Frosty Bay Cabin
04 reviewsWRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL, AK, 99929, USA
Frosty Bay Cabin
$40.00 - $40.00 / 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
The nightly rate is $40.00 for the cabin regardless of peak or non-peak season. Additional fees may apply for reservation service fees ($8 online, $9 contact center, $3 in person).
About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Southeast Alaska, Frosty Bay Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic frontier experience. This rustic retreat serves as your gateway to untamed landscapes where hiking trails wind through ancient forests, pristine waters teem with fish and crab, and wildlife roams freely through their natural habitat. While the cabin's amenities embrace simplicity—providing just the essentials for shelter—its remote location offers something far more valuable: complete immersion in one of America's last great wildernesses. Come prepared with your own provisions and a spirit of self-reliance, and you'll discover a basecamp that opens doors to unforgettable outdoor pursuits.
Frosty Bay Cabin is a hunter-style cabin located in a remote area, accessible by boat or float plane. It does not provide traditional camping features like tent or RV sites.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Frosty Bay Cabin places you within the embrace of the Tongass National Forest, a living monument that holds the distinction of being America's largest national forest. The cabin connects to a fascinating piece of recent history—a 10-mile road system carved through the wilderness in the early 1990s, now reclaimed by nature and serving as a reminder of humanity's fleeting presence in these ancient woods. This landscape has witnessed centuries of indigenous heritage and decades of conservation efforts, making every visit a chapter in an ongoing story of wilderness preservation.
Weather and SeasonsFrosty Bay's weather tells the story of a temperate rainforest in constant conversation with the Pacific. Winter arrives draped in veils of snow and rain, painting the landscape in shades of white and silver while temperatures dance around the freezing mark. As summer unfolds, the climate gentles but never fully abandons its rainy character—after all, this lush rainforest ecosystem depends on those life-giving showers. Each season brings its own magic: winter's crystalline beauty and summer's verdant explosion of life, all orchestrated by the region's maritime climate.
ElevationThe cabin rests in a dramatic landscape where the earth rises boldly from sea level to kiss the clouds at 2,800 feet. This mountainous terrain creates a natural amphitheater of wilderness, offering visitors the chance to experience multiple ecosystems as they explore from shoreline to alpine heights. The varying elevations provide not just stunning vistas, but diverse habitats that support the region's remarkable biodiversity.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your doorstep at Frosty Bay Cabin, a panorama of raw Alaskan beauty unfolds before you. The shimmering waters of Frosty Bay stretch toward Deer Island, while behind you, the emerald cathedral of Tongass National Forest rises in tiers of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and aromatic cedar. This is a landscape painted in a thousand shades of green, where 2,800-foot peaks pierce morning mists and wildlife conducts the daily symphony of the wild. Brown and black bears fish the streams, moose browse the wetlands, and Sitka black-tailed deer ghost through the understory. Above, the sky becomes a theater where trumpeter swans and geese trace ancient migration routes, while bald eagles patrol their kingdom with regal authority.
Geological RegionPerched on the edge of Frosty Bay with commanding views across Seward Passage to Deer Island, this cabin occupies one of the Tongass National Forest's most spectacular stages. Here, the world's largest temperate rainforest showcases its finest attributes: towering Sitka spruce that have weathered centuries, western hemlocks draped in moss like nature's velvet, and cedars whose aromatic presence fills the air. The terrain climbs dramatically from sea level to 2,800-foot summits, creating a geological masterpiece where tectonic forces, glacial carving, and endless precipitation have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty and ecological richness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit accessibility features are mentioned for Frosty Bay Cabin.
Sites SizeThe cabin measures 14-by-16 feet, offering adequate space for six people.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located in a secluded area with views of Frosty Bay and Deer Island, providing privacy and immersion in nature.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests should come prepared with all necessary supplies, including water, food, heating oil, and safety gear.
Best CampsitesThere is only one cabin available at the site.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in time unspecified
- likely flexible.
Check-out
- Check-out time unspecified
- likely flexible.
Stay Limit
- Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights between May 1 and September 30
- 10 consecutive nights between October 1 and April 30.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 guests can stay in the cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOne standalone cabin.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from May 1 to December 31 annually. Peak season runs from May 1 to September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available on Recreation.gov, through the app, and the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable for this location. Reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the scheduled arrival date for a $10 fee. Late cancellations within 14 days of the check-in date forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
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
Food storage lockers
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Frosty Bay Cabin offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and boating. The remote location enhances the experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
Hiking options include a short surfaced planked trail leading 600 feet from the cabin to an unmaintained 10-mile road system. User reviews highlight the trail: "Hiked the trail there," said James C.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant, with King salmon available from May to July, pink salmon in July and August, and silver salmon in August and September. Crab, halibut, and shrimp can also be found in nearby saltwater.Boating
Boating is supported with a mooring buoy provided for cabin guests. "Excellent view," noted Dean Y, who used the limited beach for a double kayak.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife includes a high density of brown bears, black bears, moose, Sitka black-tailed deer, and birds such as swans, geese, and bald eagles. "Beautiful area around the cabin," Susan B remarked.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are listed, though snowfall is recorded in weather data, suggesting potential for winter exploration.Water Sports
Guests may engage in non-motorized water activities such as kayaking, as indicated by user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests should purchase firewood locally and burn it on-site to prevent the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area has high densities of brown bears. Guests should follow bear safety guidelines and treat any water taken from streams before consumption. Weather and water safety should also be considered.
Active alertsThe area is known for high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). The invasive European Green Crab has been detected in Southeast Alaska and is suspected to be present in the Tongass National Forest.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
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
Closest emergency services are likely in Wrangell, AK, which is 36 miles away. Specific details about emergency facilities are unavailable.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to September 30.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out all trash and food. No formal trash or recycling facilities are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresThe cabin is adjacent to Frosty Bay and has a stream nearby for water collection.
Common complaintsComplaints include issues with heating oil stove functionality, which has led to cold nights.
Campground Map
WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL, AK, 99929, USA
Driving directionsThis cabin is on the south shore of Frosty Bay, which is on the Cleveland Peninsula of the mainland. Access is 32 miles by float plane or 36 miles by boat from Wrangell. There is a mooring buoy anchored in the bay for use by cabin guests only. Anchorage is good on Frosty Bay, but guests coming by boat may want to check tide tables prior to arrival.
The cabin is accessible by float plane or boat only, as it is located in a remote and isolated area. Anchorage in Frosty Bay is described as good, but visitors must check tide tables before arriving. Roads are unmaintained and no vehicular access is available.Nearby places
Wrangell: 36 miles by boat, 32 miles by float plane.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Wrangell, AK, approximately 36 miles away. Visitors are advised to bring all essentials, including water, food, heating oil, and safety equipment.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Frosty Bay Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, praising the beautiful location, the cabin's condition, and its suitability for outdoor activities. Some issues were noted, such as the oil stove failing to light.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the scenic views, the cabin's well-maintained facilities, and the abundance of recreational opportunities. Susan B described the experience as "The best!"
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include challenges with the oil stove, as reported by Amanda P: "Oil stove wouldn't light so it was a very cold night."
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend bringing sufficient heating oil, gear for fishing and hiking, and ensuring preparedness for the remote location. Proper water treatment methods are essential.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that summer months are ideal for hiking and fishing, while winter may pose challenges due to cold and limited daylight.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Great location, cabin kept in good shape. Limited beach for a double kayak, but able to make it work just fine. Excellent view." - Dean Y
2. "Beautiful cabin, beautiful area around the cabin,...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews specifically praise site W16: "Beautiful cabin, beautiful area around the cabin," said Susan B.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility are available.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025