Harrison Lagoon Cabin

Star4.36
14 reviews
145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA

Quick Facts

Price

$50 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Glacier Ranger District, Chugach National Forest site

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Harrison Lagoon Cabin
$50.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates are $75 per night, while non-peak season rates from October through April are $50 per night. Fees include the cabin rental but may...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
907-783-3242

What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 14 reviews

Most mentioned

spacioushiking

"User reviews offer mixed sentiments about the cabin's amenities and usability. While many praise its remote location and abundant wildlife, recurring issues include the inadequacy of the kerosene stove in colder months and the awkwardness of the composting toilet."

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Fees & Passes at Harrison Lagoon Cabin

$50 - $75/night

Campsite fees

Stay Limit: You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground. You may stay up to 7 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Cancellation: A $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations for cabins occur within 14 calendar days or fewer...

Prices verified November 24, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Glacier Ranger District, Chugach National Forest website.


Best Time to Camp at Harrison Lagoon Cabin

Each season paints Harrison Lagoon with its own dramatic brushstrokes. Winter transforms this coastal refuge into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the evergreens and temperatures plunge into an icy embrace. As summer arrives, the landscape softens under moderate temperatures, though Pacific storms still sweep through, bringing life-giving rain to the lush forests. The ever-changing weather adds to the adventure, reminding visitors they've entered a realm where nature sets the schedule.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 through September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Peak season is May 1 through September 30.

About Harrison Lagoon Cabin

Escape to the untamed beauty of Prince William Sound at Harrison Lagoon Cabin, where six adventurers can find sanctuary in Alaska's pristine wilderness year-round. This remote hideaway beckons those seeking authentic solitude, complete with the cozy warmth of a kerosene stove, rustic outhouse facilities, and front-row seats to nature's most spectacular wildlife theater. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the rhythm of tides and the calls of wild creatures.
Harrison Lagoon Cabin offers rustic cabin accommodations suitable for a range of outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include kayaking, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Harrison Lagoon with its own dramatic brushstrokes. Winter transforms this coastal refuge into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the evergreens and temperatures plunge into an icy embrace. As summer arrives, the landscape softens under moderate temperatures, though Pacific storms still sweep through, bringing life-giving rain to the lush forests. The ever-changing weather adds to the adventure, reminding visitors they've entered a realm where nature sets the schedule.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched between worlds on a windswept gravel spit, Harrison Lagoon Cabin offers a front-row seat to Alaska's most breathtaking natural amphitheater. Dense evergreen forests cascade down to meet rocky shorelines, while snow-crowned peaks pierce the horizon across Port Wells. The protected waters of the lagoon create a natural sanctuary where black bears fish along the shore, Sitka black-tailed deer emerge from forest shadows, and bald eagles patrol the skies. The surrounding waters teem with marine life—playful porpoises, curious seals, and graceful sea otters share their domain with majestic sea lions, while orcas and humpback whales make seasonal appearances that leave visitors spellbound.
Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent expanse of Prince William Sound in the Chugach National Forest, Harrison Lagoon Cabin occupies a unique geological threshold. The cabin stands sentinel on a narrow gravel spit—nature's own bridge between the tranquil lagoon and the dynamic waters of the Sound. This remarkable positioning, flanked by ancient rocky shorelines and verdant evergreen forests, offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the powerful forces that have shaped this rugged coastline over millennia.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility features include wider doors and more floor space to accommodate wheelchairs. However, there is a steep approach from the salt water to the boardwalk, which may require assistance.
Sites SizeThe cabin sleeps up to six people and contains basic furniture like wooden bunks and a table with benches.
Sites PrivacyAs the cabin is located in a remote wilderness area, it offers a high degree of privacy and seclusion.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors should bring extra kerosene, lanterns or headlamps due to the cabin's darkness, and consult tide tables to avoid being stranded. Bringing firewood for campfires is recommended.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM night of rental.
Check-out
12:00 PM the following day.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground. You may stay up to 7 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy is 6 people due to cabin size and sleeping arrangements.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe cabin is surrounded by a boardwalk leading to the outhouse with views facing both Port Wells and the lagoon.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Peak season is May 1 through September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov. Contact the Glacier Ranger District for any additional clarifications.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations are mandatory and must be booked in advance.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations for cabins occur within 14 calendar days or fewer before scheduled check-in and result in forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee. Changes also incur a $10 fee if modifying dates outside the original reservation.

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

Potable water
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Harrison Lagoon Cabin include kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, berry picking, and shrimping. Guests can explore nearby trails like the Granite Mine Trail via a beach walk, and tide tables are essential for timing such activities.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include walking the lagoon at low tide and accessing the Granite Mine Trailhead via a one-mile beach walk south of the cabin along Port Wells. Tide tables should be consulted to avoid getting stranded.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are fair for pink salmon in August, either in Lagoon Creek or the surrounding saltwater areas. Shrimping is also possible.
Boating
Boating is supported, although the lagoon drains at low tide and should only be navigated by skiffs. Short-term anchoring is possible at the shoal east of the lagoon.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, Dall's and harbor porpoises, harbor seals, sea otters, some sea lions, orcas, and humpback whales. Seabirds are also plentiful.
Beach activities
Beach-related activities include walking along the gravel spit between the lagoon and Port Wells and exploring rocky shorelines. Berry picking for blueberries and salmonberries is available in-season.
Winter Activities
Winter activities may include general wildlife viewing or using the cabin as a base for exploration, though extreme cold temperatures and snow may limit usability.
Water Sports
Kayaking and shrimping are popular water sports in the lagoon and surrounding areas.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires are allowed, but firewood should be purchased locally to prevent pests. Guests must pack out all ashes and debris.

Hazards

General hazardsPotential dangers include extreme weather, bears, high tide cycles affecting lagoon access, and risks from Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning during shellfish harvesting.

Weather at Harrison Lagoon Cabin

26
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 42%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 13.2 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Clear sky

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
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Emergency Services

Glacier Ranger District office (907-783-3242). Emergency services may need to be accessed in Anchorage or Cordova, approximately 40-60 miles away.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 1 through September 30.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling are not provided; guests must pack out all trash and clean the cabin before departure.
Proximity to water featuresThe cabin is located near the lagoon and Port Wells. Drinking water is accessible by kayak at Lagoon Creek or walking south along the shoreline at low tide.
Common complaintsReviews mention challenges related to heating the cabin during colder months, difficulties with the composting toilet, and anchoring issues in the lagoon at low tide. The lack of direct sunlight in the cabin was noted as making it dark inside.

Campground Map

145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
Driving directionsThe cabin is on the west side of Port Wells, two miles north of Hobo Bay. It is accessible by float plane, 40 miles from Anchorage or 60 miles from Cordova, or by boat, 34 miles from Whittier. The lagoon drains at low tide and should only be navigated by skiffs. Local tide reports should be consulted prior to arrival as they affect transportation and recreation. The shoal to the east of the lagoon should only be used for short-term anchoring (unprotected). Boats are not provided by the Forest Service.
This Cabin is not accessible via the road system. Access is restricted to float planes or boats, and local tide conditions must be considered for both approaches.
Nearby places
Anchorage (40 miles), Cordova (60 miles), Whittier (34 miles).
Nearby supplies
Anchorage (40 miles), Cordova (60 miles), Whittier (34 miles) for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4
14 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Harrison Lagoon Cabin is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews offer mixed sentiments about the cabin's amenities and usability. While many praise its remote location and abundant wildlife, recurring issues include the inadequacy of the kerosene stove in colder months and the awkwardness of the composting toilet.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the cabin for its spacious interior, accessibility improvements, scenic beauty, and abundant wildlife. Activities like kayaking, hiking, and shrimping receive strong positive...
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Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns often center on the kerosene stove's inability to sufficiently heat the cabin in colder months, the awkward operation of the composting toilet, and challenges related to tides affecting boat...
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Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing extra kerosene during colder months, consulting tide tables for safe lagoon navigation and hiking, and packing essential items like lanterns, headlamps, and water treatment...
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Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter stays received negative feedback due to insufficient heating and extreme cold temperatures. Summer visits garnered positive reviews for wildlife viewing, kayaking, and berry picking. Tidal...
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Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The cabin and location is perfect we had a good time there for 3 nights." - Robert L 2. "Watching wildlife is an added bonus. Kayaking around the lagoon is always an adventure." - Jani O 3....
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Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews are limited to feedback about the cabin itself, which is praised for its spaciousness and accessibility improvements.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility improvements such as the widened doors and boardwalk received positive remarks, though the steep approach from the saltwater remains challenging for some users.
Based on 14 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated November 24, 2025
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