Jack Bay Cabin
4.5313 reviewsPO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK, USA, 99574
Jack Bay Cabin
$60.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Facility rates are $60 per night during peak season, from January 1st through December 31st, 2025. Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Chugach National Forest, Jack Bay Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Alaskan escape. This remote sanctuary, accessible only by float plane or boat, sits at the eastern edge of Jack Bay, where the rhythms of nature dictate daily life. Here, you'll find yourself immersed in a world where eagles soar overhead, salmon leap in the waters below, and the only sounds are those of the wild. While the cabin provides a cozy shelter with basic amenities, the true luxury lies in the solitude and spectacular surroundings. Pack your essentials—drinking water, stove oil, and firewood—and prepare for an unforgettable journey into one of Alaska's hidden treasures.
Jack Bay Cabin is a remote, primitive cabin that can only be accessed by boat or floatplane. It offers a unique experience for visitors willing to bring their own provisions and navigate challenging travel conditions.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature reigns supreme at Jack Bay, where weather patterns shift like scenes in an ever-changing drama. Summer brings misty mornings and afternoon rains that transform the forest into a glistening wonderland, while powerful tides reshape the shoreline twice daily. Winter wraps the landscape in snow and ice, creating a crystalline paradise that challenges even seasoned adventurers with complex access conditions. Spring and fall offer their own moods—from violent storms that showcase nature's raw power to surprisingly gentle days when the bay mirrors the sky in perfect stillness. Every season tells its own story here, demanding respect and rewarding those who come prepared.
Natural Features and SceneryJack Bay Cabin serves as your front-row seat to one of Alaska's most dramatic natural theaters. Towering mountains rise like ancient sentinels directly from the water's edge, their peaks often lost in swirling clouds. The surrounding temperate rainforest creates a emerald cathedral of massive Sitka spruce and western hemlock, where shafts of light filter through the canopy to illuminate a mystical understory. Crystal-clear waterfalls cascade down rocky cliffs, their source waters born from hidden ice fields and glaciers high above. From your cabin doorstep, watch as the bay transforms with each tide, revealing secret coves and hidden beaches that invite exploration.
Geological RegionThis remarkable landscape tells a story written in stone and ice over millennia. The cabin nestles within a lush temperate rainforest where ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock giants stretch skyward, their massive trunks testament to centuries of growth. Beneath this towering canopy, a verdant understory thrives—devil's club, blueberry bushes, and delicate ferns carpet the forest floor, while emerald moss drapes fallen logs like nature's velvet. The steep mountains that embrace Jack Bay bear the scars of glacial carving, their slopes adorned with ribbons of waterfalls fed by ice fields that glisten like diamonds in the alpine heights. This is a landscape where geological time meets the present moment, creating an environment of extraordinary beauty and ecological richness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin is not accessible by road and lacks specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities. Access is limited to float planes or boats.
Sites SizeThe cabin is 12-by-14 feet in size and can sleep up to six guests.
Sites PrivacySecluded and remote, the cabin offers great privacy with no nearby neighbors and minimal human activity.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors consistently recommend bringing heating oil for the stove and cleaning supplies to address potential cleanliness issues.
Best CampsitesCampsite C11 is the only available site within the Jack Bay Cabin area.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights allowed. Maximum total stay of 7 nights per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 guests permitted.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe site consists of a single cabin in a grassy clearing surrounded by forest and bay.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, from January 1st to December 31st, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations are allowed for the cabin, but walk-up availability is not applicable as the cabin requires advance booking.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the date of arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations within 14 days of arrival incur additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee. No refunds are provided for cancellations on the day of arrival.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Jack Bay Cabin offers a variety of recreational opportunities that emphasize its remote location and natural beauty. Activities include fishing, boating, beachcombing, wildlife viewing, and hunting. The cabin's setting makes it an excellent destination for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
Fishing
Fishing is a major highlight. Anglers can catch pink salmon near the cabin and coho salmon in nearby creeks later in the year. Some user reviews also mention rockfish.Boating
Boating is the most efficient way to explore Jack Bay. Visitors have reported anchoring in 35 to 45 feet of water, and the area offers opportunities to explore the bay and view marine wildlife.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with opportunities to observe harbor seals, sea otters, Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats, and brown bears.Beach activities
Beachcombing at low tide offers opportunities to find razor clams, eel, and crabs.Winter Activities
The cabin is accessible year-round, but winter access can be challenging due to snow and ice conditions.Water Sports
While not explicitly referenced, the bay's setting may be suitable for non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Visitors must bring firewood for the wood stove as none is provided.
Hazards
General hazardsBrown bears are common in the area, and tides significantly affect travel. Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) is a rare but reported hazard for clam diggers.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 86%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
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
Contact the Cordova Ranger District at (907) 424-7661 for safety precautions and details. Closest emergency services are located in Cordova.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1st to December 31st, 2025.
Trash and recyclingAll trash and food must be packed out, and visitors are responsible for cleaning the cabin before leaving.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Jack Bay, with nearby creeks and waterfalls accessible.
Common complaintsReviews highlight poor maintenance of foam sleeping pads ('filthy, smells like diesel refinery'), broken heater ('sat on a slant'), and cabin cleanliness issues ('needed a good cleaning').
HostForest Service recreation crew performs periodic maintenance. No permanent hosts are mentioned.
Campground Map
PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK, USA, 99574
Driving directionsAccess to the site is by float plane or boat only. The flight is typically 15 minutes from Valdez or 30 minutes from Cordova. By boat, it is 20 miles from Valdez and 70 miles from Cordova. Tides influence travel to the cabin. Inclement weather conditions may cause an extension of the trip during any time of the year, and winter access can be difficult due to snow and ice conditions. Guests are advised to bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days.
The cabin is accessible by float plane or boat only. Tides play a significant role in access, and weather conditions can complicate travel year-round. Winter access is particularly challenging due to snow and ice.Nearby places
Valdez is 20 miles away by boat (approximately 2 1/2 hours). Cordova is 70 miles away by boat (approximately 4 1/2 hours).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be accessed in Valdez, which is 20 miles away by boat or in Cordova, 70 miles away by boat.
Camper Reviews
4.5
13 reviews
Jack Bay Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users praise the secluded and scenic setting of Jack Bay Cabin, highlighting its remote location, stunning views, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. However, some users have raised concerns about the cabin's cleanliness and the condition of facilities such as the stove.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently highlight the beautiful scenery, quiet and remote location, effective heating stove (when functioning), and ample opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. 'The views from the...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include issues with the cabin’s cleanliness, such as filthy foam sleeping pads and a stove that was damaged or unusable due to winter snow. One user described the cabin as 'smelling like a...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors advise bringing extra heating oil for the stove, as well as cleaning supplies to address any leftover mess. Several reviewers recommend packing air mattresses due to the poor condition of...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter visitors appreciated the cabin’s warmth and shelter but noted challenges with snow and ice. Summer reviews often highlight beachcombing and fishing opportunities. Some users mentioned that the...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Remember to bring fuel for the furnace, it was great to dry clothes in the cabin and have heat.' – David C. 2. 'Views from the cabin are beautiful. It’s tucked away and relatively out of the...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback largely pertains to the cabin’s condition. For example, one user reported, 'The stove sat on a slant and couldn’t be used in [its] current condition,' but another noted later...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One user mentioned staying with their small dog and enjoyed the remote setting, though no specific pet facilities are provided.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025