Is Shelter Bay Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Shelter Bay Cabin accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Shelter Bay Cabin before I book?

Yes! Shelter Bay Cabin has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Shelter Bay Cabin?

Shelter Bay Cabin does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Shelter Bay Cabin have?

Shelter Bay Cabin has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Shelter Bay Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Shelter Bay Cabin. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Shelter Bay Cabin?

Shelter Bay Cabin offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Shelter Bay Cabin?

Popular activities at Shelter Bay Cabin include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Shelter Bay Cabin

2 reviews

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK, 99574, USA

Top 21% in AKFall

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

56 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Chugach National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

56 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Chugach National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Shelter Bay Cabin

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

1 (907) 424-7661

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK, 99574, USA

Shelter Bay Cabin

PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK, 99574, USA

Nearby places

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

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.

Weather at Shelter Bay Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Shelter Bay Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable conditions for reaching Shelter Bay Cabin — expect long daylight (up to ~18–19 hours around midsummer) and milder coastal temperatures (roughly 45–65°F / 7–18°C). Calm(er) seas and more consistent floatplane service make boating and access easier, and this is peak season for fishing, whale and seabird viewing, and coastal exploration. Crowds remain low compared with road-access parks, but visitor numbers are noticeably higher in July–August so book in Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best access, calmer seas, 18–19 hrs daylight and stable floatplane service in midsummer.

Planning Tips

About Shelter Bay Cabin

Shelter Bay Cabin sits on the remote Chugach National Forest coastline near Cordova, accessible only by floatplane or boat. Managed by the Forest Service, this off-grid cabin offers vault toilets, wood stoves for heat, and no running water or electricity. Visitors come for coastal fishing, wildlife viewing, and the solitude of Alaska's roadless wilderness during the long summer days.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable conditions for reaching Shelter Bay Cabin — expect long daylight (up to ~18–19 hours around midsummer) and milder coastal temperatures (roughly 45–65°F / 7–18°C). Calm(er) seas and more consistent floatplane service make boating and access easier, and this is peak season for fishing, whale and seabird viewing, and coastal exploration. Crowds remain low compared with road-access parks, but visitor numbers are noticeably higher in July–August so book in Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation56 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin sits on a tidal bay surrounded by forested hills and muskeg openings. Spruce and hemlock forests grow down to the shoreline. Sitka black-tail deer and brown bears move through the area. Waterfowl are common overhead, and humpback and orca whales appear in the offshore waters. Views extend across Prince William Sound toward distant mountains.

Lodging & AccommodationsShelter Bay Cabin provides rustic accommodations in a 20x20-ft cabin with wooden bunkbeds, a table, benches, and a stove for heating. The cabin is accessed by floatplane, wheeled plane, or boat and is located on Hinchinbrook Island, offering an isolated and remote lodging experience.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

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Reserving a campsite

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

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

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.

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Shelter Bay Cabin offers a rustic camping experience with basic amenities suited for visitors seeking solitude and connection with nature. The cabin features wooden bunkbeds capable of sleeping six people, a wood and oil stove for heat, a table, benches, and an outhouse. Visitors must bring their own water, food, bedding, cooking gear, and fuel for the stove. Notably, there is no running water, electricity, or pre-cut firewood available on-site. "Great cabin warm with the two stoves and dry," noted one user review about the heating equipment.

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

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.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available on-site; only an outhouse is provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews highlight particular aspects of the cabin beyond heating and dryness.

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