Set in a handsome birch forest overlooking Turnagain Arm, this campground in Chugach National Forest close to the historic village of Hope is a family classic. The whole place has a clean, welcoming vibe.
The 34 sites offer all the usual amenities (picnic table, campfire ring, outhouses, water pump) and are laid out with an eye toward privacy. Several sites directly overlook the Arm, offering unique and spectacular views.
Hike to Gull Rock
The beloved Gull Rock Trail begins at the west end of the loop, providing one of the earliest and latest snow-free hiking opportunities in the region.
The Village of Hope
And then there’s Hope, only one mile away — salmon fishing in the creek, biking and strolling, ice cream and pie, occasional live music, cool old log cabins and an intriguing museum that showcases the area’s rich history.
Porcupine offers not just a campout: it’s like a mini family vacation to an exotic locale.
Seaview Cafe RV Park and Campground
There are many activities for a family camping at Porcupine:
- Hike. The mostly flat Gull Rock Trail runs 5.7 miles north from the campground (trailhead parking is south of the campground entrance) through thick forest, with some views of Turnagain Arm, before reaching Gull Rock. A very challenging 2.5-mile climb to Hope Point starts at a trailhead near the campground entrance.
- Explore the historic district of Hope. Established during the 1890s gold rush, Hope features some of the oldest and best preserved log buildings in the region. Visit the Hope Museum, or patronize the cafes and businesses around town.
- Bike. The campground loop is popular for kids. Or cruise around Hope’s quiet lanes. For ambitious families, ride the Wagon Trail Road one mile north to Resurrection Road and maybe to Resurrection Pass Trailhead itself. This original route to gold diggings begins just across the highway from the Discovery Café.
- Fish for pinks. Resurrection Creek right in downtown Hope offers some of the best pink salmon fishing in the region during the late summer run. Known as a great spot for kids to hook their first salmon.
- Pan for gold. A section of Resurrection Creek is open to recreational gold panning. Take Resurrection Road about 4.5 miles to the trail footbridge. The open area extends a half-mile upstream.
- Beach walk. Several steep-but-doable dirt paths drop to the shore of Turnagain Arm from the campground and Gull Rock Trail. Spectacular views, and the possibility of hearing the chirps of passing beluga whales when the tide is high.
Two private campgrounds operate in Hope, too. Both are well reviewed and popular, and offer more convenient access to the village itself.
