm. It’s a beautiful setting. The Turnagain Arm is about 40 to 45 miles long and divides the Kenai Peninsula from the mainland of Alaska. It’s also home to the largest tides in the U.S.
2. Private, Spacious Sites
Many travelers rave about the private and spacious sites of Porcupine Campground. Reviews on Recreation.gov consistently mention how appreciative RVers are that they’re not crammed into sites.
One reviewer mentioned how he couldn’t even see his neighbors, which he loved. So not only is the campground remote, but the layout of the campsites also makes you feel like you’re the only one there.
Keep in Mind: It’s no secret that Alaska is huge, but how big is Alaska compared to the United States? Let’s take a look!
3. Plenty of Outdoor Recreation
You don’t have to leave the campground to enjoy outdoor recreation. This is one of the best features of Porcupine Campground in Hope, Alaska. You can fish, hike, whitewater raft, view wildlife, and bike within Chugach National Forest.
One reviewer on Recreation.gov said, “There are several steep-but-doable dirt paths drop to the shore of Turnagain Arm from the campground and Gull Rock Trail. You have spectacular views and the possibility of hearing the chirps of passing beluga whales when the tide is high.”
In addition, you can ride a bike into town or access hiking trails nearby.
4. Easy Access to Hiking Trails
Campers can access the Gull Rock Trail from the campground. This 11-mile out-and-back trail follows the shoreline of the Turnagain Arm. It’s a great trail for birdwatching and offers magnificent views.
The Hope Point Trail is another nearby trail. Although rated “hard,” it’s shorter than the Gull Rock Trail at 7.5 miles. However, the elevation gain is over 3,400 feet. Like the Gull Rock Trail, the views along the Hope Point Trail are breathtaking!
5. Convenient to Hope, Alaska
Finally, Porcupine Campground is one mile from Hope, Alaska. Here, you can go salmon fishing in the creek, enjoy biking or strolling through town, or grab treats like ice cream or pie.
You can also listen to live music and visit the old log cabins and museum that showcases the area’s rich history. Hope was established during the 1890s gold rush, so it features some of the best-preserved log buildings in the region.
Keep in Mind: Alaska is home to a few towns with unique names, including Chicken, Alaska! But is this oddly named town worth visiting?
Is Porcupine Campground in Hope, Alaska, a Good Campground?
On Google, the Porcupine Campground in Hope, Alaska, has earned 4.7/5 stars. One camper wrote, “Lovely place! First time here, and I’ll definitely be coming back. I highly recommend coming here.”
Another camper shared, “This place is a gem. Generous spacing of campsites, great views across Turnagain Arm, and true peace and quiet.”
On Recreation.gov, the campground has also exceeded 4.5/5 stars. One visitor explained, “Porcupine is one of our favorite Alaskan campgrounds for many reasons. This year was no exception. The hosts did a fantastic job of keeping the bathrooms immaculate and well-stocked. The views of the water are so lovely, and the access to the trails is just awesome. Huge sites as well.”
So it’s not just our opinion that the Porcupine Campground is worth a visit. Dozens of other campers have stayed here and thoroughly enjoyed their experience!
Book a Stay at Porcupine Campground in Hope, Alaska, for Your Next Adventure to The Last Frontier
So, the next time you plan a road trip through Alaska, consider spending a few days in Hope. You can visit nearby Chugach State Park, take a day trip south to Kenai Fjords National Park, or just spend a few peaceful hours along the shoreline of the Turnagain Arm.
Hope is remote, but for those of us who enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature, we appreciate the detour from the long travel days we’ve had getting to The Last Frontier.
Will you visit the Porcupine Campground in Hope, Alaska?
