Shelter Bay Cabin

2 reviews

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK, 99574, USA

Quick Facts

56 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Chugach National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

56 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Chugach National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Shelter Bay Cabin

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee for the cabin is $75. Additional fees include a $10 service fee for changes or cancellations. Late cancellation penalties apply,...

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

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

1 (907) 424-7661

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

"User reviews emphasize the warmth and dryness of the cabin, particularly due to its two stoves. Limited feedback is available due to the remote nature of the location."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK, 99574, USA

Shelter Bay Cabin

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK, 99574, USA

Driving directionsThe cabin is located on the southwest shore of Shelter Bay on Hinchinbrook Island. Access is by floatplane at high tide (20 minutes from Cordova) or wheeled plane at low tide (landing strip located 350 yards north of the cabin). Access by boat is 50 miles from Cordova. Boaters should inquire about local conditions before entering the bay. Tides affect all access to the cabin. Please consult local tide tables.

Access requires specialized transportation methods due to its remote location. Visitors can reach the cabin by floatplane at high tide, wheeled plane at low tide, or by boat. The location is 50 miles from Cordova and requires an understanding of local tide conditions. There are no paved roads leading directly to the site.

Nearby places

Cordova is approximately 50 miles away and accessible by boat. By floatplane, the cabin is 20 minutes from Cordova.

Nearby supplies

Supplies are accessible in Cordova, which is 50 miles away by boat or 20 minutes by floatplane.

Best Time to Camp at Shelter Bay Cabin

Mother Nature rules supreme on Hinchinbrook Island, painting each season with dramatic brushstrokes. Summer unveils the island's gentler side, welcoming floatplanes and adventurers with milder conditions and extended daylight. As autumn arrives, the weather transforms into a force to be reckoned with, continuing through winter and early spring when ice-locked lakes can strand the cabin in magnificent isolation, making floatplane access impossible. These powerful seasonal shifts remind visitors they're experiencing Alaska at its most raw and authentic.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Milder summer conditions, floatplane access, and peak fishing season July–Sept favor summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Late-summer/fall salmon runs (Aug–Sep) and hunting seasons make fall attractive for anglers and hunters.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Transitional season with variable conditions; some wildlife activity but access may be inconsistent.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Access may be limited in winter; frozen surfaces and severe weather reduce desirability.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservable dates begin on June 20, 2025.
Current Alerts: None explicitly listed, but noted hazards include bear activity and the risk of poor weather conditions.

About Shelter Bay Cabin

Perched on the pristine southwest shore of Shelter Bay, this remote wilderness cabin offers adventurers an authentic Alaskan escape on Hinchinbrook Island. Here, where the untamed Gulf of Alaska meets ancient forests, visitors discover a rustic sanctuary that serves as the perfect launching point for extraordinary fishing expeditions, wildlife encounters, and coastal explorations. While the cabin embraces simplicity with its basic amenities—no running water, electricity, or pre-cut firewood—it provides everything needed for those seeking genuine wilderness immersion and self-reliant adventure.

The Shelter Bay Cabin provides a unique camping experience in a rustic cabin setting, designed for individual or small group use.

Historical SignificanceStanding sentinel nearby, the historic Cape Hinchinbrook Lighthouse whispers tales of maritime heritage and human perseverance against nature's fury. This weathered beacon once guided countless vessels through the treacherous waters of Prince William Sound, saving lives and cargo from the unforgiving sea. Though modern navigation has reduced its role, the lighthouse endures as a powerful symbol of Alaska's seafaring past, its steadfast presence offering both historical intrigue and spiritual reassurance to those who venture along this wild coastline.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature rules supreme on Hinchinbrook Island, painting each season with dramatic brushstrokes. Summer unveils the island's gentler side, welcoming floatplanes and adventurers with milder conditions and extended daylight. As autumn arrives, the weather transforms into a force to be reckoned with, continuing through winter and early spring when ice-locked lakes can strand the cabin in magnificent isolation, making floatplane access impossible. These powerful seasonal shifts remind visitors they're experiencing Alaska at its most raw and authentic.

ElevationThe cabin rests at sea level, where land and ocean converge in timeless dialogue.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living masterpiece where emerald forests of towering spruce and hemlock cascade down gentle hills, punctuated by mystical muskeg clearings that harbor ancient secrets. This vibrant ecosystem pulses with life—majestic Sitka black-tail deer emerge from morning mists, while brown bears patrol their ancestral territories with quiet authority. Overhead, waterfowl paint patterns across endless skies, and lucky observers might witness the breathtaking spectacle of humpback and orca whales breaching in the deep waters offshore. From windswept beaches, panoramic vistas unfold across Prince William Sound, where snow-capped mountains rise like ancient guardians from the sea.

Geological RegionHinchinbrook Island stands as nature's dramatic gateway where the mighty Gulf of Alaska flows into the protected waters of Prince William Sound. This geological marvel showcases the raw power of tectonic forces and glacial sculpting, creating a landscape of tidal bays embraced by rolling hills. The island's foundation tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient forests of spruce and hemlock sink their roots into soil enriched by centuries of maritime influence, while mysterious muskeg bogs preserve ecological treasures in their peaty depths.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in times are flexible.

Check-out

Check-out times are flexible.

Stay Limit

Up to 7 nights total within each month
up to 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Six guests allowed per reservation.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle rustic cabin equipped with bunkbeds, table, benches, and stoves.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via mobile app, or through their contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations are allowed for this cabin.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations made less than 14 days prior to check-in will forfeit the first night's fee. Same-day reservations are allowed but changes within the cut-off window may be restricted.

AccessibilityThe cabin is located in a remote area and access requires careful planning and consideration of tide levels. It may be inaccessible to floatplanes during winter due to frozen surfaces.

Site SizeThe cabin is 20x20 feet in size.

PrivacyThe location of the Shelter Bay Cabin provides substantial privacy, being on a tidal bay surrounded by forested hills and muskeg openings.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring all necessary supplies including water, food, and fuel (#1 oil or kerosene), as the cabin lacks these amenities.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

A wide range of recreational activities are available at Shelter Bay Cabin, including fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and beachcombing. Seasonal activities such as salmon fishing and deer hunting are particularly popular.

FishingShelter Bay is a popular fishing site, especially during late summer and early fall. Coho salmon can be caught in August and September, while pink and chum salmon appear in early July. Dolly Varden are abundant in the inlet creek during July and August. Fly fishing for sea-run cutthroat trout is also an option.

BoatingAccessible by boat, Shelter Bay allows visitors to experience Prince William Sound and explore the bay. Boaters should inquire about local conditions before entering.

Wildlife viewingThe area is abundant with wildlife such as waterfowl, Sitka black-tail deer, and brown bears. Additionally, humpback and orca whales can occasionally be seen offshore.

Beach activitiesThe beaches of Prince William Sound offer views of the mountainous surroundings and opportunities for beachcombing.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include cold weather, bear activity, and navigation challenges due to tides. Visitors must also prepare for extended stays during inclement weather.

Active AlertsNone explicitly listed, but noted hazards include bear activity and the risk of poor weather conditions.

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

Fire PolicyBring your own firewood or cooking gear as no cut firewood is provided. Adhere to 'Don't Move Firewood' guidelines to prevent the spread of tree-killing pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are likely located in Cordova, the nearest city approximately 50 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack out all garbage and food as there are no on-site trash or recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesThe cabin is situated on the southwest shore of Shelter Bay, a tidal bay in Prince William Sound.

Weather at Shelter Bay Cabin

Reviews

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Shelter Bay Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews emphasize the warmth and dryness of the cabin, particularly due to its two stoves. Limited feedback is available due to the remote nature of the location.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the warmth from the stoves and the cabin's ability to stay dry during visits.

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited amenities and remote access requiring floatplane, wheeled plane, or boat are potential drawbacks for some visitors.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to plan travel arrangements carefully and consult tide tables for access. Bringing essential supplies, including water, food, bedding, and stove fuel, is critical.

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fishing is most popular from July to September, while hunting seasons vary throughout the year. Accessibility may be limited during winter due to frozen surfaces.

Based on 2 reviews