Paulson Bay Cabin

4.24

22 reviews

145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129

Scenic Views

Featured in:Beach Camping Alaska Summer Camping Alaska Primitive Camping Alaska

Quick Facts

66 ft

Price

$50 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

66 ft

Price

$50 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Paulson Bay Cabin

$50.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Seasonal rates apply: $75 during peak season (May 1 - September 30), $50 during non-peak seasons (October 1 - April 30). Discounts, taxes, or...

Standard Site Fee$75.00

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907-783-3242

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 22 reviews

Most mentioned

viewslocationbeach

"User reviews praise the cabin's views, proximity to wildlife, and opportunities for recreation such as kayaking and fishing. However, they also highlight maintenance issues, including a temperamental kerosene stove and warped outhouse doors."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129

Paulson Bay Cabin

145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129

Driving directionsTo access the cabin by float plane: it is 40 minutes from Anchorage and 60 minutes from Cordova. By boat, the trip is 18 miles from Whittier. Note: the Bay is not obvious because the mouth is partially obscured by five small islands. Beware of submerged rock ledges between islands and off coastal points. Check local tide tables ahead of time to determine the best arrival and departure times.

The cabin is not accessible via the road system, requiring access via float plane or boat. Roads do not connect to this location, and travel arrangements must account for challenging conditions such as submerged rock ledges near the bay.

Nearby places

Anchorage: 40 minutes (float plane), Cordova: 60 minutes (float plane), Whittier: 18 miles (boat).

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be sourced from nearby towns such as Whittier or Anchorage. Guests must bring all essentials including water, kerosene, and camping gear due to the remote nature of this cabin.

Best Time to Camp at Paulson Bay Cabin

Mother Nature rules supreme at Paulson Bay, painting each season with its own dramatic palette. Summer unveils the sound's gentler side, with warmer temperatures coaxing calm waters perfect for exploration. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of change, while winter and spring wrap the bay in a cloak of raw, pristine beauty that demands respect and proper cold-weather gear. Throughout the year, Prince William Sound's famously mercurial weather keeps visitors on their toes—sudden winds can whip peaceful waters into whitecaps, and rain often arrives unannounced, adding to the authentic wilderness experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 10% in AK

Peak season May–Sep; calmer waters, wildlife viewing and kayaking emphasized in summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Fall offers dramatic weather but is outside peak season; fewer activity mentions than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Variable conditions in spring; open year-round but fewer activity highlights than summer season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but reviews warn about heating fuel, temperamental stove and inclement weather prep.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The cabin is open year-round, but seasonal rates and conditions apply. Peak season runs from May 1 to September 30.

About Paulson Bay Cabin

Escape to the edge of the world at Paulson Bay Cabin, where the wild heart of Prince William Sound beats strongest. This remote wilderness sanctuary beckons adventurers year-round, offering front-row seats to Alaska's most spectacular marine wilderness. Whether you're gliding through pristine waters in a kayak, casting lines into fish-rich depths, or simply watching orcas breach against a backdrop of ancient glaciers, this secluded haven promises the authentic Alaskan experience that modern life rarely allows. Come prepared for true wilderness immersion—this is where self-sufficiency meets soul-stirring beauty.

Paulson Bay Cabin is a remote, primitive lodging option accessible only by float plane or boat. It caters to wilderness campers seeking solitude and adventure.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature rules supreme at Paulson Bay, painting each season with its own dramatic palette. Summer unveils the sound's gentler side, with warmer temperatures coaxing calm waters perfect for exploration. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of change, while winter and spring wrap the bay in a cloak of raw, pristine beauty that demands respect and proper cold-weather gear. Throughout the year, Prince William Sound's famously mercurial weather keeps visitors on their toes—sudden winds can whip peaceful waters into whitecaps, and rain often arrives unannounced, adding to the authentic wilderness experience.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled at the head of Paulson Bay, this cabin serves as your personal gateway to one of Alaska's most breathtaking natural amphitheaters. Rugged mountains rise like ancient sentinels from rolling carpets of muskeg, their peaks reflected in the sound's ever-changing waters. To the west, the legendary Port Wells opens up, revealing the ice-carved wonders of College Fiord and the mighty Harvard Glacier—a frozen river of blue ice that has captivated explorers for generations. This living landscape pulses with wildlife: black bears amble through the undergrowth, Sitka black-tailed deer emerge from misty forests, and bald eagles patrol the skies. Below the surface, the marine world thrives—playful sea otters float among the kelp while pods of orcas and acrobatic Dall's porpoises transform the sound into nature's greatest theater.

Geological RegionPaulson Bay sits like a jewel on the western shores of Cochrane Bay, deep within the embrace of Prince William Sound's geological wonderland. This dynamic landscape tells the story of ice and time, where rugged mountain peaks carved by ancient glaciers give way to gentle expanses of spongy muskeg. The surrounding waters teem with marine life, creating one of the planet's richest ecosystems where the Pacific Ocean meets Alaska's dramatic coastline. Here, tectonic forces and glacial artistry have sculpted a realm where land and sea intertwine in endless fascination.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM night of rental

Check-out

12:00 PM the following day

Stay Limit

7nights per stay
cumulative maximum of 7 nights within any rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy is six guests per cabin.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin layout situated on a bluff accessible via steps from the beach.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through Recreation.gov. Changes or cancellations are subject to fees.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability due to the reservable nature of the cabin and its remote location.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the date of scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and any reservation fees are non-refundable. Late cancellations (<1 day for campsites, <14 days for cabins) will incur additional penalties such as forfeiting the first night's fee.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are mentioned.

Site SizeThe cabin has limited space but accommodates up to six guests. It is described as small for groups but perfect for two people.

PrivacySecluded environment due to its remote location on the bluff above the beach.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose low tide for easier access to stairs. User reviews suggest bringing dry firewood and plenty of kerosene for the stove.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Paulson Bay Cabin provides opportunities for hiking, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hunting, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts. "Fishing is good for chum and pink salmon, usually from late July through August. Guests can also catch shrimp and bottom fish. Hunting for bear and waterfowl is available in season with the proper permits." Kayaking is popular but requires consulting tide reports due to submerged rock ledges.

HikingHiking is relatively easy due to minimal brush obstruction. A three-quarter mile route leads north from the cabin to the creek.

FishingFishing opportunities include chum and pink salmon (late July-August), shrimp, and bottom fish. "Guests can bring kayaks for exploring the coastline and the bay. Local tide reports should be consulted before any kayaking trip."

BoatingKayaking is the main boating activity available. Users often work with charters like Lazy Otter Charters and Alaska Sea Kayakers for drop-off and pick-up logistics.

Wildlife viewingWildlife includes black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, humpback whales, otters, porpoises, and more. Guests often see bears near the creek and salmon spawning.

Beach activitiesBeachcombing and observing salmon along the shore are popular activities. "Saw bears eating dead pink salmon on the beach directly below the cabin."

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include submerged rock ledges, bear encounters, weather challenges, and Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning risks when consuming shellfish.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyGuests should pack their own firewood for outdoor fires. The kerosene stove in the cabin is the primary heating source.

Emergency ServicesFor emergency services, contact the Forest Service office in Girdwood by phone (907-783-3242). Additional emergency services such as hospitals and police stations are located in Anchorage, AK.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack out all trash and leave the cabin clean upon departure.

Water FeaturesThe cabin is near a stream, waterfalls, and the bay, providing opportunities for kayaking, shrimping, and fishing. Users note salmon runs and submerged rock ledges.

Weather at Paulson Bay Cabin

Reviews

4.2

22 reviews

Satisfactory

Paulson Bay Cabin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise the cabin's views, proximity to wildlife, and opportunities for recreation such as kayaking and fishing. However, they also highlight maintenance issues, including a temperamental kerosene stove and warped outhouse doors.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the cabin's spectacular views, abundant wildlife, and unique location. "Paulson Bay cabin was amazing! We went to Alaska to visit my husband's cousins and they suggested the...

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance issues such as a warped outhouse door and unreliable kerosene stove are recurring complaints. "Kerosene stove was temperamental, no lime in the outhouse and the door did not close...

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring kerosene for the stove (1-2 gallons/day recommended), pack your own drinking water or filtration system, and pre-arrange logistics with a boat charter. "We brought 2 gallons and that was plenty...

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight clear weather and wildlife viewing, while winter reviews emphasize the need for additional heating fuel and preparation for inclement weather.

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We stayed for 2 nights at the cabin and had the most perfect weather - sun, blue skies, and calm waters." "Cabin was awesome, only downside is it extremely hard to get a reservation." "Saw 4...

Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site G06 is mentioned frequently, with users highlighting its views, proximity to wildlife, and small size. "Holds less people and has less flat room than Pigot Bay cabin, but I think I like this one...

Based on 22 reviews